Working at SAU, your next career step!

🎓 Overview of Southern Adventist University

Southern Adventist University (SAU), located in Collegedale, Tennessee, is a private Christian institution affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Established in 1892 as Graysville Academy, it has evolved into a comprehensive university serving around 2,900 students. Nestled near Chattanooga in the United States, SAU emphasizes holistic education integrating faith, learning, and service. The campus spans 1,300 acres, offering a serene environment conducive to academic and spiritual growth. For professionals seeking jobs at Southern Adventist University, the institution provides opportunities in teaching, research, administration, and support services, all within a values-driven community.

The university's commitment to higher education is rooted in Adventist principles, focusing on preparing individuals for service. Programs span undergraduate and graduate levels in fields like nursing, business, education, theology, and the sciences. Jobs at Southern Adventist University attract candidates passionate about faith-integrated teaching and community impact.

📚 Academic Programs and Departments Hiring at SAU

Southern Adventist University organizes its academic offerings into schools such as the School of Nursing, School of Business and Management, School of Education and Psychology, and School of Theology. Faculty jobs often arise in high-demand areas like nursing, where SAU's program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The university also supports research in health sciences and sustainability, reflecting regional needs in Tennessee.

Administrative roles in student services, advancement, and facilities management are common, supporting the campus's vibrant community. Explore university job types for detailed breakdowns of faculty, staff, and executive positions available across institutions like SAU.

🔍 Types of Jobs at Southern Adventist University

Jobs at Southern Adventist University include full-time tenure-track faculty positions, adjunct lecturers, research associates, department chairs, and non-academic staff roles in IT, HR, and facilities. Faculty openings typically require expertise in disciplines like biology, accounting, or social work. For instance, the nursing department frequently seeks instructors with clinical experience. Administrative jobs, such as director of admissions or dean of students, emphasize leadership and student mentoring.

Research assistant jobs support grants in areas like public health, while postdoctoral positions occasionally appear in sciences. Staff roles in higher ed HR jobs focus on recruitment and employee relations. All positions prioritize candidates who align with the university's mission of faith-based education.

📖 Definitions

Understanding key terms helps navigate jobs at Southern Adventist University:

• Tenure-track position: A faculty role leading to permanent employment after review, involving teaching, research, and service.
• Adjunct professor: Part-time instructor hired per course, often without benefits.
• Seventh-day Adventist (SDA): A Protestant Christian denomination emphasizing health, education, and Sabbath observance on Saturday.
• Terminal degree: The highest academic qualification in a field, such as PhD or EdD for faculty roles.
• Wholistic education: SAU's approach integrating spiritual, intellectual, physical, and social development.

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

For faculty jobs at Southern Adventist University, a PhD or equivalent terminal degree in the relevant field is standard. For example, nursing faculty need a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or PhD in nursing. Research focus varies by department: theology emphasizes biblical studies, while sciences prioritize applied research in environmental science or biomedical fields.

Preferred experience includes peer-reviewed publications, grant funding, and prior teaching at Christian institutions. Skills and competencies encompass strong communication, classroom management, curriculum development, and integration of faith into teaching. Technical proficiency in tools like learning management systems (e.g., Canvas) is valued. For administrative roles, experience in higher ed management and leadership is key. Soft skills like cultural sensitivity and collaborative teamwork are essential in SAU's diverse community.

• Academic qualifications: PhD/terminal degree (100% for tenure-track).
• Research expertise: Publications (average 5+ for assistant professors), grants from bodies like the Adventist Research Council.
• Preferred experience: 3-5 years teaching, conference presentations.
• Skills: Data analysis for researchers, public speaking for lecturers.

Learn more about becoming a lecturer via become a university lecturer.

📝 Application Process and Tips

The application process for jobs at Southern Adventist University begins with monitoring the official careers page at sau.edu/hr/employment. Submit a cover letter, CV, transcripts, and three references online. Interviews often include a teaching demonstration and faith statement discussion.

Actionable tips:

• Tailor your CV to highlight SDA alignment and teaching philosophy.
• Network at Adventist education conferences.
• Prepare for questions on integrating faith and learning.
• Follow up post-interview with a thank-you note referencing Sabbath values.
• Use free resources like free resume template and free cover letter template.

Reference how to write a winning academic CV for success.

🌈 Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

Southern Adventist University actively pursues diversity through the Office of Intercultural Relations, hosting events like Diversity Week and multicultural scholarships. Recruitment targets underrepresented groups in STEM and humanities. The student body reflects 40+ nationalities, mirrored in staff hiring. Initiatives include bias training and affinity groups for faculty of color. SAU's employer branding secrets emphasize inclusive policies, fostering equity in Collegedale's community.

⚖️ Work-Life Balance and Campus Life

Work-life balance at SAU is supported by Sabbath observance (no classes or work Saturdays), wellness centers, and family-friendly policies. Campus life features hiking trails, fitness classes, and spiritual retreats. Employees enjoy tuition discounts for dependents and professional development sabbaticals. Collegedale's low cost of living and proximity to Chattanooga offer urban access with rural peace. Annual events like Homecoming strengthen community bonds, enhancing job satisfaction.

💰 Benefits and Compensation

SAU offers competitive salaries (assistant professors ~$60K-$80K), comprehensive health plans, 403(b) retirement matching, and generous vacation. Tuition remission covers 100% for full-time employees' children at SDA institutions. Professional growth includes conference funding and mentorship programs.

🔗 Finding and Applying for Jobs at SAU

Monitor AcademicJobs.com for listings under higher ed jobs and university jobs. Tennessee-specific opportunities appear in US Tennessee and Collegedale sections. For research roles, see research jobs.

In summary, jobs at Southern Adventist University blend academic rigor with spiritual purpose. Explore higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or recruitment services on AcademicJobs.com to advance your career.