"Assistant Professor, Aviation (AA27028)"

Position Summary

The Department of Aviation at Minnesota State University, Mankato invites applications for a tenure-track (probationary), Assistant Professor beginning August 17, 2026. The successful candidate will teach and advise our aviation programs, actively engage in research, continue preparation and study, contribute to student growth and development, and provide services to the Aviation Department, the College of Education, the University, and the broader community.

A typical faculty workload responsibility may include up to twenty four (24) credits of instruction per academic year. The successful candidate may need to teach in other areas as assigned and qualified. May be expected to develop and deliver face-to-face, hybrid, and on-line instruction at the Mankato campus, online, and/or at the university’s additional locations, as assigned.

The successful candidate will collaborate with colleagues in curriculum design, instruction and evaluation, conduct research productively and mentor students in research, help create innovative strategies for student recruitment, retention, and completion, and may be expected to develop external grant funding opportunities.

All faculty members are expected to engage in scholarly or creative activity or research, in continuing preparation and study, in contributing to student growth and development, and in providing service to the university and community (See Article 22 and Appendix G of the IFO Master Agreement). This position will advise undergraduate majors. The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching undergraduate courses in aviation.

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from a wide range of diverse backgrounds and to foster a professional environment that is inclusive, respectful, and equitable for all.
• Master’s Degree and relevant tested experience in aviation. (conferred on an official transcript by date of appointment.)
• Demonstrated professional, teaching, and/or research experience in the aviation field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience fostering an inclusive, equitable, and respectful environment while working effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated effective written, oral communication and/or presentation skills.
• Doctoral or terminal degree in Aviation, Aerospace, Aeronautics, or related field.
• Demonstrated ability to advise and support diverse students and teach courses such as World of Aviation, Private Pilot Ground School, Theory of Flight, Aviation Management, Aviation Law, Aviation Safety, Aviation Human Factors and other related courses.
• Record of successful contributions to student growth and development.
• Demonstrated ability to work with faculty and staff in a collegial and cooperative manner.
• Evidence of scholarly activity, including publications and/or professional presentations.
• Ground instructor certificate, flight instructor certificate, Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, and/or aircraft dispatcher certificate.
• Potential to secure external grant funding.
• Professional pilot and/or instructor pilot experience.

Application Procedures

A complete online application will include the following attachments. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed by the search committee.

• Cover Letter
• Non-Photo Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Contact Information for three (3) references
• Unofficial Transcript(s) of your highest completed degree
• A brief (no more than one-page) response to the following: Provide a specific example from your professional or academic experience that demonstrates your ability to work effectively with individuals from a wide range of diverse backgrounds. In your response, describe the actions you took to foster an environment that was inclusive, respectful, and equitable for all. What was the outcome, and what did you learn from the experience?

Contact Information

Dr. Cheng Wang Prof. Cody Howe (Co-Chairs)
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Armstrong Hall 328
Mankato, MN 56001
Phone: 507-389-1572; 507-389-1825
TTY: 800-627-3529 or 711
Email: cheng.wang@mnsu.edu; cody.howe.2@mnsu.edu

Salary Type: Depends on qualifications. Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin on January 12, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.

Additional information about the Department of Aviation is available at http://ed.mnsu.edu/academic-programs/Aviation/.