Southwestern Christian College, located in Terrell, Texas, was a private Historically Black College and University (HBCU) affiliated with the Churches of Christ. Established to provide Christian higher education to African American students, it offered associate and bachelor's degrees in fields like Biblical Studies, Business Administration, Elementary Education, General Studies, and Liberal Arts. Although the institution closed its doors in May 2016 after 67 years of service due to declining enrollment and financial difficulties, understanding jobs at Southwestern Christian College offers valuable insights into career paths at similar small, faith-based liberal arts colleges. These positions emphasized teaching, mentoring, and spiritual development over large-scale research, making them ideal for educators passionate about holistic student growth.
Jobs at Southwestern Christian College typically fell into faculty, administrative, and support categories. Faculty members delivered instruction in small classes, often integrating biblical principles. Administrative roles managed operations in a close-knit environment, while support staff handled student services and facilities. Salaries were modest, aligned with small private colleges, often supplemented by housing or mission-driven fulfillment. For those seeking similar opportunities today, explore community college jobs or higher ed faculty positions at Christian institutions.
Founded in 1949 by members of the Churches of Christ, Southwestern Christian College (SCC) was the first HBCU sponsored by this denomination. It began as a junior college and expanded to four-year programs, serving generations of students with a curriculum rooted in Christian values. The campus spanned 132 acres, fostering a family-like atmosphere. By the 2010s, challenges like reduced funding and competition from larger universities led to its closure announcement in 2015, with final classes ending in 2016.
Throughout its history, employment at SCC reflected its mission. Early jobs focused on Bible professors and administrators from the Churches of Christ network. Peak enrollment around 300 students supported about 50 full-time staff. Positions evolved with accreditation needs, requiring qualified educators. The legacy endures through alumni in ministry and education, influencing job markets at other faith-based schools. Historical job postings highlighted commitment to Christian doctrine, teaching excellence, and community service.
Faculty positions dominated, including professors of Biblical Studies, where instructors taught scripture interpretation and church history; Business Administration faculty covered accounting and management with ethical emphases; and Elementary Education roles prepared future teachers for Christian schools. Administrative jobs like Dean of Students, Registrar, and Development Director managed enrollment, finances, and fundraising. Support roles included librarians, counselors, and maintenance staff.
Tenure-track positions were rare due to size; most were renewable contracts. Adjuncts taught part-time, often evenings. For a deeper dive into university job types, including lecturer jobs and professor roles similar to those at SCC, visit our guide. These positions suited candidates valuing faith integration over high research output.
To fully grasp jobs at Southwestern Christian College, key terms include:
Positions demanded specific qualifications tailored to a faith-based, teaching-oriented environment.
Required Academic Qualifications: Faculty needed at least a master's degree in the relevant field; PhD preferred for upper-level courses. For Biblical Studies, a theology degree from a Churches of Christ-affiliated seminary was standard. Admin roles required bachelor's plus experience.
Research Focus or Expertise Needed: Minimal research emphasis; expertise in practical applications, like Bible exegesis or pedagogy for underserved students, was prioritized over publications.
Preferred Experience: 3-5 years teaching, especially at HBCUs or Christian colleges; ministry involvement; student recruitment success. Grants for faith-based programs were bonuses.
Skills and Competencies:
Candidates demonstrated these through portfolios and interviews. See tips for excelling in academic roles.
Applications involved submitting a CV, cover letter, transcripts, references, and statement of faith to HR or department heads. Interviews included teaching demos and doctrinal discussions. Campus visits assessed fit.
Actionable tips:
For current openings, check lecturer jobs or professor jobs.
As an HBCU, SCC championed diversity by prioritizing African American faculty and students, with 90% Black enrollment. Initiatives included scholarships for minorities, cultural events like Black History Month chapels, and partnerships with Churches of Christ for inclusive leadership training. Women held key roles, like deans. The college fostered belonging through mentorship programs addressing racial and faith intersections, setting a model for small institutions.
SCC's rural Texas setting promoted balance with low commute times and communal meals. Faculty enjoyed flexible schedules around chapel (daily worship) and small classes (15-20 students), allowing deep mentoring. Benefits included health insurance, retirement via church plans, and on-campus housing. Campus life revolved around faith events, sports, and family picnics, creating supportive networks. Challenges like limited resources built resilience. Employees thrived in mission-driven roles, similar to today's remote higher ed jobs with community focus.
While Southwestern Christian College no longer operates, its jobs exemplified dedicated service in Christian higher education. Explore current higher ed jobs, career advice, university jobs, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com for similar paths. Visit administration jobs or research assistant jobs for opportunities echoing SCC's legacy.
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