Southwest Missouri State University - West Plains, commonly referred to as SMSU-West Plains or now Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP), stands as a vital two-year public community college campus nestled in the heart of West Plains, Missouri. This institution plays a crucial role in higher education by providing accessible associate degrees, certificates, and transfer pathways to four-year programs at Missouri State University's main campus in Springfield. Jobs at Southwest Missouri State University - West Plains encompass a variety of roles essential to its mission of serving rural communities in south-central Missouri, including faculty positions, administrative staff, support services, and technical roles.
The campus, founded in 1963, emphasizes practical education in fields like nursing, business administration, agriculture, and general studies. Employment here appeals to those passionate about community college environments, where educators and staff directly impact local students, many of whom are first-generation college attendees or working adults balancing jobs and studies. With enrollment around 1,500 students, the scale allows for meaningful contributions without the bureaucracy of larger universities.
Career opportunities reflect the institution's focus on affordability and accessibility in higher education. Faculty jobs often involve teaching multiple courses per semester, advising students, and participating in curriculum development. Administrative positions support enrollment, financial aid, and campus operations, while support roles maintain facilities and technology infrastructure.
The roots of Southwest Missouri State University - West Plains trace back to 1963 when it opened as the South West Missouri State College Branch Campus under the former name of its parent institution, Southwest Missouri State University (rebranded Missouri State University in 2005). Located in West Plains, a city known for its Ozark heritage and outdoor recreation, the campus was established to bring higher education to underserved rural areas of Missouri.
Over the decades, it has grown from a small extension center to a fully accredited two-year college offering over 40 programs. Key milestones include the expansion of health sciences programs in the 1990s, responding to regional healthcare needs, and the introduction of online courses in the 2010s to reach remote students. Today, jobs at this campus contribute to its ongoing commitment to student success, with a 2023 graduation rate improvement highlighting staff dedication.
This history shapes job roles, prioritizing educators experienced in developmental education and workforce training, aligning with Missouri's emphasis on community colleges as economic engines.
Jobs at Southwest Missouri State University - West Plains span academic, administrative, and operational categories. Faculty positions include full-time instructors in disciplines like biology, English, mathematics, and nursing. Adjunct professors fill part-time teaching needs, ideal for those seeking flexible schedules. For a deeper dive into university job types, including tenure-track versus non-tenure roles common in community colleges, refer to our comprehensive guide.
Explore broader options in community college jobs or higher ed faculty jobs on AcademicJobs.com.
To understand jobs at Southwest Missouri State University - West Plains fully, key terms include:
Securing jobs at Southwest Missouri State University - West Plains demands specific credentials tailored to community college standards.
Required Academic Qualifications: Full-time faculty typically need a master's degree minimum in the teaching field (e.g., MSN for nursing instructors), with PhD preferred for leadership roles. Administrative positions require bachelor's degrees, often with master's in higher education administration.
Research Focus or Expertise Needed: Limited traditional research; emphasis on applied projects like grant-funded nursing simulations or agricultural outreach aligning with Ozark needs.
Preferred Experience: 3-5 years teaching at community colleges, publications in teaching pedagogy, grant writing success, or industry experience (e.g., healthcare for nursing faculty).
Skills and Competencies:
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The application process for jobs at Southwest Missouri State University - West Plains is centralized through Missouri State University's HR portal at missouristate.edu/humanresources. Steps include:
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Southwest Missouri State University - West Plains actively fosters diversity through Missouri State University's system-wide efforts. Specific examples include:
These initiatives create welcoming environments, detailed in higher ed career advice.
Campus life at Southwest Missouri State University - West Plains emphasizes balance in a serene rural setting. West Plains offers affordable housing (median home $150,000), outdoor activities like hiking in the Ozarks, and family-friendly events.
Employees enjoy:
Tuition discounts for dependents enhance family life. The supportive culture reduces burnout, with low turnover rates.
Competitive for community colleges: Faculty salaries average $55,000-$70,000, staff $40,000-$60,000. Full package includes MSRS retirement (vested after 5 years), health/dental/vision, life insurance, and 100% tuition remission for employees' children at MSU campuses.
Check professor salaries and university salaries for benchmarks.
Growth in healthcare and technical programs drives job openings. Recent hires include nursing instructors amid Missouri's nursing shortage. Remote-hybrid options emerging post-pandemic.
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In summary, jobs at Southwest Missouri State University - West Plains offer rewarding paths in higher ed jobs, from teaching to administration. Leverage higher ed career advice, search university jobs, or post a job if recruiting. For faculty specifics, visit higher ed faculty jobs.
