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Overview of Thomas Aquinas College

Thomas Aquinas College is a private Catholic liberal arts college renowned for its unique Great Books curriculum. Located in the picturesque town of Santa Paula, California, nestled in the Los Padres National Forest, the college provides a serene environment for intellectual and spiritual growth. Founded in 1971, it emphasizes the pursuit of truth through reading the greatest works of Western civilization, discussed in small Socratic seminars. With approximately 400 students, the college fosters a close-knit community where faculty, known as tutors, play a pivotal role in shaping young minds.

The institution's commitment to classical education attracts educators passionate about philosophy, theology, mathematics, natural science, and literature. Jobs at Thomas Aquinas College appeal to those seeking meaningful careers in higher ed faculty roles, away from large research universities. The California campus, the original and primary site, benefits from its location near Ventura County, offering a balance of rural tranquility and proximity to Los Angeles.

History of Thomas Aquinas College

Established in 1971 by a group of Catholic educators inspired by the liberal arts tradition, Thomas Aquinas College opened its doors with a vision to revive classical education in the spirit of St. Thomas Aquinas. The founders drew from models like St. John's College but integrated a strong Catholic intellectual tradition. Over the decades, the college has grown modestly, opening a second campus in Northfield, Massachusetts, in 1991 to meet demand. Key milestones include accreditation by the WASC Senior College and University Commission since 1979 and consistent recognition for its rigorous curriculum.

In Santa Paula, the college has become a cultural anchor, hosting events like public lectures and concerts. Its history reflects resilience, navigating financial challenges through donor support and alumni loyalty. Today, it stands as a beacon for orthodox Catholic higher education, influencing similar institutions worldwide.

Academic Programs and Environment

The hallmark of Thomas Aquinas College is its integrated four-year curriculum, where all students study the same texts—from Homer and Euclid to Shakespeare and Einstein—without majors or electives. Classes are seminar-based, encouraging active participation and dialogue. Tutors teach across disciplines, fostering interdisciplinary thinking. This approach prepares students for graduate studies, law, medicine, and priesthood, with alumni attending top programs like Notre Dame and Harvard.

For professionals, this environment means dynamic teaching without specialization silos. Explore how to become a university lecturer in such settings for insights into seminar teaching.

Job Opportunities at Thomas Aquinas College

Career paths include tutor positions in humanities, mathematics, natural sciences, and theology; administrative roles in admissions, advancement, and student life; and support staff in facilities and library. Tutor jobs involve teaching 15-18 hours weekly, advising students, and participating in campus governance. Administrative positions support the college's mission, often requiring alignment with Catholic values.

Current openings are posted on the college website, focusing on long-term commitments. For an overview of university job types, including adjunct and full-time roles, check our resource page. Positions emphasize teaching over research, ideal for educators prioritizing mentorship.

Definitions

• Great Books Program: A curriculum centered on primary sources of Western thought, read in full rather than textbooks, promoting direct engagement with authors like Plato (The Republic) and Aquinas (Summa Theologiae).
• Socratic Method: A teaching technique using questioning to stimulate critical thinking and illuminate ideas, named after Socrates, central to all classes at the college.
• Tutor: Faculty member who facilitates discussions rather than lectures, teaching all four years without tenure tracks in traditional sense.
• Liberal Arts: Classical education in grammar, logic, rhetoric, arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy, extended to philosophy and theology here.

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

To qualify for tutor positions, candidates typically need a PhD or equivalent advanced degree in philosophy, theology, mathematics, literature, or sciences. A strong background in classical texts is essential; for example, familiarity with Aristotle's Physics or Boethius' Consolation of Philosophy.

Research focus is on liberal arts scholarship, such as Thomistic philosophy or Euclidean geometry applications. Preferred experience includes teaching seminars, publications in journals like The Thomist, or grants from Catholic foundations. Skills include masterful Socratic questioning, patience in guiding discussions, and interdisciplinary synthesis. Competencies encompass public speaking, writing philosophical analyses, and living Catholic doctrine coherently.

Administrative roles require bachelor's degrees plus experience in higher ed operations. See research assistant tips adaptable to liberal arts contexts.

📋 Application Process and Tips

1. Review openings on the college's careers page.
2. Prepare a CV highlighting teaching and classical studies.
3. Write a cover letter articulating mission fit.
4. Submit a statement of faith affirming Catholic teachings.
5. Provide three references from academic or ecclesiastical sources.
6. Prepare for interviews with a mock seminar.

Tips: Tailor materials to the Great Books approach; demonstrate enthusiasm for Socratic teaching. Network at conferences like those by the Association for Core Texts. Use our free resume template and cover letter template. Apply early, as positions fill slowly but selectively.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

Thomas Aquinas College promotes diversity within its Catholic identity, welcoming orthodox believers from varied ethnic, national, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Initiatives include scholarships for underrepresented Catholic students, recruitment from diverse dioceses, and family support programs. The community reflects global Catholicism, with tutors from the US, Europe, and Latin America. Events like cultural feasts foster inclusion while upholding doctrinal unity.

⚖️ Work-Life Balance and Campus Life

Work-life balance is prioritized through a supportive community. Tutors enjoy summers for reading and family, modest teaching loads, and spiritual retreats. Campus life revolves around daily Mass, communal meals, and outdoor activities like hiking Rincon Peak. Families thrive with on-campus housing options and schools nearby. Santa Paula's mild climate and avocado orchards enhance quality of life. Employees report high satisfaction from meaningful work and friendships formed in pursuit of wisdom.

Why Choose Jobs at Thomas Aquinas College?

Joining Thomas Aquinas College means contributing to timeless education in a faith-filled setting. Whether pursuing lecturer jobs or professor jobs, the college offers purpose beyond pay. Explore more higher ed jobs, career advice, university jobs, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com. For faculty insights, read about employer branding in higher education.