Working at MVC, your next career step!

🎓 Overview of Missouri Valley College

Missouri Valley College (MVC), located in Marshall, Missouri, is a private liberal arts institution founded in 1889. With a student body of approximately 1,500 undergraduates, it emphasizes hands-on learning, community engagement, and athletic excellence as a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The college offers over 40 majors across divisions like agriculture, business, education, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. Jobs at Missouri Valley College span faculty, staff, and administrative roles, attracting professionals passionate about undergraduate education in a rural, supportive setting. This small-campus environment fosters close faculty-student relationships, making it ideal for those seeking meaningful teaching experiences.

📜 A Brief History of Missouri Valley College

Established by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Missouri Valley College began as a coeducational school to serve the Midwest's educational needs. Over 135 years, it has evolved while maintaining its liberal arts core, introducing programs in equine science and exercise science tied to its renowned equestrian and athletic programs. Key milestones include its 1994 transition to NAIA Division I status and expansions in international student recruitment, now hosting over 300 students from 35 countries. Understanding this history is crucial for jobs at Missouri Valley College, as the institution values candidates who align with its mission of holistic student development and community service.

🔬 Academic Programs and Job Opportunities

MVC's curriculum supports diverse jobs at Missouri Valley College, particularly in high-demand areas. The agriculture division, with strengths in agribusiness and equine management, seeks faculty with practical farming or veterinary expertise. Business and economics roles emphasize real-world applications, while education prepares teachers for Missouri's K-12 needs. Natural sciences offer positions in biology and chemistry, often involving undergraduate research. For a full list of university job types, including tenure-track professors and lecturers, visit our resource page. Athletic departments frequently hire coaches for 22 Viking sports teams, blending teaching with mentorship.

📚 Definitions

To clarify terms common in jobs at Missouri Valley College:

• Tenure-track position: A faculty role leading to permanent employment after a probationary period, typically 5-7 years, based on teaching, research, and service.
• Adjunct instructor: Part-time teacher hired per course, often without benefits, ideal for flexible schedules.
• NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics): Governing body for small colleges emphasizing student-athlete balance, unlike larger NCAA divisions.
• Liberal arts college: Institution focusing on broad education in humanities, sciences, and arts to develop well-rounded graduates.

✅ Required Academic Qualifications, Research Focus, and Preferred Experience

Jobs at Missouri Valley College demand specific credentials. Faculty positions generally require a PhD in the relevant field (e.g., Doctor of Education for pedagogy roles) or a master's for instructors. Research focus prioritizes undergraduate involvement, such as student-faculty collaborations in MVC's agribusiness lab or equestrian facilities.

Preferred experience includes 3+ years of teaching, publications in peer-reviewed journals, and grant-writing success. For coaches, prior NAIA or collegiate experience is key. Skills and competencies encompass strong communication, curriculum development, and cultural sensitivity, given the diverse student body. Administrative roles like admissions counselors value enrollment management expertise and CRM software proficiency.

📝 Application Process and Tips

The application process for jobs at Missouri Valley College starts with monitoring their careers page or platforms like higher ed jobs listings. Submit a tailored cover letter, CV, teaching philosophy statement, and three references. Interviews often include teaching demonstrations and campus visits.

• Research MVC's mission and recent initiatives, like sustainability in agriculture programs.
• Highlight regional ties to Missouri or experience with rural students.
• Use our free cover letter template and emphasize student-centered teaching.
• Follow up post-interview and prepare questions on NAIA compliance or faculty governance.
• For academic CVs, consult how to write a winning academic CV.

Applications are reviewed year-round, with peaks in spring for fall hires.

🌈 Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

Missouri Valley College champions diversity through the International Programs Office, supporting students from 35+ nations with orientation and cultural integration. The Diversity Council hosts events like Black History Month celebrations and LGBTQ+ ally training. Hiring practices prioritize inclusive excellence, with training on bias reduction. Recent examples include scholarships for underrepresented minorities in STEM and partnerships with HBCUs for exchanges. These efforts create an equitable workplace for jobs at Missouri Valley College.

⚖️ Work-Life Balance and Campus Life

In Marshall, Missouri—a town of 13,000 with low cost of living—MVC staff enjoy a relaxed pace. Flexible schedules allow research time, with summers often lighter. Campus life buzzes with Viking athletics (e.g., football homecoming draws thousands), music recitals, and community barbecues. Facilities include modern dorms, a fitness center, and 140-acre farm. Family-friendly perks like tuition remission (up to 50% for dependents) and on-campus childcare support balance. Proximity to Kansas City (90 minutes) offers urban escapes, while local trails promote wellness.

💰 Benefits and Compensation

Competitive salaries for a small college: assistant professors earn $50,000-$65,000 annually, per regional data. Full-time benefits cover medical/dental/vision, TIAA retirement matching, and 20+ vacation days. Professional development funds support conferences, aligning with MVC's growth focus.

📈 Why Pursue Jobs at Missouri Valley College?

MVC offers impact in a tight-knit community, where faculty shape lives directly. With low student-faculty ratios (13:1), teaching shines. Explore related opportunities on higher ed jobs, university jobs, or higher ed career advice. Ready to post? Visit post a job. Employer branding tips at employer branding secrets can help institutions like MVC attract talent.