St. Charles Community College (SCC), located in Cottleville, Missouri, serves as a vital educational hub in the St. Louis metropolitan area. Established in 1986, SCC has grown into a comprehensive community college enrolling over 7,000 students annually across its main campus in Cottleville, the Dardenne Prairie campus, and the St. Peters campus at the Lewis & Clark Career Center. The institution focuses on affordable access to associate degrees, certificates, and workforce development programs, preparing students for transfer to four-year universities or direct entry into the workforce.
SCC's commitment to student success is evident in its high transfer rates and completion statistics. For instance, in recent years, more than 80% of graduates pursuing bachelor's degrees successfully transfer to institutions like the University of Missouri or Lindenwood University. This emphasis on quality education translates into a dynamic job market for educators and administrators who contribute to these outcomes.
Jobs at St. Charles Community College span teaching, administrative, and support roles, making it an attractive employer for those passionate about higher education in a community college setting. The college's suburban location offers proximity to St. Louis while maintaining a serene campus environment with modern facilities like the Kisker Student Center and advanced labs for health sciences.
Founded to meet the growing demand for accessible higher education in St. Charles County, SCC opened its doors in 1986 with a mission to provide open access to learning opportunities that promote student success. Over the decades, it has expanded its offerings, particularly in high-demand fields like nursing, information technology, and advanced manufacturing, responding to regional workforce needs.
The college's evolution includes significant investments in infrastructure, such as the 2011 completion of the Health Sciences Center, which supports programs like the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing. This history of adaptation ensures that jobs at SCC remain relevant and impactful, with opportunities to shape future professionals in Missouri's economy.
SCC offers over 100 programs, divided into transfer degrees, career and technical education (CTE), and continuing education. Key departments include Allied Health, Business and Technology, Fine and Performing Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Math and Science, and Nursing and Allied Health.
For example, the nursing program, accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), graduates around 100 registered nurses yearly, creating steady demand for nursing instructors. Similarly, cybersecurity and engineering technology programs align with industry needs, offering faculty roles that involve hands-on teaching in state-of-the-art labs.
These programs influence job opportunities by requiring specialized expertise. Faculty often teach a mix of in-person, online, and hybrid courses, with class sizes typically under 30 students to foster personalized learning.
Jobs at St. Charles Community College include full-time faculty, adjunct professors, department chairs, counselors, librarians, IT specialists, and administrative staff. Full-time faculty positions are tenure-track, involving teaching, curriculum development, and committee service. Adjunct roles provide flexibility for part-time instructors.
Administrative jobs cover areas like enrollment services, financial aid, and HR. Support staff positions in maintenance, student services, and labs ensure smooth operations. For more on university job types, including community college specifics, explore available categories. Community college jobs often emphasize teaching over research, distinguishing them from four-year institutions.
Adjunct Professor: A part-time instructor hired on a course-by-course basis, typically holding a master's degree, who teaches without full-time benefits or tenure.
Tenure-Track Faculty: Full-time positions leading to tenure after a probationary period, involving teaching, service, and scholarship.
CTE (Career and Technical Education): Programs designed for immediate workforce entry, focusing on practical skills like welding or medical assisting.
Transfer Degree: An associate of arts or science degree intended for students transferring to bachelor's programs, ensuring credit compatibility.
For faculty jobs at SCC, a master's degree in the discipline or a related field is standard, per Higher Learning Commission guidelines. PhD holders are preferred for disciplines like biology or English. Nursing faculty need RN licensure and a BSN minimum, often with MSN preferred.
Research focus is less emphasized than at research universities; instead, applied projects or publications in teaching journals are valued. Preferred experience includes 3-5 years of teaching or industry work, grant writing, or program accreditation involvement.
Key skills and competencies:
Administrative roles require bachelor's degrees plus experience; executive positions like dean may need doctorates.
To apply for jobs at St. Charles Community College, visit the official HR website or platforms like higher ed jobs listings on AcademicJobs.com. Submit a cover letter, resume/CV, transcripts, and references via the online portal.
Actionable tips:
Applications are reviewed year-round, with peak hiring in spring for fall semesters. Background checks and references are mandatory.
SCC prioritizes diversity through its Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Council, which develops policies for underrepresented groups. Initiatives include:
In 2022, SCC launched a DEI strategic plan emphasizing recruitment of diverse faculty, resulting in increased hires from underrepresented backgrounds.
SCC fosters work-life balance with 35-hour workweeks for staff, flexible scheduling for adjuncts, and generous leave policies (e.g., 22 vacation days for full-time). Professional development includes up to $2,000 annual funding for conferences.
Campus life in Cottleville features walking trails, fitness centers, and events like Cougar Pride Days. Proximity to St. Louis (30 minutes) allows cultural access, while the 230-acre campus provides a relaxed atmosphere. Employee wellness programs cover mental health and fitness classes, contributing to high retention rates.
Competitive benefits include medical/dental/vision insurance, Missouri State Teachers' Retirement System, and tuition waivers for employees' dependents. Career advancement opportunities abound through leadership tracks and internal postings.
For those interested in community college jobs, SCC exemplifies growth potential in teaching-focused environments.
Jobs at St. Charles Community College offer rewarding opportunities in a supportive environment. Explore higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com to advance your career.
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