"Assistant or Associate Professor of Greek, Latin, and Classical Philosophy"

Job Details

Western Michigan University invites applications for an Assistant or Associate Professor of World Languages and Literatures with expertise in Greek, Latin, and classical philosophy at its main campus in Kalamazoo, Michigan. This is a full-time, academic-year, tenure-track, joint appointment shared between two departments. The tenure home will be in the Department of World Languages and Literatures with a secondary appointment in the Department of Philosophy. The successful candidate will pursue research that complements existing strengths within the two departments and will have a genuine commitment to teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

Major Responsibilities:

• Pursuit and publication of scholarly research in the field of classical philosophy
• Teaching Classical Mythology and other cultural classes about the classical world, ancient Greek, Latin, and classical Philosophy courses at undergraduate and graduate levels
• Contribution to the curricular development of the Classics and Philosophy programs, respectively
• Advising, participation in student activities and outreach, and service in both departments and for the College and University

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Classics in hand
• College or university teaching experience in North America
• Evidence of scholarship in the field of classical philosophy

Preferred Qualifications:

• Additional research interests in fields related to classical philosophy, such as comparative religion and history.
• Interest and experience in digital humanities
• M.A. in Philosophy

The University:

Western Michigan University (WMU), located in Southwest Michigan, is a vibrant, nationally recognized student-centered research institution with an enrollment of nearly 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 has placed WMU among the 76 public institutions in the nation designated as research universities with high research activities. WMU also recently received a $550 million endowed, multi-year Empowering Futures Gift, the largest gift for a public institution of higher education in U.S. history, which will fund many projects and initiatives that aim to break down the barriers created by historic inequities. In addition, in recent years the university has invested in efforts to promote a welcoming, inclusive, equitable, and diverse community via our Native American Affairs Council, Campus Climate Survey, President Montgomery's Mountaintop Initiative, participation in the ASPIRE IChange Network, and as an NSF ADVANCE campus.

The College:

The mission of the College of Arts and Sciences at Western Michigan University is to ignite and sustain a passion for learning and discovery in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences, to help students, staff, and faculty succeed in life and contribute to the betterment of our communities, from local to global. Our vision is to achieve excellence in all aspects of learning and discovery across the humanities, social sciences and sciences while fostering a climate of intellectual freedom. As articulated in the College of Arts and Sciences strategic plan, we are committed to fostering a community of diverse, inclusive, equitable, and globally engaged scholars, learners, and leaders. With 22 departments and interdisciplinary schools and institutes, WMU’s largest college offers a broad range of learning opportunities and career paths for our students. CAS students are among the very top students in the country, having received awards including Goldwater Fellowships, Udall Scholarships, Boren Fellowships, and Fulbright awards, among others. For more information, see http://www.wmich.edu/cas/.

Departments:

The Department of World Languages and Literatures offers majors and minors in French, German, Japanese and Latin, and minors in Arabic, Chinese and Classics. The Department promotes and sustains an intellectually challenging, dynamic community, with nationally and internationally recognized scholars in the fields of translation, linguistics, pedagogy, and literature and culture.

Falling largely within the analytic tradition, the Department of Philosophy at Western Michigan University takes seriously its dual mission of philosophical teaching and research. Offering a range of undergraduate courses and a terminal master's degree, WMU's program is recognized as one of the best master's programs in the United States and one of only a handful of programs mentioned in the Philosophical Gourmet Report.

Community:

Kalamazoo is located only two and a half hours by car from Chicago and Detroit and only 45 minutes from the beaches of Lake Michigan. The city supports a nationally recognized symphony and has earned a reputation for a vibrant community theatre and visual arts scene. Through its Shared Prosperity Kalamazoo initiative, Kalamazoo is strongly committed to social justice, community development, and eliminating generational poverty. Kalamazoo is the home of the Kalamazoo Promise, a scholarship program offered to all Kalamazoo Public School students that covers up to 100% of tuition and mandatory fees to any Michigan public (and many private) institution of higher learning.

Salary:

Competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, with an excellent benefits package

Expected Start Date:

Fall 2026

Application Deadline:

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but must be received before November 15, 2025 to guarantee full consideration.

Required application documents:

Curriculum vitae;

Cover letter describing qualifications, accomplishments, and professional experiences related to the position;

Sample research (15-20 pages);

2-3 syllabi of courses taught;

Contact information for three referees who can speak to the candidate’s teaching and research.

All questions about this position should be directed to Dr. Molly Lynde-Recchia, Chair of the Search Committee, at molly.lynde-recchia@wmich.edu.

Western Michigan University recognizes that diversity promotes excellence in education and research. We are an inclusive and engaged community and recognize the added value that students, faculty and staff from different backgrounds bring to the education experience. We believe that cultivating an environment that embraces and promotes diversity and inclusivity is fundamental to the success of our students, our employees, and our community.

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