"Assistant/Associate Professor of Rhetoric and Writing Studies"

The Department of English at Western Michigan University invites applications for a full-time tenure-track position at either the Assistant Professor or Associate Professor rank in Rhetoric and Writing Studies, with an open area of specialization.

This is an academic-year position, with the possibility of Summer instructional assignments for additional compensation. The start date is August 15, 2026.

Responsibilities: The successful candidate is expected to maintain a research agenda in rhetoric and writing studies; provide effective instruction to undergraduate and graduate students across rhetoric and writing studies courses; support the success of a diverse population of undergraduate and graduate students; develop new curricula and course offerings; and contribute to department, college, and university committees.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Writing Studies or a closely related field, awarded by August 15, 2026;
• A record of effective undergraduate teaching in rhetoric and writing studies;
• A record of active research activity in rhetoric and writing studies

Desired Qualifications:

• A background that includes teaching a range of rhetoric and writing studies courses (for instance, first-year writing, professional writing, science writing, rhetorical criticism, AI writing, or other special topics courses) at the undergraduate and graduate levels;
• An established capacity for leadership in projects, programs, or partnerships, whether internal or external to the university;
• A demonstrated commitment to advancing equity across the areas of research, teaching, and service;
• A documented history of promoting student engagement, success, and achievement;
• An exhibited ability to engage with emerging writing technologies

Department: One of the largest units in Western Michigan University’s College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of English consists of 20 board-appointed, full-time faculty members. The department serves over 250 undergraduate majors and minors in rhetoric and writing studies, creative writing, and literature and language and is home to over 50 graduate students enrolled across master’s and doctoral programs in creative writing, English education, and literature and language.

The College: Housing 23 academic departments, schools, and institutes that enroll nearly 3,000 undergraduate students and 700 graduate students, the College of Arts and Sciences represents the foundation of learning and the academic heart of WMU. The College is committed to fostering a community of diverse, inclusive, equitable, and globally engaged scholars, learners, and leaders, and it seeks candidates who can contribute to the College’s distinctive educational objectives, which promote interdisciplinary perspectives, intercultural understanding, and concern with social responsibility and the ethical implications of knowledge and action.

University: Western Michigan University (WMU), located in Southwest Michigan, is a vibrant, nationally recognized student-centered research institution with an enrollment of 18,000. WMU delivers high-quality undergraduate instruction, has a strong graduate division, and fosters significant research activities. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching classifies WMU as a doctoral university and one of just 185 public universities in the nation conducting research at a high level. WMU recently received a $550 million endowed, multi-year Empowering Futures Gift, which will fund many projects and initiatives that aim to break down the barriers created by historic inequities.

Kalamazoo: Kalamazoo is located only two and a half hours by car or train from Chicago and Detroit and only 45 minutes from the beaches of Lake Michigan. It occupies one of Michigan’s designated research corridors, maintaining a strong life sciences/biotech presence and supporting two leading medical centers. With 263,000 people in the greater Kalamazoo area, the community offers an array of cultural events, entertainment, and all-season recreation. The city supports a nationally recognized symphony and enjoys a vibrant community theatre and visual arts scene. Kalamazoo is dedicated to social justice, community development, and the elimination of generational poverty. The city is also home to the Kalamazoo Promise, a scholarship program offered to all Kalamazoo Public School students that covers up to 100% of tuition and fees to all Michigan public (and many private) institutions of higher learning.

Compensation: Competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, with an excellent benefits package. Opportunities exist to teach in summer for additional compensation.

Starting Date: August 15, 2026.

Applications: Review of applications will begin on November 1, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants should visit http://www.wmich.edu/hr/jobs to apply, where the following documents will need to be submitted: Curriculum vita; Letter of application addressing minimum and desired qualifications; List of references; One writing sample or sample publication; Two sample syllabi; Copy of graduate transcript. In addition, please have three confidential letters of recommendation sent by the recommenders or a dossier service to english-search@wmich.edu.

WMU is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Protected veterans, individuals with disabilities and all other qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.