LEC Jobs and Career Opportunities at Lake Erie College

Overview of Lake Erie College

Lake Erie College (LEC), located in Painesville, Ohio, is a private liberal arts institution founded in 1856 by Elizabeth L. Morgan as the first women's college in the Western Reserve. Originally focused on educating women, it transitioned to co-educational status in 1985, now serving a diverse student body of approximately 1,000 undergraduates and a small number of graduate students. Nestled along the shores of Lake Erie, the campus spans 260 acres, offering a picturesque setting that enhances both academic and extracurricular experiences. The college is renowned for its equestrian studies program, one of the oldest and most respected in the nation, alongside strengths in physician assistant studies, business, education, and environmental science.

Jobs at Lake Erie College attract professionals passionate about small-college environments where faculty and staff can make a tangible impact. With class sizes averaging 15 students, employees engage directly with learners, fostering personalized education. The institution emphasizes experiential learning, community engagement, and interdisciplinary approaches, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful careers in higher education.

Types of Jobs at Lake Erie College

Careers at Lake Erie College span faculty, administrative, and support roles. Faculty positions include tenure-track professors, lecturers, and adjunct professors in disciplines like equine science, biology, psychology, and business administration. Administrative jobs cover areas such as admissions, student affairs, finance, and human resources. Research assistant jobs support faculty projects, particularly in environmental and animal sciences. For a full breakdown, explore university job types.

• Faculty roles: Teaching-focused with opportunities for research.
• Staff positions: Operational support in residence life and athletics.
• Executive leadership: Deans and directors shaping college strategy.

The college prioritizes roles that align with its mission of leadership development and service, often posting openings on its career site and platforms like AcademicJobs.com.

Definitions

To understand jobs at Lake Erie College, key terms include:

• Tenure-track professor: A faculty member on a path to permanent employment after probationary period, involving teaching, research, and service.
• Adjunct professor: Part-time instructor hired per course, offering flexibility but less job security.
• Liberal arts college: An institution emphasizing broad education in humanities, sciences, and arts for well-rounded graduates.
• Equestrian studies: Academic program combining horsemanship, business, and science for careers in equine industry.

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

📊 For faculty jobs at Lake Erie College, a PhD in the relevant field is typically required for tenure-track positions, such as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biology for science roles or Doctor of Education (EdD) for education faculty. Master's degrees suffice for lecturer jobs or non-tenure lines.

Research focus varies by department. In equine science, expertise in animal physiology or equestrian management is essential. Environmental science roles emphasize sustainability studies tied to Lake Erie's ecosystem. Preferred experience includes peer-reviewed publications, grant funding from sources like the National Science Foundation, and teaching at small colleges.

Key skills and competencies:

• Strong communication for mentoring students.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration, e.g., equine faculty working with business departments.
• Adaptability to a rural Ohio setting near Cleveland.
• Commitment to student success, demonstrated by advising records.

Admin roles require bachelor's degrees minimum, with MBAs preferred for leadership. Experience in higher ed software like Banner is advantageous.

Application Process and Tips

The application process for jobs at Lake Erie College begins with monitoring the official careers page and sites like higher ed jobs listings. Submit a cover letter, CV or resume (tailored to LEC's values), transcripts, teaching philosophy statement, and three references. Interviews often include campus visits with teaching demos.

Actionable tips:

1. Research LEC's strategic plan, highlighting equine or liberal arts alignment.
2. Quantify achievements, e.g., "Mentored 50 students to 90% graduation rate."
3. Network via conferences or alumni events in Ohio.
4. Prepare for questions on diversity contributions.
5. Follow up post-interview with thank-you notes.

Use free resources like our free resume template and free cover letter template to stand out.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

🌍 Lake Erie College champions diversity through the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, offering scholarships for underrepresented students and faculty development workshops. Examples include the annual Diversity Leadership Conference and partnerships with organizations like the Ohio Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs. Hiring practices prioritize inclusive excellence, with training on bias reduction. The student body reflects 25% students of color, and initiatives aim to mirror this in staff.

Work-Life Balance and Campus Life

🏞️ Work-life balance at Lake Erie College benefits from its small size and scenic location. Employees enjoy flexible schedules, wellness programs, and tuition remission for dependents. Campus life includes equestrian events, Lake Erie trails for hiking, and cultural proximity to Cleveland's museums. Painesville offers a low cost of living, community events, and a supportive atmosphere. Faculty often praise the collaborative environment and student-faculty ratio of 11:1, allowing time for personal pursuits.

Perks include health insurance, retirement matching, and professional development funds. The college closes for major holidays and supports remote work where feasible.

Career Advancement and Professional Growth

LEC invests in employee growth via sabbaticals for faculty, leadership academies, and funding for conferences. Many advance from adjunct to full-time roles. Salaries competitive for region: assistant professors ~$60K-$70K, per professor salaries data.

Link careers to broader paths via higher ed career advice, such as employer branding secrets or becoming a lecturer.

Summary

Jobs at Lake Erie College offer rewarding opportunities in a historic Ohio setting. Explore higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job to connect with talent.