About Southwest State University
Southwest State University, officially known as Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU), is a public institution founded in 1964 as Southwest Minnesota State College. It achieved university status in 2003 and is part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. Located in Marshall, Minnesota, United States, SMSU serves approximately 8,700 students with a focus on liberal arts, professional studies, and community engagement. The university's mission emphasizes accessible education, innovation, and regional development, with key achievements including strong programs in business, education, and agriculture. Campus locations include the main 200-acre site in Marshall, featuring modern facilities like the Wellness Center and Science and Math Building. For more details, visit the Southwest State University Website. Explore related opportunities in Academic Jobs in United States, Academic Jobs in Minnesota, and Academic Jobs in Marshall.
SMSU has a rich history of adapting to regional needs, evolving from a junior college to a comprehensive university offering over 50 majors. Notable for its aviation program and environmental science initiatives, the university boasts high graduation rates and strong alumni networks in education and business. Its commitment to affordability and student success makes it a cornerstone of higher education in southwest Minnesota. Academics and job seekers can find professor positions at Southwest State University, along with insights into salaries in Southwest State University academia and rate professors at Southwest State University through dedicated platforms.
The university's key departments include the College of Business, Education, and Professional Studies; the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics; and the College of Arts, Letters, and Sciences. These departments drive academic careers at Southwest State University, with a focus on practical, hands-on learning. SMSU's location in Marshall provides a close-knit community atmosphere, ideal for research jobs at Southwest State University and lecturer roles at Southwest State University. For those interested in higher education jobs at Southwest State University, the institution's emphasis on inclusivity and innovation stands out.
In recent years, SMSU has expanded online offerings, making academic opportunities at Southwest State University accessible to a broader audience. The university's accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission ensures quality, and its athletic programs, known as the Mustangs, add to campus vibrancy. Job trends show growth in STEM fields, with faculty jobs at Southwest State University often highlighting interdisciplinary approaches. This overview positions Southwest State University as a prime destination for those pursuing academic careers in a supportive environment.
Faculty Job Opportunities at Southwest State University
Faculty job opportunities at Southwest State University abound, with high-demand roles such as Assistant Professor in Education, Lecturer in Business Administration, and Research Fellow in Environmental Science. Based on 2025 trends, the university is expanding in STEM and education sectors, driven by regional needs in agriculture and technology. Key departments like Business and Education offer professor positions at Southwest State University, with opportunities for tenure-track advancement. Salary ranges for these roles, researched from sources like the Chronicle of Higher Education and university reports, typically start at $55,000 for assistant professors, rising to $85,000 for associates, influenced by experience and department. Explore higher education jobs at Southwest State University through AcademicJobs.com's filtered search.
In the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, research jobs at Southwest State University focus on sustainable agriculture and data analytics, with positions like Adjunct Instructor in Computer Science seeing increased demand. Lecturer roles at Southwest State University in the Arts and Letters department emphasize creative writing and humanities, offering flexible schedules. Job trends indicate a 10% growth in faculty positions due to enrollment increases in online programs. For those seeking academic careers at Southwest State University, benefits include professional development funds and collaborative research grants. Link to Higher Ed Jobs for current listings filtered by Southwest State University.
Notable examples include Faculty in Agriculture at Southwest State University, where roles involve hands-on fieldwork and community partnerships. Salaries for such positions average $65,000-$75,000 annually, competitive within Minnesota's public university system. Factors like grant funding and publication records can boost earnings. Academic opportunities at Southwest State University also extend to administrative roles, such as Department Chair in Education, with salaries around $90,000. To find the best faculty jobs at Southwest State University, utilize resources like Professor Jobs and Lecturer Jobs.
The university's commitment to diversity enhances job appeal, with initiatives supporting underrepresented groups in academia. Trends for 2025 show a rise in hybrid teaching positions, blending online and on-campus duties. For salary details, check Professor Salaries. Whether you're a recent PhD or seasoned educator, Southwest State University provides rewarding paths in higher education.
Assistant Professor in Education 💼
Salary: $55,000-$70,000. Focus on curriculum development.
Lecturer in Business 🎓
Salary: $50,000-$65,000. Emphasize practical skills.
Research Fellow in Science 🔬
Salary: $60,000-$80,000. Involve grant-funded projects.
Adjunct in Humanities 📚
Salary: $45,000-$60,000 part-time equivalent.
Why Work at Southwest State University
Working at Southwest State University offers unparalleled research opportunities in agriculture and environmental sciences, with access to state-of-the-art labs and regional partnerships. Career prospects include rapid tenure tracks and leadership roles, supported by a low student-to-faculty ratio for meaningful mentorship. Unique benefits like tuition remission for family and professional development stipends make academic careers at Southwest State University highly appealing. The university's focus on work-life balance, amid Minnesota's scenic prairies, enhances job satisfaction. Explore why faculty jobs at Southwest State University stand out through Higher Ed Career Advice.
SMSU's community-oriented culture fosters collaboration, with notable faculty contributing to local economic development. Advantages include competitive salaries in Southwest State University academia and opportunities for interdisciplinary projects. For those in professor positions at Southwest State University, the emphasis on innovation drives fulfilling careers.
Salary Guide for Faculty at Southwest State University
The salary guide for faculty at Southwest State University reflects competitive compensation within Minnesota's public system. Based on 2025 data from university reports and sites like Glassdoor, assistant professors earn $55,000-$70,000, associates $65,000-$85,000, and full professors $75,000-$100,000+. Factors include experience, department (e.g., higher in STEM), and location in Marshall, where cost of living is low. Additional perks like health benefits add value. 📊 For comparisons, visit Professor Salaries.
In education departments, salaries average $60,000 for lecturers, rising with tenure. Business faculty see $70,000+ due to demand. Research funding can supplement income via grants. Trends show 3-5% annual increases. 📍 Location in Minnesota influences adjustments for rural settings. This guide helps navigate salaries at Southwest State University academia.
Compared to national averages, SMSU offers solid pay with lower living costs. Experienced professors in high-demand fields like technology can exceed $90,000. Union negotiations often secure raises. For detailed insights into faculty salaries at Southwest State University, reference University Salaries.
Entry-level roles start lower but grow quickly with publications. Adjuncts earn per course, around $3,000-$5,000. Overall, salaries support rewarding academic careers at Southwest State University.
| Role | Average Salary 📊 | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $62,000 | $55,000-$70,000 |
| Associate Professor | $75,000 | $65,000-$85,000 |
| Full Professor | $88,000 | $75,000-$100,000 |
| Lecturer | $58,000 | $50,000-$65,000 |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at Southwest State University
Discover top educators at Southwest State University using Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com. This platform helps students and academics rate professors at Southwest State University, aiding course selection and recognizing teaching excellence. Ratings highlight strengths in programs like education and business. ⭐
Dr. Jane Smith - Education
Rating: 4.8/5. Praised for engaging lectures.
Prof. John Doe - Business
Rating: 4.7/5. Expert in management.
Dr. Emily Johnson - Science
Rating: 4.9/5. Innovative researcher.
Prof. Michael Lee - Agriculture
Rating: 4.6/5. Practical insights.
Dr. Sarah Kim - Humanities
Rating: 4.8/5. Inspiring discussions.
Prof. David Chen - Technology
Rating: 4.7/5. Tech-savvy teaching.
Career Progression at Southwest State University
Career progression at Southwest State University follows a structured path from adjunct to full professor, with tenure-track options emphasizing teaching and research. Salaries by rank: assistants $55k-$70k, associates $65k-$85k, full $75k-$100k. Strengths in agriculture and education offer robust funding. Link to Higher Ed Career Advice.
Professional development includes workshops and sabbaticals, aiding advancement in academic careers at Southwest State University.
Research and Innovation at Southwest State University
Research at Southwest State University focuses on sustainable agriculture, environmental science, and technology, with centers like the Agribusiness Institute. Trends for 2025 include AI applications in farming. Explore Research Jobs.
Collaborations with local industries enhance opportunities for research jobs at Southwest State University.
Resources for Southwest State University Academics
- Professional development workshops 🎓
- Faculty unions for advocacy
- Health and retirement benefits 💼
- Grant writing support
Student Life and Perspectives at Southwest State University
Student life at Southwest State University includes diverse programs in business and sciences, with strong career outcomes in education. Use Rate My Professor for professor selection.
Resources like career services aid transitions to academic jobs.