Stephens College, located in Columbia, Missouri, stands as one of the oldest women's colleges in the United States, offering a distinctive environment for academic careers. Established in 1833, this private liberal arts institution primarily serves undergraduate women while providing co-educational graduate programs. With around 600 students, it fosters a close-knit community ideal for faculty and staff seeking meaningful impact. Jobs at Stephens College span teaching, research, administration, and support roles, emphasizing creative disciplines like theater, dance, fashion design, and counseling psychology.
The college's commitment to empowering women through education translates into dynamic job opportunities where professionals can shape future leaders. Whether you're interested in higher ed faculty jobs or administrative positions, Stephens provides a supportive setting in the heart of the Midwest.
Founded by Presbyterian minister David H. Hickman, Stephens College opened as the first women's college west of the Mississippi River. Over nearly two centuries, it has evolved from a two-year finishing school to a four-year liberal arts college granting bachelor's and master's degrees. Key milestones include pioneering occupational therapy education in 1926 and expanding graduate offerings in strategic leadership and counseling.
This rich history influences its employment landscape, prioritizing faculty who contribute to its legacy of innovation in women's education. Long-term employees often highlight the stability and tradition as reasons for staying, with many serving decades in roles that blend teaching and mentorship.
Stephens College excels in performing and visual arts, with renowned programs in fashion design, theater, and dance. Other strengths include business, education, equine studies, and social work. Graduate programs focus on counseling psychology (Master of Education in Counseling) and strategic leadership.
Job openings frequently arise in these areas, such as assistant professors of theater or fashion faculty. The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning, so positions often require expertise in practical, hands-on teaching methods.
Common positions include tenure-track faculty, adjunct instructors, department chairs, and administrative roles like dean of students or director of career services. Staff jobs cover admissions, student affairs, and facilities. For a full breakdown, explore university job types.
Recent openings have included visiting assistant professor of biology and director of fashion design, reflecting the college's diverse needs.
To secure faculty jobs at Stephens College, candidates typically need a PhD or equivalent terminal degree in their field, such as a Doctor of Fine Arts for theater positions. Master's degrees suffice for some adjunct or professional roles, like in counseling, paired with licensure (e.g., Licensed Professional Counselor).
Undergraduate teaching positions prioritize pedagogy training, often evidenced by prior college-level experience. Administrative roles may require advanced degrees plus proven leadership, such as an EdD for academic deanships.
As a teaching-focused liberal arts college, research at Stephens emphasizes undergraduate collaboration over high-volume publications. Expertise in interdisciplinary areas like sustainable fashion or community-based theater is valued. Faculty often secure small grants for student projects, with focus areas aligning with programs like equine-assisted therapy or digital media.
Candidates with publications in peer-reviewed journals or creative portfolios strengthen applications, particularly for arts departments.
Employers seek 3-5 years of higher education teaching, grant-writing success, or industry experience in fields like fashion merchandising. Publications, conference presentations, or awards enhance competitiveness. For example, prior mentorship of diverse student populations is prized given the college's mission.
These competencies ensure success in collaborative settings where faculty wear multiple hats.
Jobs at Stephens College are posted on their careers page and platforms like higher ed jobs listings. Submit a cover letter, CV, teaching statement, and three references online. Interviews involve teaching demonstrations and campus visits.
Actionable tips:
Use our free resume template and cover letter template for polished applications. Review how to write a winning academic CV for best practices.
Stephens College actively promotes diversity through the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Council, which oversees bias training and recruitment outreach. Specific efforts include the Stars Scholarship for first-generation students and partnerships with HBCUs for exchange programs. In hiring, they prioritize underrepresented candidates via targeted postings and mentorship for BIPOC faculty.
The college's strategic plan emphasizes inclusive excellence, with metrics tracking faculty diversity growth from 20% underrepresented in 2015 to over 35% today.
Stephens fosters work-life balance with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing focused teaching without overload. Benefits include health insurance, retirement matching, tuition remission for dependents, and 20+ PTO days. Campus life buzzes with theater productions, fashion shows, and equine events on 55 acres.
Columbia, MO, offers affordable living, trails, and proximity to University of Missouri resources. Faculty enjoy cultural perks like free tickets to performances and wellness stipends. Many describe the environment as family-like, with flexible hybrid options post-pandemic.
Tenure-track faculty: Professors on a path to permanent employment after review, typically 5-7 years, involving teaching, research, and service.
Adjunct professor: Part-time instructors hired per course, without benefits or tenure path.
Terminal degree: Highest academic qualification in a field, like PhD or MFA, required for many faculty roles.
Pedagogy: The method and practice of teaching, central to liberal arts positions.
In summary, jobs at Stephens College offer a unique blend of tradition and innovation in a supportive women's college setting. For more opportunities, browse higher ed jobs, university jobs, and higher ed career advice. Institutions can post a job to attract top talent.
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