The State University of New York College at Fredonia, commonly known as SUNY Fredonia or Fredonia State, is a public liberal arts college located in the village of Fredonia, New York. Nestled in Chautauqua County near Lake Erie, just 45 minutes from Buffalo, it offers a picturesque setting for academic careers. As part of the 64-campus SUNY system, it serves about 3,400 undergraduate and 400 graduate students, emphasizing teaching excellence, creative expression, and community engagement.
SUNY Fredonia stands out for its renowned School of Music, one of the largest and most acclaimed undergraduate music programs in the U.S., producing notable alumni in performance and education. Other strengths include education, visual and performing arts, business, and sciences. Jobs at SUNY Fredonia attract professionals passionate about small-class teaching and interdisciplinary collaboration in a supportive environment.
The campus spans 249 acres with modern facilities like the Nixon Hall for music and the recently renovated Steele Hall for sciences. For those seeking jobs at State University of New York College at Fredonia, opportunities span faculty, administration, and support roles, contributing to its mission of affordable, high-quality higher education.
Established in 1826 as the Fredonia Academy, it evolved into New York State Normal School in 1867, focusing on teacher training. In 1948, it became the State University of New York College at Fredonia, joining the SUNY system. Key milestones include the 1960s expansion under President James Bunn, adding arts and sciences programs, and the 1990s focus on music excellence. Today, it honors traditions like the Greek Revival architecture while embracing innovation, making it a stable employer for long-term academic jobs.
Throughout its nearly 200-year history, SUNY Fredonia has adapted to educational needs, from post-WWII growth to modern sustainability initiatives. This legacy appeals to job seekers interested in higher ed jobs at historic institutions.
Jobs at SUNY Fredonia include tenure-track professors, adjunct lecturers, department chairs, research associates, and administrative positions like deans or HR specialists. The university prioritizes roles in high-demand areas: music education (e.g., band director), elementary education, business administration, biology, and computer science. Faculty often teach 12 credits per semester, advise students, and conduct research.
For a full list of position types, visit university job types. Recent openings have included assistant professor of music therapy and director of student services. Staff roles in facilities, IT, and student affairs offer stability with union benefits. Explore faculty jobs, administration jobs, or research jobs tailored to SUNY Fredonia.
To help understand jobs at State University of New York College at Fredonia, here are key terms:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Tenure-track | A faculty position leading to tenure after successful review of teaching, scholarship, and service, typically over 6 years. |
| Adjunct professor | Part-time instructor hired per course, without benefits or tenure path. See adjunct professor jobs. |
| SUNY system | The State University of New York, a network of 64 colleges providing coordinated academic opportunities. |
| Liberal arts college | An institution emphasizing broad undergraduate education in humanities, sciences, and arts for well-rounded graduates. |
For faculty jobs at SUNY Fredonia, a PhD or equivalent terminal degree (e.g., DMA in music) in the relevant field is standard for tenure-track roles. Master's degrees suffice for lecturers or non-tenure positions. Administrative jobs may require advanced degrees like EdD for deans. All candidates need accreditation alignment, such as NYSED certification for education roles.
Examples: A biology professor needs a PhD in biology; music faculty often hold doctorates from Juilliard or similar. Check how to write a winning academic CV for preparation.
SUNY Fredonia values applied research aligning with teaching. Expertise in music performance, STEM education, environmental studies (leveraging Lake Erie), and data analytics is sought. Faculty engage in undergraduate research via programs like CUR (Council on Undergraduate Research). Grants from NSF or SUNY are common, focusing on regional issues like Great Lakes ecology.
Preferred candidates have 3+ years college teaching, 5+ peer-reviewed publications, grant experience (e.g., $50K+ awards), and service like committee work. Interdisciplinary experience, such as combining music with therapy, is valued. For admin, prior higher ed leadership is key. Read employer branding secrets for insights.
Essential skills include pedagogical innovation, student engagement, cultural competency, data-driven assessment, and digital tool proficiency (e.g., Canvas LMS). Competencies: adaptability to small college dynamics, collaboration with community partners, and commitment to inclusive teaching. Soft skills like mentorship enhance success.
To apply for jobs at SUNY Fredonia, monitor the university HR site and AcademicJobs.com. Submit cover letter, CV, transcripts, references, and diversity statement via Interfolio or email. Interviews involve teaching demos and campus visits.
Tips: Customize materials to Fredonia's mission; quantify achievements (e.g., "Mentored 50 students to 90% placement"); network at SUNY conferences; prepare for questions on liberal arts teaching. Use academic CV tips. Deadlines are strict, often December for fall hires.
SUNY Fredonia's Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (EDIB) office drives initiatives like the Inclusive Excellence Faculty Fellows program, supporting underrepresented hires. Annual diversity training, PRIDE Center for LGBTQ+ support, and partnerships with HBCUs promote equity. The university tracks demographics, aiming for 30% underrepresented faculty by 2025.
🏞️ With a small-town vibe, SUNY Fredonia fosters balance via 4/4 teaching loads, sabbaticals every 7 years, and wellness perks like gym access and EAP counseling. Campus life includes faculty concerts, wine trail proximity, and events at the Chautauqua Institution. Professional development via SUNY-wide conferences and $3K annual funding. Employees enjoy union protections (UUP for faculty), health benefits, and retirement matching, with average tenure over 15 years signaling satisfaction.
In summary, jobs at State University of New York College at Fredonia offer meaningful impact in a vibrant liberal arts setting. From music faculty inspiring future performers to admins shaping student success, roles suit dedicated professionals. Leverage higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, and university jobs resources. Institutions like SUNY Fredonia post openings regularly—start recruitment today or post a job if hiring.
For related reading, see become a university lecturer or postdoctoral success.
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