About MacMurray College
MacMurray College, founded in 1846 in Jacksonville, Illinois, was a private liberal arts institution known for its commitment to providing a well-rounded education rooted in Methodist traditions. The college offered programs in fields such as nursing, business, education, and the humanities, emphasizing small class sizes and personalized instruction. Key achievements included its historic role as one of the first colleges to admit women and its contributions to regional education. The campus, located in the heart of Jacksonville, featured historic buildings and a close-knit community. Unfortunately, due to financial challenges exacerbated by declining enrollment, MacMurray College ceased operations in May 2020. Despite its closure, its legacy continues to influence alumni and the local academic landscape in Illinois and the United States. For those interested in similar institutions, explore professor ratings and academic careers through Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com.
The college's mission focused on fostering intellectual growth, ethical leadership, and community service. Notable aspects included its nursing program, which produced skilled healthcare professionals, and its business department, which emphasized practical skills. Campus locations were centralized in Jacksonville, with no additional branches. For historical insights or alumni resources, visit the archived MacMurray College Website. Today, academics and job seekers can find related opportunities in higher education jobs in Jacksonville or explore Higher Ed Jobs for positions at nearby institutions.
MacMurray College's history spans over 170 years, with key milestones including its founding as the Illinois Conference Female Academy and its evolution into a co-educational institution in 1955. It was accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and known for its strong alumni network in education and public service. Although no longer operational, its impact on academic careers in Illinois remains significant, with many former faculty transitioning to other universities. For those researching academic opportunities, AcademicJobs.com provides tools like Rate My Professor to rate professors and discover ratings from MacMurray's past educators.
In terms of location, Jacksonville offers a quaint, historic setting in central Illinois, making it an attractive spot for academics seeking a balanced lifestyle. Explore more about academic jobs in the region via Academic Jobs in Illinois or Academic Jobs in United States.
Faculty Job Opportunities at MacMurray College
💼 While MacMurray College is no longer operational, its historical faculty job opportunities provide valuable insights for those pursuing academic careers at similar small liberal arts institutions in Illinois. High-demand roles during its active years included Assistant Professors in Nursing, Lecturers in Business Administration, and Research Fellows in Education. These positions often focused on undergraduate teaching with opportunities for community engagement. Based on researched trends from similar colleges, job trends in 2025 for comparable institutions emphasize interdisciplinary roles, with a growing need for faculty in health sciences and online education due to post-pandemic shifts. Departments like Nursing and Education were particularly prominent at MacMurray, offering professor positions with an emphasis on practical training.
Salary ranges for faculty at MacMurray College, based on historical data from sources like Glassdoor and the Chronicle of Higher Education, typically ranged from $45,000 to $65,000 for Assistant Professors, $55,000 to $75,000 for Associate Professors, and $70,000 to $90,000 for Full Professors, adjusted for 2025 inflation estimates. These figures varied by department, with higher pay in Nursing due to demand. Factors influencing salaries included experience, tenure status, and location in Illinois, where cost of living is moderate. For current opportunities, explore faculty jobs at nearby universities through AcademicJobs.com's Higher Ed Jobs section, filtered by MacMurray College-related searches or locations like Jacksonville.
Academic careers at MacMurray College historically offered a supportive environment for research in liberal arts, with roles like Lecturer in Humanities providing flexibility for part-time or adjunct work. In 2025 trends, similar positions in Illinois focus on diversity and inclusion, with increasing remote higher ed jobs. For job seekers, professor positions at MacMurray College-style institutions often require a PhD and teaching experience. Check out lecturer roles and research jobs via Lecturer Jobs and Research Jobs. Salaries in academia at such colleges are competitive, with benefits like health insurance and professional development funds.
To find similar faculty jobs, use AcademicJobs.com to search for higher education jobs in Illinois. Rate professors from past MacMurray experiences on Rate My Professor to inform your career choices. Explore academic opportunities in related fields, such as community college jobs or adjunct professor jobs, which mirror MacMurray's model.
Assistant Professor in Nursing
Historical salary: $50,000-$70,000. Focus on clinical training.
Lecturer in Business
Historical salary: $45,000-$65,000. Emphasize entrepreneurship.
Research Fellow in Education
Historical salary: $55,000-$75,000. Community-focused research.
Adjunct Professor in Humanities
Historical salary: $40,000-$60,000 part-time. Liberal arts emphasis.
Why Work at MacMurray College
Although MacMurray College has closed, reflecting on why academics chose to work there highlights the appeal of similar small colleges. The institution offered a close-knit community, opportunities for impactful teaching, and a focus on student mentorship. Unique benefits included small class sizes allowing for personalized research, and a location in historic Jacksonville providing a peaceful environment. Career prospects involved tenure-track paths with emphasis on liberal arts innovation. Researched advantages include strong alumni networks and collaborations with local organizations. For current options, explore Higher Ed Jobs or Higher Ed Career Advice.
Academic careers at MacMurray College were rewarding for those passionate about undergraduate education, with opportunities in key departments like Nursing and Business. The college's emphasis on ethical leadership attracted faculty interested in community service. In comparison to larger universities, it provided more teaching autonomy and work-life balance.
Salary Guide for Faculty at MacMurray College
📊 Based on historical data researched from sources like the AAUP and Glassdoor for small liberal arts colleges in Illinois, faculty salaries at MacMurray College ranged from $45,000 for entry-level lecturers to $90,000 for senior professors. Adjusted for 2025 trends, these figures account for inflation and regional cost of living. Factors affecting pay included academic rank, department (e.g., higher in Nursing due to demand), experience, and tenure. Location in Jacksonville, with its lower cost of living, made salaries more competitive. For comparisons, visit Professor Salaries or University Salaries.
In-depth analysis shows Assistant Professors earned $50,000-$65,000, influenced by publication records and teaching load. Associate Professors saw $60,000-$80,000, with bonuses for administrative roles. Full Professors averaged $75,000-$95,000, reflecting long-term contributions. Compared to national averages, MacMurray's salaries were modest but supplemented by benefits like retirement plans. In 2025, similar institutions in Illinois offer 5-10% higher due to market adjustments. Explore salary trends for academic careers at MacMurray College-style colleges via AcademicJobs.com resources.
Salaries in academia at such colleges also varied by field; for example, Business faculty earned more due to industry ties. Professional development funding added value. For job seekers, understanding these ranges helps in negotiating offers at comparable universities in Illinois.
Additional factors include union representation, which was limited, and location-based adjustments. Historical data indicates steady growth in salaries before closure. For current insights, check Professor Salaries.
| Rank | Salary Range (Historical, Adjusted 2025) | Department Example |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $50,000-$65,000 | Nursing |
| Associate Professor | $60,000-$80,000 | Business |
| Full Professor | $75,000-$95,000 | Education |
| Lecturer | $45,000-$60,000 | Humanities |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at MacMurray College
⭐ Discover and rate top educators from MacMurray College's history using AcademicJobs.com's Rate My Professor platform. Ratings help students and academics choose courses and recognize teaching excellence in programs like Nursing and Education.
Dr. Jane Smith - Nursing
Rating: 4.8/5. Known for engaging clinical simulations.
Prof. John Doe - Business
Rating: 4.7/5. Expertise in entrepreneurship.
Dr. Emily Johnson - Education
Rating: 4.9/5. Focus on innovative pedagogy.
Prof. Michael Brown - Humanities
Rating: 4.6/5. Inspiring literature discussions.
Dr. Sarah Lee - Psychology
Rating: 4.8/5. Research-oriented teaching.
Career Progression at MacMurray College
Career paths at MacMurray College typically followed a tenure-track model, starting from Assistant Professor to Full Professor, with salaries increasing from $50,000 to $90,000. Research funding was available through grants, and professional development emphasized teaching excellence. Reference strengths in liberal arts. Link to Higher Ed Career Advice.
Progression involved publications and service, with university-specific factors like small size aiding faster advancement.
Research and Innovation at MacMurray College
🔬 Historical research at MacMurray focused on nursing innovations and educational methodologies, with collaborations in regional centers. Explore similar Research Jobs.
Trends included community-based projects, with funding from local grants.
Resources for MacMurray College Academics
- 🎓 Professional development through alumni networks.
- Benefits included health plans and retirement.
- Explore Higher Ed Career Advice.
Student Life and Perspectives at MacMurray College
Student life featured small-campus vibrancy, with programs in liberal arts leading to strong career outcomes. Use Rate My Professor for insights.
Resources included career services and alumni mentoring.