Misericordia University, often abbreviated as MU, is a private Catholic institution located in Dallas, Pennsylvania, a small borough in Luzerne County near Wilkes-Barre. Nestled in the scenic Endless Mountains region, the university spans a beautiful 123-acre campus that provides a peaceful setting for learning and work. Founded in 1924 by the Sisters of Mercy, MU has grown into a respected liberal arts university offering over 60 undergraduate and graduate programs. With approximately 2,100 undergraduate and 800 graduate students, it maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, fostering close-knit academic communities.
The university's Franciscan heritage emphasizes mercy, service, and justice, shaping its approach to education and employment. Jobs at Misericordia University attract professionals passionate about higher education in a supportive environment. Positions range from teaching faculty to administrative leaders, with a focus on health sciences like nursing, physical therapy (PT), and occupational therapy (OT), where MU holds strong regional rankings.
Misericordia University began as College Misericordia, established by the Franciscan Sisters of Dallas to educate women in the Mercy tradition. In 1989, it became coeducational, and in 2007, it transitioned to university status amid expanding graduate offerings. Key milestones include the 2010 opening of the Pauly Friedman Learning Center and growth in online programs. The mission, rooted in Catholic Franciscan values, prioritizes academic excellence, ethical leadership, and community service, influencing hiring for roles that align with these principles.
This history informs jobs at Misericordia University, where employees contribute to a legacy of compassionate education. Faculty and staff often engage in service-learning initiatives, integrating real-world impact into their work.
MU's programs span the Colleges of Health Science & Education, Business, Liberal Arts & Interdisciplinary Studies, and Nursing. Popular majors include nursing (BSN, MSN), PT (DPT), OT (OTD), business administration, and education. The university invests in STEM and health fields, with recent expansions in physician assistant studies.
Hiring occurs regularly in these departments. For example, the nursing department seeks faculty with clinical expertise, while business hires for accounting and management roles. Explore higher ed faculty jobs for openings.
Jobs at Misericordia University include tenure-track faculty, adjunct instructors, administrative positions, and support staff. Faculty roles dominate, with openings in sciences, humanities, and professional programs. Administrative jobs cover admissions, student affairs, and HR. Research assistant positions support grants in health sciences.
Common categories:
Adjunct professor: A part-time instructor hired on a course-by-course basis, often without tenure, to teach specific classes at universities like MU.
Tenure-track faculty: Full-time professors on a path to permanent employment after review of teaching, research, and service.
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT): A doctoral degree required for clinical PT practice, common for MU faculty hires.
Grant writing: The process of preparing proposals to secure funding for research projects from government or private sources.
Faculty positions typically require a PhD, EdD, or terminal degree (e.g., DNP for nursing, DPT for physical therapy). Administrative roles need a master's minimum, with PhDs preferred for senior positions. Teaching experience at the college level is essential, often 3+ years. Licensure is mandatory for clinical roles, such as RN for nursing faculty.
Entry-level research jobs may accept master's holders with relevant lab experience. All candidates must demonstrate alignment with MU's Catholic mission.
MU emphasizes applied research in health professions. Expertise in rehabilitation sciences, gerontology, and community health is sought. Faculty engage in projects like interprofessional education and rural health studies, funded by NIH and foundations. Publications in peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations are expected. See research jobs for similar opportunities.
Preferred experience includes 5+ years teaching, publications (3-5 per year for tenure-track), and grant funding. Skills encompass curriculum development, student mentoring, data analysis, and online teaching proficiency (e.g., Canvas LMS).
To apply for jobs at Misericordia University, visit the careers page on their website, submit a letter of interest, CV, transcripts, and three references via the online portal. Interviews involve teaching demos and mission fit discussions.
Actionable tips:
Misericordia University champions diversity through the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, hosting events like Martin Luther King Jr. celebrations and LGBTQ+ ally training. The Sisters of Mercy legacy promotes social justice, with targeted recruitment for underrepresented faculty. Examples include the Multicultural Student Union support and scholarships for first-generation students. MU's strategic plan prioritizes inclusive excellence in hiring.
The Dallas, PA campus offers a family-like atmosphere with wellness centers, hiking trails, and employee assistance programs. Flexible scheduling, generous PTO (20+ days), and tuition remission for dependents enhance balance. Faculty enjoy sabbaticals every 7 years. Community events like family days and wellness challenges foster camaraderie. Proximity to Pocono Mountains provides outdoor recreation, ideal for Pennsylvania-based professionals.
MU combines small-class teaching with impactful research in a supportive community. Competitive salaries, professional development, and mission-driven work attract talent. Located in the United States' Northeast, it offers affordable living in Pennsylvania.
In summary, jobs at Misericordia University provide fulfilling careers. Check higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com for more opportunities.
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