Wofford College, located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, is a selective four-year liberal arts college founded in 1854. With an enrollment of approximately 1,800 undergraduates, it emphasizes close student-faculty interactions, interdisciplinary learning, and a rigorous curriculum. Affiliated with the United Methodist Church, Wofford fosters a community grounded in ethical leadership and global citizenship. The college's campus spans 200 acres, featuring historic buildings and modern facilities like the Spartanburg Science Center. Jobs at Wofford College attract professionals passionate about undergraduate education in a supportive environment.
The institution ranks highly among liberal arts colleges, known for high graduation rates (85%) and strong alumni outcomes, with 95% employed or in graduate school within six months. Its study abroad program, sending nearly 70% of students overseas, underscores a global focus that influences faculty roles in international education.
Established by Reverend William Wofford, the college opened its doors in 1854 as one of the South's first institutions of higher learning. It survived the Civil War, evolving into a leader in liberal arts education. Key milestones include the 1940s integration as one of the first Southern colleges to admit African American students and the 1990s expansion of STEM facilities. This history shapes jobs at Wofford College, prioritizing traditions like the "Honor Code" and residential life, where faculty live on or near campus to mentor students.
Today, Wofford's commitment to the liberal arts means careers here involve holistic teaching, research with undergraduates, and community engagement. The college's evolution from a small seminary to a top-tier liberal arts institution offers stable, meaningful positions for educators dedicated to small-class teaching.
Wofford offers 45 majors and minors across humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and fine arts. Popular departments include Biology, Business Economics, Computer Science, English, Government, History, and Psychology. Faculty jobs often require expertise in these areas, with opportunities in interdisciplinary programs like Environmental Studies and Neuroscience.
The college's 3-2 engineering program with Clemson University and Washington University creates unique roles for advisors and liaisons. For those interested in professor jobs, Wofford emphasizes teaching over research, with class sizes averaging 16 students.
Careers at Wofford span faculty, administration, and staff. Tenure-track professors teach 12-15 credits per semester, advise students, and conduct research. Adjunct and visiting lecturer positions offer flexibility. Administrative roles in admissions, advancement, and student life require experience in higher ed operations. Research assistant jobs support faculty projects, ideal for postdocs or grad students. Explore university job types for details on these roles.
Liberal Arts College: An undergraduate institution focusing on broad education in humanities, sciences, and social sciences, emphasizing critical thinking over vocational training.
Tenure-Track Position: A faculty role leading to permanent employment after review, typically requiring teaching, research, and service.
Interfolio: An online platform for academic job applications, used by Wofford for dossier submission.
For faculty jobs at Wofford College, a PhD or terminal degree in the relevant field is required (e.g., PhD in Chemistry for sciences, MFA for arts). Research focus should align with undergraduate mentorship, such as collaborative projects in Biology or Economics. Preferred experience includes 2-5 years teaching, peer-reviewed publications (3+ for assistant professor), and grants from NSF or private foundations.
Key skills: Strong communication, curriculum development, student advising. Competencies include cultural sensitivity, digital literacy for hybrid teaching, and leadership in committees. Administrative roles need bachelor's plus 5+ years experience, with skills in data analysis for enrollment management.
The application process starts on Wofford's careers page or higher ed jobs listings. Submit via Interfolio: cover letter (1 page, tailored to liberal arts), CV, teaching statement, research agenda, diversity statement, and 3 references. Interviews include campus visits with teaching demos.
Tips: Research Wofford's "City of London Project" for business roles. Network at AHA or ASA conferences. Customize for South Carolina context, highlighting regional ties. Follow up post-interview. Prepare for questions on inclusive teaching.
Wofford prioritizes diversity through the Success Center for First-Generation Students, Black Cultural Center, and LGBTQ+ programming. The college's strategic plan aims for 25% underrepresented faculty by 2030. Hiring includes blind review stages and partnerships with HBCUs. Examples: Annual Diversity Fellows program and training on implicit bias.
Wofford supports balance with 4-day teaching loads for faculty, sabbaticals every 6 years, and parental leave. Campus life features 120+ clubs, Division I athletics (Terriers), and events like the Village Fair. Spartanburg offers arts at Chapman Cultural Center, trails, and low cost of living ($45K median home). Proximity to Asheville (1 hour) aids recreation. Staff enjoy wellness programs and tuition benefits for children.
The residential college model means faculty dine with students, fostering mentorship but requiring availability. Summers allow research travel, with funding support.
Jobs at Wofford College offer rewarding opportunities in a vibrant liberal arts setting. From higher ed jobs to faculty roles, the college values teaching excellence and community. Check higher ed career advice for preparation, explore university jobs, or post a job if recruiting. With strong benefits and Spartanburg's charm, it's ideal for academics seeking impact.
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