Working at SHU, your next career step!

Siena Heights University (SHU), located in the charming city of Adrian, Michigan, stands as a beacon of Catholic higher education in the United States. Established with a commitment to Franciscan values, the university offers a welcoming environment for those seeking meaningful careers in academia. Jobs at Siena Heights University span faculty, administrative, and support roles, each contributing to its mission of forming a compassionate, well-educated society. Whether you're a seasoned professor or an emerging academic professional, understanding the landscape of opportunities here can guide your next step.

The institution's primary campus in Adrian provides a picturesque setting amid rolling hills, fostering a sense of community that extends to its workforce. With additional locations in Southfield, Lansing, and robust online programs, SHU serves a diverse student body of around 2,000, creating varied employment prospects tailored to different expertise areas.

📜 History of Siena Heights University

Siena Heights University traces its roots to 1919 when the Adrian Dominican Sisters founded St. Joseph's College for women. Renamed Siena Heights College in 1939 to honor St. Catherine of Siena, it transitioned to coeducational status in 1969 and became a university in 1987. Sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters, SHU embodies values of truth, compassion, and service. This rich heritage influences its hiring practices, prioritizing candidates who align with its Catholic, liberal arts tradition. Over the decades, the university has expanded from teacher education to comprehensive programs, now employing dedicated professionals who shape future leaders.

🎓 Academic Programs and Departments

SHU offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs across colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business and Management, Education, Health Sciences, and Extended Campuses. Popular fields include nursing, business administration, education, fine arts, and social work. Faculty jobs often focus on these areas, with opportunities to teach innovative courses like digital marketing or healthcare management. The university's emphasis on small class sizes—averaging 15 students—means instructors engage deeply, making roles rewarding for those passionate about personalized education.

• College of Arts and Sciences: Humanities, sciences, social sciences.
• College of Business and Management: Accounting, MBA programs.
• College of Education: Teacher preparation, special education.
• College of Health Human Services: Nursing, occupational therapy.

This structure supports specialized job openings, from lecturers in biology to administrators in student affairs.

💼 Types of Jobs at Siena Heights University

Careers at SHU include full-time faculty, adjunct professors, department chairs, deans, and staff positions in admissions, finance, and IT. Faculty roles dominate, with tenure-track positions requiring teaching and research. Administrative jobs focus on operations, while support roles aid student success. For a full breakdown, explore university job types. Common openings: assistant professors in education (needing Michigan teaching certification) or business roles emphasizing practical experience.

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

To secure jobs at Siena Heights University, candidates need strong academic credentials. Faculty positions typically demand a PhD or EdD in the relevant discipline, such as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in chemistry for science roles or Master of Fine Arts (MFA) for arts adjuncts.

Research focus varies: education faculty might specialize in curriculum development, while business experts emphasize entrepreneurship or finance. Preferred experience includes peer-reviewed publications (e.g., 3-5 articles in journals), grant funding from sources like the National Science Foundation, and 2-5 years of teaching at accredited institutions.

Key skills and competencies:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities for student mentoring.
• Proficiency in learning management systems like Canvas.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
• Data-driven decision-making for administrative roles.
• Adaptability for hybrid/online teaching.

Administrative positions value bachelor's degrees plus certifications like CPA for finance or HR credentials.

📖 Definitions

Understanding key terms enhances clarity for prospective applicants:

• Tenure-track position: A faculty role leading to permanent employment after review, typically 5-7 years, based on teaching, research, and service.
• Adjunct professor: Part-time instructor hired per course, offering flexibility without full benefits.
• Franciscan values: Principles of simplicity, community, and service rooted in St. Francis of Assisi, guiding SHU's culture.
• Higher education administration: Roles managing operations, from enrollment to accreditation compliance.

📄 Application Process and Tips

The application process for jobs at Siena Heights University begins on their official careers portal or platforms like higher ed jobs sites. Submit a tailored CV highlighting teaching philosophy, research agenda, and SHU alignment. Include three references and a cover letter addressing Franciscan mission.

Actionable tips:

1. Customize your academic CV with quantifiable achievements, e.g., "Taught 20 sections of introductory biology to 300+ students."
2. Prepare for interviews focusing on student-centered teaching and DEI commitment.
3. Network via SHU events or LinkedIn; mention Michigan connections for Adrian roles.
4. Follow up post-submission; applications reviewed year-round, peaking in spring.
5. Use free resources like our free resume template and cover letter template.

Background checks and transcripts required post-offer.

🌈 Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

Siena Heights University champions diversity through the Office of Multicultural Affairs, offering scholarships for underrepresented students and faculty development workshops. The Inclusive Excellence Plan (2020) targets hiring diverse candidates, with examples like the Black Student Union support and partnerships with Hispanic-serving organizations. Annual DEI training ensures an equitable workplace, reflecting Catholic teachings on human dignity. Recent hires include 20% from underrepresented groups in faculty roles (2023 data).

⚖️ Work-Life Balance and Campus Life

In Adrian, Michigan, SHU's 164-acre campus promotes balance with wellness centers, employee assistance programs, and flexible scheduling. Faculty enjoy sabbaticals every 7 years, professional development funds ($2,000 annually), and tuition remission for dependents. Campus life buzzes with events like the Siena Heights Saints athletics (NAIA), cultural festivals, and faith-based retreats. Staff praise the collaborative culture, low turnover (under 10%), and proximity to nature trails. Remote options for some roles enhance flexibility, ideal for Michigan's work-life ethos.

🔍 Finding and Pursuing Opportunities

Monitor SHU's site and university jobs boards for openings. Tailor applications to emphasize service learning, a SHU hallmark. Leverage higher ed career advice for success.

In summary, jobs at Siena Heights University offer purpose-driven careers in a supportive environment. Explore higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job to connect with opportunities. Whether faculty or admin, SHU welcomes dedicated professionals to its Michigan community.