Working at HNU, your next career step!

Holy Names University (HNU), located in the scenic Oakland hills of California, was a private Catholic liberal arts university founded in 1868 by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. Nestled overlooking San Francisco Bay, it provided a supportive environment for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in fields like nursing, business, education, psychology, and music. Although HNU ceased operations on May 31, 2023, due to longstanding financial challenges and declining enrollment, its legacy in higher education endures. This page explores jobs at Holy Names University, offering insights into the types of roles once available, required qualifications, and valuable lessons for aspiring academics seeking similar positions elsewhere.

Understanding jobs at Holy Names University means recognizing the diverse opportunities in a small, mission-driven institution. Faculty positions formed the core, teaching small classes and engaging in community-focused scholarship. Administrative roles supported student success, while staff positions handled operations. Even post-closure, studying HNU's career landscape helps job seekers in California's vibrant higher ed scene, particularly in Oakland and the Bay Area.

📜 History of Holy Names University and Its Career Landscape

HNU's story began as a women's college, evolving into a coeducational university by 1971. Over 155 years, it graduated thousands, emphasizing social justice, faith, and academic excellence. The campus spanned 60 acres with modern facilities for arts and sciences. Jobs at Holy Names University reflected this history, prioritizing educators committed to holistic student development.

In its final years, HNU employed around 100 faculty and staff. Roles evolved with program emphases, such as expanding online offerings pre-closure. The university's Catholic identity influenced hiring, seeking candidates aligned with values like service and inclusivity. For those interested in higher ed faculty jobs, HNU exemplified community-oriented teaching.

Definitions

To grasp jobs at Holy Names University, key terms include:

• Faculty: Tenured or tenure-track professors responsible for teaching, research, and service. At HNU, this meant delivering courses in majors like Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
• Adjunct Professor: Part-time instructors hired per course, common for specialized classes in music or business.
• Postdoc: Postdoctoral researcher, though rare at small universities like HNU, focused on grant-funded projects.
• Research Assistant: Student or entry-level staff aiding faculty studies, often in education or psychology.
• Tenure: Permanent employment after review, rewarding sustained contributions.

Required Academic Qualifications, Research Focus, Preferred Experience, Skills, and Competencies

Jobs at Holy Names University demanded rigorous credentials. Faculty positions typically required a PhD or EdD in the relevant field, such as Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) for nursing roles. Master's degrees sufficed for some adjunct spots.

Research focus varied by department: nursing emphasized clinical practice and community health; education centered on pedagogy for diverse learners; business highlighted entrepreneurship in urban settings. Preferred experience included 3-5 years teaching, peer-reviewed publications (e.g., in journals like Journal of Catholic Higher Education), and grants from bodies like the National Science Foundation.

• Skills: Strong communication, curriculum design, student mentoring.
• Competencies: Cultural humility, tech proficiency (e.g., Canvas LMS), collaborative teamwork.

For admin roles, a bachelor's plus experience in student affairs was standard. Explore university job types for comparisons.

Application Process and Tips

Applying for jobs at Holy Names University involved a multi-step process: online submission via the HR portal, cover letter, CV, teaching philosophy statement, and references. Interviews included teaching demos and mission fit discussions.

Actionable tips:

• Customize materials to HNU's Catholic mission, referencing service commitments.
• Quantify achievements, e.g., "Mentored 50 students to 95% licensure pass rate."
• Network at conferences like those by the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities.
• Use our free cover letter template and prepare for virtual interviews.
• Follow up politely within a week.

Post-closure, apply these to nearby opportunities via higher ed jobs listings.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

HNU championed diversity through the Sister Dorothy Pagosa Center for Service, Learning, and Social Justice, offering scholarships for first-generation and minority students. Programs like Puente Project supported Latino success, while affinity groups fostered belonging. Hiring emphasized diverse candidates, with training on inclusive pedagogy. The board included representatives from varied backgrounds, reflecting Oakland's demographics.

Work-Life Balance and Campus Life

HNU prioritized balance with flexible schedules, wellness programs, and faith-based support like chaplaincy. Campus life featured low student-faculty ratios (12:1), allowing deep mentoring. Employees enjoyed bay views, performing arts events, and interfaith activities. Professional development included sabbaticals and conferences. Though closed, its model inspires wellness-focused careers; see academic CV tips.

🎯 Summary and Next Steps for Your Career

While jobs at Holy Names University are no longer available, its emphasis on mission-driven work offers lessons for higher ed jobs. Transition skills to Bay Area institutions. Leverage higher ed career advice, explore university jobs, or post a job if recruiting. For lecturer paths, read how to become a university lecturer. Start your search today on AcademicJobs.com.