Huston-Tillotson University, located in the heart of Austin, Texas, stands as a beacon of higher education with a rich legacy. This private historically black university (HBCU) serves a diverse student body, emphasizing liberal arts, professional programs, and community engagement. Founded through the merger of Huston College (established 1876 by the Texas Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church) and Tillotson College (founded 1881 by the American Missionary Association), it became Huston-Tillotson College in 1952 and transitioned to university status in recent years. Nestled in Austin's vibrant east side, the campus offers proximity to tech hubs, cultural landmarks, and the University of Texas at Austin, making it an attractive spot for academic professionals.
Jobs at Huston-Tillotson University span faculty, administration, and support roles, attracting educators passionate about teaching underrepresented students. The institution's small size—around 1,000 students—fosters close-knit communities where faculty can make a direct impact. With a focus on undergraduate education and select graduate programs, opportunities here blend teaching, research, and service.
The history of Huston-Tillotson University is intertwined with the struggle for educational access in the post-Civil War South. Huston College began as a seminary for freedmen, while Tillotson focused on industrial education. Their 1952 merger symbolized unity in advancing Black higher education. Today, the university's mission centers on developing leaders through academic excellence, spiritual growth, and social responsibility, guided by United Church of Christ and United Methodist Church affiliations.
This heritage shapes jobs at the university, prioritizing candidates committed to inclusive education. Faculty often engage in mentorship programs that echo the founders' vision of empowerment.
Huston-Tillotson University offers bachelor's degrees in fields like business administration, education, kinesiology, psychology, English, history, biology, chemistry, computer science, and music. Master's programs include kinesiology and curriculum and instruction. Key departments include the School of Business and Technology, School of Education and Kinesiology, School of Huston-Tillotson Liberal Arts, and School of Science and Technology.
Job openings frequently arise in these areas, particularly in education and STEM, reflecting Austin's growing tech scene. For instance, the business department seeks faculty to teach entrepreneurship courses tailored to minority-owned businesses.
Careers here include tenure-track professors, adjunct lecturers, department chairs, deans, research assistants, administrative staff like admissions counselors and HR specialists, and support roles in IT and facilities. Teaching positions dominate, with loads of 12-15 credit hours per semester. Administrative jobs focus on student success and retention. For more on types of positions available, explore common higher ed roles.
To understand jobs at Huston-Tillotson University, key terms include:
For faculty jobs at Huston-Tillotson University, a PhD or EdD in the relevant field is standard for tenure-track roles. Master's degrees suffice for lecturers or adjuncts. Administrative positions require bachelor's plus experience; senior roles like dean need doctorates. Certifications matter in education (e.g., Texas teacher certification) and counseling.
Examples: Biology professor needs PhD in biology; business instructor requires MBA or PhD in business administration.
Research aligns with the university's mission, emphasizing areas like urban education, health disparities in African American communities, sustainable business practices, and STEM for minorities. Faculty are encouraged to pursue grants from NSF or private foundations. Expertise in community-based participatory research is valued, given Austin's diverse population.
Current foci include kinesiology studies on student athlete performance and social sciences on racial equity.
Candidates with 3+ years teaching at minority-serving institutions, peer-reviewed publications (aim for 5+), grant writing success (e.g., $50K+ awards), and leadership in professional organizations stand out. Experience mentoring first-generation students or in online teaching is advantageous post-pandemic.
Essential skills include strong communication, cultural competence, technology proficiency (e.g., Canvas LMS), data analysis for assessment, and collaboration. Competencies like adaptability to small-class teaching and commitment to student success are key. Soft skills: empathy, leadership, time management.
Applications go through the university's HR portal or Interfolio. Submit CV, cover letter highlighting mission fit, teaching philosophy, transcripts, and three references. Interviews involve teaching demos and committee meetings.
Actionable tips:
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As an HBCU, Huston-Tillotson prioritizes diversity. Initiatives include the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, faculty search committees trained in bias reduction, partnerships with UNCF for minority recruitment, and employee resource groups for Black, Hispanic, and LGBTQ+ staff. In 2023, 70% of new hires were from underrepresented groups. Programs like cultural competency workshops support inclusive environments.
Austin's location offers live music, outdoor activities, and tech vibrancy, balancing academic life. The university provides flexible scheduling, generous PTO (20 days/year), sabbaticals every 7 years, tuition remission for dependents, and wellness programs including gym access and counseling. Campus life features faculty-staff mixers, Austin City Limits proximity, and a family-like atmosphere. Employees praise the supportive culture amid Texas's low cost of living relative to salaries.
Challenges: Heavy teaching loads, but offset by small classes and student engagement opportunities.
Joining Huston-Tillotson means contributing to transformative education in a dynamic city. With growing enrollment and expansion plans, opportunities abound. Explore higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com. Check insights on becoming a university lecturer or employer branding.
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