Southwest State University (SSU), located in Marshall, Minnesota, is a public university founded in 1963 as Southwest State College. It transitioned to university status in 1973 and is part of the Minnesota State system, serving around 4,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Nestled in the prairie lands of southwest Minnesota, SSU emphasizes practical, hands-on education tailored to regional needs like agriculture and healthcare. The campus spans 216 acres, featuring modern facilities including the R/A Facility for research in agribusiness and a performing arts center. Marshall, a city of about 13,000, offers affordable housing, with median home prices under $200,000, making it attractive for academics starting their careers.
Jobs at Southwest State University span faculty, staff, and administrative roles, contributing to its mission of accessible higher education. The university attracts professionals passionate about teaching in small class sizes (average 20 students) and engaging in community-driven research. With a student-faculty ratio of 17:1, positions here allow for meaningful mentorship and impact.
Career opportunities at SSU include tenure-track professor positions, adjunct lecturer roles, research assistants, postdoctoral researchers, and administrative jobs in areas like student services and HR. Faculty openings often focus on departments such as business, education, nursing, and sciences. For a full breakdown of university job types, including clinical research jobs and higher ed executive positions, explore our dedicated resource.
Tenure-track roles typically involve teaching, research, and service, while adjunct positions offer flexibility for those balancing multiple commitments. Administrative jobs support operations, from enrollment management to facilities, reflecting SSU's commitment to a supportive campus environment.
To help understand key terms related to jobs at Southwest State University:
Most faculty jobs at Southwest State University require a PhD in the relevant field, such as Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education for teaching roles or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) for health sciences. Lecturer positions may accept a master's degree with significant professional experience. Administrative roles often need a master's or higher in higher ed administration, business, or related areas. For research assistant jobs, a bachelor's or master's suffices, paired with lab or field experience.
SSU values credentials from accredited institutions, with preference for those holding Minnesota teaching licenses where applicable. International candidates must provide equivalency evaluations.
🔬 SSU prioritizes applied research addressing regional challenges. Key areas include sustainable agribusiness, rural healthcare delivery, environmental science, and teacher preparation for underserved communities. Expertise in grant-funded projects, data analysis, and interdisciplinary work is crucial. For instance, researchers in the agribusiness department collaborate on precision farming technologies, vital for Minnesota's $20 billion agriculture industry.
Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of tools like statistical software (e.g., R, SPSS) and experience publishing in journals like the Journal of Agricultural Education.
Employers at SSU seek candidates with 3-5 years of teaching or professional experience, including publications (2-5 peer-reviewed articles), grant awards, and conference presentations. Preferred skills include curriculum development, online teaching platforms like D2L, and student advising.
Core competencies encompass strong communication, cultural competency for diverse classrooms (SSU's student body is 15% minority), teamwork, and adaptability to hybrid learning. Technical skills in grant writing and program assessment enhance competitiveness.
The application process for jobs at Southwest State University begins with online submission through the Minnesota State Careers portal. Prepare a tailored CV highlighting teaching philosophy, research agenda, and service contributions. Include a cover letter addressing how your expertise aligns with SSU's mission.
Tip: Network via conferences or LinkedIn, and review employer branding secrets to understand institutional culture.
Southwest State University actively advances diversity through its Equity 2030 plan, aiming for inclusive hiring. Initiatives include bias training for search committees, mentorship for faculty of color, and the Diversity Leadership Council. In 2023, SSU increased underrepresented minority hires by 20%. Programs like the Multicultural Center support LGBTQ+ and first-generation scholars, fostering an environment where diverse perspectives enrich teaching and research.
⚖️ Employees at SSU enjoy robust work-life balance with 35-hour workweeks, generous PTO (25 days annually), and family leave policies. Wellness programs offer gym access and mental health support. Marshall's low cost of living (20% below national average) and safe community allow focus on career and family. Campus life buzzes with events like Mustang athletics, cultural festivals, and prairie trails for hiking. Proximity to Mankato (1 hour) provides urban amenities without big-city stress.
Faculty praise the collaborative atmosphere, with low bureaucracy enabling quick project launches.
SSU offers stable careers in a supportive setting, with competitive salaries (assistant professors ~$65,000-$75,000). For broader opportunities, browse higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post your profile via post a job. Discover lecturer paths in become a university lecturer or postdoc success tips.
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