The University of Mary Washington (UMW), located in Fredericksburg, Virginia, is a public liberal arts institution renowned for its commitment to undergraduate education, small class sizes, and a supportive community. Jobs at University of Mary Washington span faculty, staff, and administrative roles, offering opportunities to contribute to a dynamic academic environment focused on teaching excellence and student success. Whether you're seeking tenure-track positions, adjunct teaching gigs, or support roles in student services, UMW provides a range of careers in higher education.
Founded in 1908, UMW has grown into a respected university with about 4,000 students across its main campus in historic Fredericksburg and satellite locations in Stafford County. Its emphasis on liberal arts means jobs here often involve interdisciplinary collaboration, research mentorship for undergraduates, and community engagement. For those interested in higher ed jobs, UMW stands out for its work-life balance and proximity to Washington, D.C., just 50 miles south.
UMW began as the State Normal School for women, evolving into Mary Washington College in 1938 and gaining university status in 2004 when it became co-educational. This history shapes its job landscape, prioritizing innovative teaching and historic preservation—its campus includes National Historic Landmarks like the James Monroe Museum site. The mission centers on fostering intellectual inquiry, ethical reasoning, and civic responsibility, influencing roles from professors guiding capstone projects to administrators managing sustainability initiatives.
Today, jobs at University of Mary Washington reflect this legacy, with a focus on colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, and Education. Faculty positions often require engagement in undergraduate research, while staff roles support residential life in one of Virginia's safest college towns.
UMW hires across categories like faculty (professors, lecturers), research staff, and administration. Tenure-track jobs emphasize teaching loads of 3-3 or 2-3 courses per semester, plus advising. Adjunct roles offer flexibility for part-timers. For a full breakdown, see university job types.
Recent openings have included assistant professors in psychology and IT specialists, aligning with UMW's strategic plan for digital innovation.
To understand jobs at University of Mary Washington fully, here are essential terms:
Jobs at University of Mary Washington demand rigorous qualifications tailored to liberal arts teaching.
Faculty positions typically require a PhD or terminal degree (e.g., MFA for arts) in the relevant field. For lecturer roles, a master's may suffice with substantial teaching experience. Administrative jobs often need a bachelor's plus specialized certifications like in HR or IT.
UMW prioritizes pedagogically oriented research. Expertise in areas like geographic information systems (GIS) for geography faculty or trauma studies in psychology aligns with centers like the Women’s Leadership Center. Interdisciplinary work, such as combining business with environmental policy, is encouraged.
Candidates with peer-reviewed publications (e.g., 3-5 articles), grant funding from NSF or private foundations, and prior teaching at similar institutions excel. Experience with diverse student bodies or online/hybrid instruction is a plus, given UMW's recent expansions.
These ensure hires contribute to UMW's student-centered ethos.
Applying for jobs at University of Mary Washington involves these steps:
Tips: Customize for UMW's liberal arts focus—emphasize student mentorship. Use resources like how to write a winning academic CV. Network at conferences; apply early as searches close quickly. For lecturer paths, review become a university lecturer.
UMW actively promotes equity through the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, offering training, affinity groups for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC staff, and the James Farmer Multicultural Center. Recent efforts include bias training for hires and targeted recruitment via HBCU partnerships. In 2023, UMW increased underrepresented faculty by 15%, fostering inclusive campuses where jobs emphasize cultural responsiveness.
Fredericksburg's setting blends urban access with rural charm—think Rappahannock River trails and Civil War sites. UMW supports balance with generous PTO (20+ days/year), parental leave, EAP counseling, and fitness centers. Faculty enjoy sabbaticals every 6 years; staff get tuition remission for dependents. Campus events like Fall Arts and community barbecues build camaraderie. Proximity to D.C. aids networking, while low cost of living (median home $350K) enhances appeal. Remote-hybrid options exist for some admin roles, per remote higher ed jobs.
UMW offers competitive salaries (assistant prof ~$70K-$80K), growth in a tight-knit community (faculty-student ratio 13:1), and impact on Virginia higher ed. For research support, see research jobs; for admin, administration jobs.
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