Tougaloo College, located in Tougaloo just north of Jackson, Mississippi, stands as one of the nation's oldest historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Founded in 1869, it has a rich legacy of providing quality higher education to African American students during times of segregation. Today, it serves a diverse student body of approximately 850 undergraduates, offering a liberal arts education rooted in the United Church of Christ tradition. The college is renowned for its small class sizes, personalized attention, and commitment to academic excellence, preparing students for leadership roles in various fields.
Jobs at Tougaloo College attract professionals passionate about teaching, research, and community impact. Whether you're seeking faculty positions, administrative roles, or support staff opportunities, the institution values dedication to student success and social justice. Its proximity to Jackson provides access to urban amenities while maintaining a serene campus environment.
Tougaloo College began as a seminary and industrial school established by the American Missionary Association to educate freed slaves post-Civil War. By 1876, it evolved into a full liberal arts college. It played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement, hosting key figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and serving as a training ground for activists such as Medgar Evers. This history shapes its mission: to provide education grounded in Christian values, fostering intellectual growth, ethical leadership, and service to humanity.
The college's enduring commitment to empowerment influences its hiring practices, prioritizing candidates who align with its goals of equity and excellence. Understanding this background is essential for tailoring applications to jobs at Tougaloo College.
Tougaloo offers bachelor's degrees in over 25 majors across schools of Arts and Humanities, Business and Social Sciences, Education, Natural Sciences, and Fine Arts. Popular programs include biology, chemistry, English, history, mass communications, and computer science. The college emphasizes undergraduate research, with students presenting at national conferences.
Faculty jobs often involve teaching in these departments, where instructors engage small cohorts (average class size 15-20). Explore university job types to see how roles like professor or lecturer fit here.
Career opportunities span tenure-track faculty, adjunct professors, department chairs, librarians, counselors, IT specialists, and maintenance staff. Faculty positions dominate, with openings in STEM, humanities, and education. Administrative jobs include dean roles and HR positions. For remote options, check remote higher ed jobs.
Recent postings highlight needs in nursing education and environmental science, reflecting Mississippi's regional demands.
For faculty jobs at Tougaloo College, a PhD in the relevant field is standard for tenure-track roles, while a master's suffices for adjunct or lecturer positions. For example, biology professors need a doctorate in biology or related biochemistry. Administrative roles like academic deans require advanced degrees plus leadership experience. Certifications matter in education and counseling positions, such as teaching licensure for education faculty.
Learn more about higher ed faculty jobs requirements across institutions.
Tougaloo prioritizes research addressing societal issues, particularly in African American studies, public health, environmental justice, and STEM equity. Expertise in grant-funded projects from NSF or NIH is valued. Faculty often collaborate on community-based research in Jackson's underserved areas, like health disparities or education reform.
Candidates with publications in peer-reviewed journals and experience mentoring underrepresented students stand out. See research jobs for similar opportunities.
Employers seek 3-5 years of teaching experience, peer-reviewed publications (2-5 for assistant professors), and grant-writing success. Experience at HBCUs or minority-serving institutions is a plus. For admin roles, prior management in higher ed is key.
Essential skills include strong communication, cultural competence, digital literacy for online teaching, and data analysis for research. Competencies like collaborative teamwork, ethical decision-making, and adaptability to diverse learners are crucial. Proficiency in tools like Blackboard LMS and statistical software (e.g., SPSS) enhances candidacy.
Soft skills such as empathy and leadership align with Tougaloo's nurturing environment. Check how to write a winning academic CV for tips.
To apply for jobs at Tougaloo College, visit the official careers page or Handshake portal. Submit a cover letter, CV, transcripts, three references, and a diversity statement. Interviews often include teaching demos and campus visits.
Actionable tips:
Tougaloo's Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion runs programs like the Multicultural Affairs Center, annual MLK celebrations, and bias training workshops. Faculty hires prioritize diverse candidates, with initiatives like the Tougaloo Scholars Program supporting underrepresented groups. The college partners with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund for retention efforts.
The campus fosters balance with flexible schedules, wellness programs, and family-friendly policies. Employees enjoy 25-acre lakeside views, fitness centers, and events like jazz festivals. Jackson's affordability (cost of living 15% below national average) aids retention. Professional development includes sabbaticals and tuition remission for dependents. Proximity to the Mississippi Coliseum and museums enriches off-campus life.
HBCU (Historically Black College or University): Institutions founded before 1964 primarily to educate African Americans, now open to all but focused on diverse excellence.
Tenure-track: Academic positions leading to permanent employment after review, offering job security for research and teaching.
DEI: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts to create fair environments.
Tougaloo offers meaningful impact in a historic setting. Salaries competitive for region ($55K-$90K for faculty), with benefits like health insurance and retirement matching. For more opportunities, visit higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post your profile via post a job. Connect with AcademicJobs.com for tailored alerts.
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