Ohio University - Southern (OUS), located in Ironton, Ohio, serves as a vital regional campus of the renowned Ohio University system. Nestled in the heart of southern Ohio, OUS provides accessible higher education to local communities, focusing on associate, bachelor's, and select master's degrees tailored to regional workforce needs. Jobs at Ohio University - Southern encompass a variety of roles, from tenure-track faculty positions to administrative staff and support personnel, all contributing to its mission of student success and community engagement.
The campus emphasizes teaching excellence, applied learning, and partnerships with local industries, making it an attractive destination for educators and professionals passionate about regional impact. Whether you're seeking faculty jobs at Ohio University - Southern or administrative opportunities, the environment offers a blend of academic rigor and community closeness. With enrollment around 2,500 students, OUS maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio, enabling meaningful interactions that define careers here.
Founded in 1956 as Ohio University-Ironton, OUS evolved from a two-year branch into a full regional campus offering four-year degrees. This growth reflects Ohio University's commitment to expanding access across the state since its establishment in 1804 as the first university in the Northwest Territory. Over the decades, OUS has adapted to local demands, introducing programs in high-demand fields like nursing and education amid economic shifts in Appalachia.
Key milestones include the launch of its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in the 2000s and expansions in online learning post-2010, enhancing job opportunities for innovative educators. Today, jobs at OUS build on this legacy, supporting initiatives like workforce development grants that fund faculty hires focused on practical skills training.
OUS offers diverse programs that shape its hiring landscape. Popular bachelor's degrees include early childhood education, middle childhood education, adolescent/young adult education, business administration, criminal justice, and the BSN through partnerships. Associate degrees cover fields like aviation maintenance and medical assisting, while master's options in education attract advanced faculty.
These programs necessitate specialized roles: education faculty for teacher preparation, nursing instructors for clinical training, and business professors for entrepreneurship courses. Staff positions support student services, library operations, and IT, ensuring smooth campus functions. For insights into university job types, including adjunct professor jobs and lecturer jobs, AcademicJobs.com provides detailed overviews.
To understand jobs at Ohio University - Southern fully, key terms include:
Jobs at Ohio University - Southern prioritize candidates equipped for teaching-focused roles with regional relevance. Faculty positions generally require a PhD in the relevant field (e.g., Doctor of Education for education roles or PhD in Nursing for BSN instructors). Master's degrees suffice for some associate-level teaching.
Research focus emphasizes applied projects, like community health studies or educational outcomes in rural Ohio, rather than pure theory. Preferred experience includes peer-reviewed publications (2-5 for assistant professors), grant writing (e.g., Ohio Department of Higher Education funds), and prior teaching at community colleges.
Essential skills and competencies:
Administrative roles seek bachelor's degrees plus experience in higher ed operations, proficiency in ERP systems, and leadership in student retention efforts.
The application process for jobs at Ohio University - Southern begins on the central Ohio University careers portal at ohio.edu/hr. Search for OUS-specific postings, submit a cover letter, CV, transcripts, and references online. Interviews often include teaching demos and campus visits to Ironton.
Actionable tips:
Timeline: Postings close 30-60 days after opening; hires start fall or spring semesters.
Ohio University - Southern actively advances diversity through Ohio University's OHIO Guarantee for inclusive excellence. Initiatives include bias training for hires, recruitment at HBCUs and Hispanic-serving institutions, and the Multicultural Center supporting underrepresented students.
Specific examples: Annual Diversity Leadership Conference, scholarships for first-gen and minority students influencing diverse faculty needs, and partnerships with local NAACP chapters. OUS tracks hiring demographics, aiming for parity, and offers affinity groups for faculty of color. These efforts create an equitable workplace, as seen in recent hires expanding Latinx studies adjunct roles.
At OUS's 125-acre Ironton campus along the Ohio River, work-life balance thrives in a close-knit setting. Faculty enjoy 4/4 teaching loads with release time for service, flexible summers, and sabbaticals post-tenure. Staff benefits include generous PTO (22 days/year), health coverage, and tuition remission for dependents.
Campus life features Bobcat athletics viewings, cultural festivals, and proximity to Huntington, WV (20 minutes). Wellness programs combat rural isolation with yoga classes and EAP counseling. The small size fosters mentorship, with events like faculty picnics enhancing camaraderie. Ironton offers affordable housing (median home $120K) and outdoor recreation at Lake Vesuvius, ideal for balanced living.
OUS stands out for its impact: graduates fill regional shortages in teaching (90% placement rate) and healthcare. Competitive salaries start at $60K for instructors, $80K+ for assistant professors, per Ohio University data. Professional development includes higher ed career advice workshops and research stipends.
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