Rhodes College, a prestigious liberal arts institution located in Memphis, Tennessee, offers a range of compelling career opportunities for academics, administrators, and support staff. Nestled in the vibrant Mid-South region of the United States, this college attracts professionals passionate about undergraduate education, interdisciplinary research, and community engagement. With its rich history and commitment to excellence, jobs at Rhodes College provide a chance to contribute to a close-knit academic community of about 2,000 students.
The college's campus, spanning 100 acres, blends historic charm with modern facilities, creating an inspiring environment for teaching and learning. Professionals seeking higher ed jobs will find roles that emphasize mentoring young scholars in small class sizes, typically 15-20 students, fostering deep intellectual connections.
Founded in 1848 as the Presbyterian Church's first college in the trans-Appalachian South, Rhodes College has evolved into a leading liberal arts powerhouse. Originally named Southwest Presbyterian College, it relocated to Memphis in 1925 and adopted its current name in honor of philanthropist Allen Rhodes. Today, it maintains ties to the Presbyterian Church (USA) while embracing a diverse, inclusive ethos.
This history shapes its job landscape, prioritizing faculty who value the liberal arts tradition. Over 170 years, Rhodes has produced notable alumni like journalist Bill Moyers and produced Fulbright scholars annually. For those interested in university jobs, understanding this legacy highlights the emphasis on holistic education and ethical leadership.
The college's evolution reflects broader trends in higher education, adapting to include STEM initiatives alongside humanities, making it an attractive employer for versatile academics.
Rhodes College posts a variety of openings, from tenure-track faculty to administrative leadership. Common roles include:
For a deeper dive into university job types, including faculty and admin distinctions, our guide provides comprehensive overviews. Tenure-track positions often involve a 3-2 teaching load, research, and service commitments, ideal for those balancing scholarship and pedagogy.
To secure faculty jobs at Rhodes College, candidates typically need a terminal degree: a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or equivalent in the relevant field for tenure-track roles. For lecturer positions, a master's may suffice with exceptional experience.
Rhodes emphasizes undergraduate research, so expertise in areas like neuroscience, environmental studies, or ancient Mediterranean studies aligns well. The college's Buckman Center for International Education supports global research, favoring candidates with international experience.
Employers seek 3-5 years of teaching, peer-reviewed publications (2-5 minimum for assistant professors), and grant-writing success. Experience mentoring diverse students or interdisciplinary work is highly valued.
These align with liberal arts demands, preparing candidates for holistic roles.
The application process begins on the official Rhodes College careers page (rhodes.edu/careers). Submit a cover letter, CV, teaching statement, research agenda, and three references. Interviews often include campus visits with teaching demos.
Actionable tips:
Deadlines vary; tenure-track searches peak in fall. Prepare for questions on diversity contributions. For CV advice, check how to write a winning academic CV.
Rhodes College actively promotes diversity through the Inclusive Excellence Initiative, launched in 2016, aiming for a faculty reflecting student demographics (40% students of color). Partnerships with LeMoyne-Owen College (HBCU) include joint hires and mentoring.
The Committee on Diversity and Community advances hiring practices, with training on bias reduction. Recent hires include first-generation scholars and underrepresented minorities in STEM. The college's Life:Science program integrates diversity in biology research. These efforts create equitable workplaces, appealing to inclusive professionals.
Rhodes fosters work-life balance with 35-40 workweeks for faculty, sabbaticals every 6 years, and parental leave matching Tennessee laws plus college enhancements. Wellness perks include gym access, counseling, and EAP (Employee Assistance Program).
Campus life thrives in Memphis, known for BBQ, blues on Beale Street, and the Mississippi River. Employees enjoy Lynx Grille events, faculty-staff mixers, and proximity to FedExForum. The 100-acre campus features gardens, a lake, and modern labs. Housing assistance aids relocations, with a collegial atmosphere where faculty live nearby, enhancing community bonds.
Professional development via workshops and higher ed career advice supports growth.
Rhodes College stands out for its student-faculty ratio of 10:1, enabling impactful teaching. With Memphis' cultural richness and the college's global programs (90% study abroad participation), careers here blend academics and real-world engagement.
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