Working at HU, your next career step!

Overview of Jobs at Hodges University

Hodges University, often abbreviated as HU, was a private non-profit institution located primarily in Fort Myers, Florida, with a satellite campus in Naples. Known for its career-focused education, HU offered associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in fields like business administration, health sciences, criminal justice, computer information systems, and cybersecurity. Jobs at Hodges University typically revolved around supporting this mission, including teaching faculty, administrative staff, and support roles in student services and IT.

Unfortunately, on August 2, 2024, Hodges University announced it would cease operations by August 30, 2024, due to insurmountable financial challenges amid declining enrollment and rising costs common in higher education. Prior to closure, HU employed around 200 staff and faculty across its campuses. This page provides a comprehensive look at what careers there entailed, requirements, and tips applicable to similar institutions in Florida. For current openings, explore university jobs or higher ed jobs on AcademicJobs.com.

The Fort Myers campus, situated in a vibrant Southwest Florida city known for its beaches and tourism economy, offered a unique work environment blending professional development with coastal lifestyle benefits.

🎓 History of Hodges University and Its Career Landscape

Founded in 1990 as International College by Arthur Hodges, the institution was renamed Hodges University in 2001 to honor founders Russ and Sylvia Hodges. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), HU emphasized practical, accelerated programs for working adults. By 2020, it served over 1,000 students annually, with a focus on online and evening classes.

Careers at HU evolved with its growth, from startup administrative roles to specialized faculty in emerging fields like cybersecurity. The university's closure highlights broader issues in small private colleges, but its legacy includes training thousands in high-demand Florida jobs. Historical data shows faculty positions grew 20% between 2015-2020, driven by health programs expansion.

Academic Programs and Typical Job Opportunities

HU's programs shaped its job market. Key areas included:

• Health Professions (nursing, medical assisting, physical therapist assistant) – Demanded clinical instructors with licenses.
• Business and Legal Studies – Roles for adjuncts in accounting and paralegal training.
• Technology (cybersecurity, IT) – Positions requiring industry certifications like CompTIA.
• Criminal Justice – Faculty with law enforcement backgrounds.

Job types ranged from full-time professors to part-time adjuncts. For more on university job types, visit our guide. Admin roles like registrars and career services advisors were crucial for student success in Florida's job market.

📚 Definitions

To understand jobs at Hodges University, here are key terms defined:

• Adjunct Professor: Part-time instructor teaching specific courses, often paid per class without benefits.
• Tenure-Track Faculty: Full-time position leading to permanent tenure after review, involving teaching, service, and scholarship.
• Dean: Department head overseeing curriculum, faculty hiring, and budgets.
• Student Services Coordinator: Manages advising, retention, and career placement.
• Accreditation: Official recognition by bodies like SACSCOC ensuring quality standards.

🔍 Required Academic Qualifications

For faculty jobs at HU, minimum qualifications aligned with program levels:

• Associate programs: Bachelor's + industry experience.
• Bachelor's: Master's degree in the field.
• Master's: PhD or terminal degree preferred, especially for graduate faculty.

Nursing roles required RN licensure and MSN; IT positions needed bachelor's + certifications. Admin jobs typically sought bachelor's in higher ed administration or related, with master's for senior roles. Florida's Board of Nursing influenced health faculty quals.

Research Focus or Expertise Needed

HU prioritized applied expertise over pure research. Faculty focused on:

• Industry trends in cybersecurity (e.g., ethical hacking).
• Clinical skills in health sciences.
• Practical business case studies.

Unlike research universities, HU valued real-world projects, like partnerships with local Fort Myers hospitals for clinical training.

Preferred Experience

Employers sought:

• 3-5 years teaching or professional experience.
• Publications or conference presentations (bonus for grad programs).
• Grant writing for program development.
• Online teaching proficiency, given HU's hybrid model.

Former employees often had 10+ years in fields like healthcare, reflecting HU's adult learner focus. Check how to write a winning academic CV for tips.

Skills and Competencies

Essential skills for HU jobs included:

• Strong communication for diverse adult students.
• Technology proficiency (Canvas LMS, Microsoft Office).
• Interpersonal skills for advising multicultural groups.
• Adaptability to accelerated formats (8-week terms).
• Data analysis for retention metrics.

Soft skills like empathy suited Fort Myers' community-oriented vibe.

📋 Application Process and Tips

Applying to HU involved:

1. Reviewing postings on their career portal or sites like AcademicJobs.com.
2. Submitting cover letter, CV, transcripts, references.
3. Interview stages: Phone, campus demo lesson, panel.
4. Background check and references.

Tips: Customize for HU's career focus; highlight Florida experience. Use free resume template. Network at AACN conferences. Post-closure, apply similarly elsewhere via recruitment services.

🌈 Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

HU committed to diversity through:

• Inclusive hiring practices targeting underrepresented faculty.
• Student groups like Multicultural Club.
• Training on cultural competency.
• Partnerships with HBCUs and Hispanic-serving institutions in Florida.

By 2023, 40% of students were minorities, reflected in staff composition.

🏖️ Work-Life Balance and Campus Life

Fort Myers campus fostered balance with flexible hours, professional development days, and wellness programs. Employees enjoyed proximity to Sanibel Island beaches, Edison Ford estates, and year-round sunshine (average 270 sunny days). Naples campus added luxury resort vibes. Social events included faculty mixers and volunteer days. Though demanding, roles offered summers off for adjuncts. Similar perks await at other Florida schools.

Summary

While jobs at Hodges University have ended, insights into its roles inform careers in Florida higher ed. Explore higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com. For faculty paths, read become a university lecturer. Transition smoothly with our free cover letter template.