Hampden-Sydney College (H-SC), located in the serene town of Hampden Sydney, Virginia, stands as one of America's oldest private liberal arts colleges for men, founded in 1775. Nestled in the heart of the United States, this institution offers a unique environment for academic professionals seeking meaningful careers. Jobs at Hampden-Sydney College span faculty positions, administrative roles, and support staff opportunities, all centered around fostering undergraduate excellence in a close-knit community of about 1,100 students. The college's commitment to the liberal arts tradition means positions emphasize teaching, mentorship, and scholarly engagement rather than large-scale research enterprises.
Working here means contributing to a legacy of producing leaders, with alumni including U.S. presidents, senators, and CEOs. Whether you're eyeing tenure-track professor jobs or higher ed admin roles, H-SC provides stability in a picturesque rural setting just 60 miles southwest of Richmond. Salaries are competitive for liberal arts colleges, with assistant professors averaging $80,000 annually, bolstered by benefits like tuition remission and retirement plans.
Hampden-Sydney College traces its roots to the American Revolutionary era, chartered by the Virginia General Assembly and named after English liberty advocates John Hampden and Algernon Sydney. Its Presbyterian heritage underscores values of honor and character, embodied in the student-run Honor Code—one of the oldest in the U.S., dating to 1776. This code, where students pledge not to lie, cheat, or steal, permeates campus culture and influences employee expectations for integrity.
The mission focuses on developing responsible leaders through rigorous liberal arts education. Departments like Rhetoric and Communication, Economics and Business, and Physics emphasize interdisciplinary approaches. For job seekers, this translates to roles supporting small class sizes (average 18 students) and faculty-student collaboration, ideal for those passionate about undergraduate teaching over graduate-level research.
Diverse job openings at Hampden-Sydney College cater to various expertise. Faculty roles dominate, including assistant, associate, and full professors in fields such as history, biology, and modern languages. Administrative jobs cover admissions, advancement, and student affairs, while staff positions include librarians, IT specialists, and coaches. For a full breakdown, visit our guide to university job types.
Recent postings have sought economists, physicists, and rhetoricians, reflecting core strengths. Explore higher ed faculty jobs or professor jobs for similar opportunities.
To fully understand jobs at Hampden-Sydney College, key terms include:
📊 For faculty jobs at Hampden-Sydney College, a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in the relevant field is typically required for tenure-track roles, such as a PhD in History for history professor positions. ABD (All But Dissertation) candidates may apply for visiting roles.
Research focus prioritizes undergraduate-accessible scholarship. Preferred experience includes 2-5 years of college teaching, peer-reviewed publications (3+ for assistant professors), and grant funding from sources like the National Science Foundation. Skills and competencies emphasize:
Administrative roles often require a master's degree plus 5+ years in higher ed, with competencies in leadership and compliance.
The application process for jobs at Hampden-Sydney College begins with online submission through their HR portal or Interfolio. Required documents include a cover letter addressing the liberal arts fit, CV, teaching philosophy (1-2 pages), research statement, and three references. Interviews involve campus visits with teaching demos.
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Deadlines align with academic calendars; check academic calendars for timing. Learn more on employer branding in higher ed.
Hampden-Sydney College actively pursues diversity despite its all-male undergraduate profile. Initiatives include the Office of Institutional Equity, faculty hiring workshops, and partnerships with HBCUs for exchanges. Recent efforts feature Title IX compliance training, LGBTQ+ ally programs, and recruitment from underrepresented groups for staff. In 2023, 25% of new hires were from diverse backgrounds, with mentorship for women and minorities in faculty roles. The college supports postdoctoral success through inclusive research grants.
🌳 Life at H-SC promotes balance in its 1,300-acre campus amid Virginia's rolling hills. Faculty enjoy a 3/3 teaching load (three courses per semester), sabbaticals every seven years, and flexible summers for research. Wellness includes gym access, counseling, and family events. Proximity to Farmville offers dining and recreation, while Richmond provides urban escapes.
Campus culture thrives on traditions like the Opening Convocation and intramural sports, fostering camaraderie. Employees praise the supportive community, low crime, and nature trails for stress relief. Families benefit from on-campus housing options and children's programs.
Hampden-Sydney College jobs offer impact in shaping future leaders. With strong retention (90% faculty after tenure), it's ideal for long-term careers. For more, browse higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post your profile via post a job.
