Iowa Wesleyan University (IWU), located in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, was a private liberal arts institution founded in 1842 by Methodist missionaries. Nestled in the small town of Mount Pleasant in southeast Iowa, United States, IWU offered a close-knit campus environment focused on undergraduate education. The university provided bachelor's degrees in fields like business, education, nursing, biology, and criminal justice, emphasizing hands-on learning and community engagement.
Unfortunately, IWU announced its closure on June 30, 2023, after struggling with declining enrollment, rising operational costs, and insufficient funding. This decision affected approximately 500 students and 100 staff members. Prior to closure, IWU was known for its Tigers athletic teams competing in the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and its commitment to affordable higher education in the Midwest.
A liberal arts university means an institution that promotes broad intellectual development through studies in humanities, sciences, and social sciences, preparing students for diverse careers. While IWU no longer operates, understanding its structure provides insight into similar small private colleges in Iowa where academic jobs may be available.
Before its closure, jobs at Iowa Wesleyan University spanned faculty, administrative, and support roles. Faculty positions were central, including full-time professors, adjunct instructors, and lecturers teaching undergraduate courses. Administrative jobs covered areas like admissions, student services, and academic affairs. Support staff roles included library assistants, IT specialists, and campus operations.
For a deeper dive into university job types, such as tenure-track professor roles or non-tenure positions, explore our comprehensive guide. Typical faculty jobs required balancing teaching, research, and service, with class sizes often small to foster personalized education.
Salaries aligned with regional averages for small private colleges, around $50,000-$70,000 for assistant professors, varying by experience.
Academic qualifications for jobs at Iowa Wesleyan University were standard for higher education roles. Tenure-track faculty typically needed a PhD or terminal degree (e.g., EdD for education, DNP for nursing) in the relevant field from an accredited institution. Master's degrees sufficed for some adjunct or lecturer positions, especially in professional fields like business administration.
Research focus or expertise needed aligned with IWU's programs. For example, education faculty required experience in K-12 pedagogy or curriculum development, while nursing roles demanded clinical practice and state licensure. Preferred experience included peer-reviewed publications, grant funding from sources like the National Science Foundation, and prior teaching at liberal arts colleges.
Entry-level research assistant jobs might require a bachelor's degree with strong lab skills, often serving as stepping stones to faculty roles. Check research assistant jobs for similar opportunities elsewhere.
Skills sought for IWU jobs emphasized versatility. Core competencies included excellent communication for student mentoring, adaptability to small class sizes, and proficiency in learning management systems like Canvas. Research skills involved data analysis, grant writing, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Preferred experience encompassed 3-5 years of teaching, conference presentations, and community outreach. Soft skills like cultural competence and teamwork were vital in IWU's diverse student body from over 20 states and countries.
For career growth, faculty pursued postdoctoral success.
The application process for jobs at Iowa Wesleyan University involved online submission via their HR portal, including a cover letter, CV, teaching philosophy statement, and three references. Shortlisted candidates underwent phone interviews, campus visits with teaching demonstrations, and panel discussions.
Actionable tips:
Follow how to write a winning academic CV for best results. Post-closure, apply similar processes to open higher ed jobs.
IWU championed diversity through the Multicultural Student Union, annual diversity conferences, and inclusive hiring committees. As a United Methodist-affiliated school, it followed policies promoting equity, with training on unconscious bias for staff. Examples include scholarships for underrepresented minorities and partnerships with HBCUs for exchanges. Faculty development workshops focused on inclusive pedagogy, ensuring curricula reflected diverse perspectives.
These efforts created a welcoming environment, with 25% of students identifying as minorities pre-closure.
Campus life at IWU revolved around a 60-acre historic site with modern facilities like the Nielsen Hall for sciences and Calder Hall for arts. Faculty benefited from flexible schedules, sabbaticals every seven years, and professional development funds. Wellness programs included gym access, counseling, and family events.
Mount Pleasant, population 8,500, offered low cost of living ($200,000 median home), parks, and proximity to Iowa City (1 hour). Work-life balance featured 10-week summers, collaborative governance, and community events like Tiger Fest. Despite challenges leading to closure, the supportive culture was a highlight.
With IWU closed, no jobs are available. Former employees transitioned to nearby schools like Southeastern Community College or larger universities. Explore higher ed jobs, university jobs, or lecturer jobs in Iowa. For career advice, visit higher ed career advice or post a job if recruiting.
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Iowa Wesleyan University offered rewarding academic careers in a supportive Midwest setting, though now closed. Aspiring professionals can find similar roles via higher ed jobs, leveraging skills in teaching and research. Stay informed with higher ed career advice and explore university jobs today. Institutions can post a job on AcademicJobs.com.
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