"Assistant Professor"

Position Details

Summary of Position

The College of Arts, Sciences, and Education at Ferris State University seeks a diverse group of outstanding applicants for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position. Specifically, a literature generalist to teach a wide range of literature courses across various genres, time periods, modalities, and literary traditions, as well as upper- and lower-level writing courses, as appropriate to the applicant’s qualifications. Candidates with additional expertise in foundational/developmental writing or Spanish language are especially encouraged to apply. English, Lit, and World Lang Dept. faculty typically teach at least half of their semester load in first/second-year writing.
• Ferris State University seeks a diverse group of outstanding applicants for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position, in the areas of Language and Literature. Teaching may include undergraduate and graduate courses.
• Candidates are expected to foster a meaningful learning experience for our students, and faculty are expected to be student-oriented, advise, and integrate current technology into the learning environment.
• Additionally, faculty will participate in collaborative efforts to foster curricular efforts, participate in assessment of student learning, and further develop programmatic enhancement.
• In support of teaching, candidates will engage in scholarly/professional activities and participate in department, college, and university committees.
• Off-campus and online teaching may be required.
• Courses are to be taught in person on one of Ferris State University's Campuses. The candidate(s) selected for the position must reside in Michigan after acceptance of employment and will perform duties at a Ferris site.
The anticipated start date of this position is August 2026.

Required Education

Ph.D. in English, literature, rhetoric and composition, or a related field required by August 1, 2026.

Required Work Experience

Demonstrated effectiveness in teaching college-level writing.

Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered

Expertise in foundational/developmental writing or Spanish language

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Teach full-time during the 9-month academic year.
• Recruitment of students (including Dawg Days, Admitted Student Days, visits to high schools or career tech centers, and other University-outreach events) will occur throughout the academic year and include some Saturdays.
• Serve on program committees and represent the program(s) on College and University committees.
• Collaborate with faculty on curriculum development, assessment, and quality assurance.
• Candidate is expected to teach the Big Rapids or Grand Rapids campuses.
• Teach and coordinate elective courses in areas of expertise.
• Collaborate in design and implementation of additional undergraduate and graduate degrees.
• Maintain records and conduct assessment, advising, and all other administrative features of the position in accordance with policies and procedures developed by the university, college, school, department, and/or program.
• Perform duties in accordance with established University policies.
• Act as liaison between the program and professional organizations through active, individual involvement and, potentially as the program-appointed representative.
• Enthusiastically support student success through active involvement with individual students, student organizations, and student competitions, both within and outside of the classroom.
• Remain current in the profession.
• The position reports to the Department Chair or Director and the Dean.
• Cultivates an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty and staff to thrive authentically.
• Support, promote, and develop University student enrollment and retention initiatives.
• Ferris State University's philosophy places excellence in teaching as the first priority while encouraging involvement in scholarly activity.
• Work with colleagues to develop new curricular initiatives.
• Faculty members also have professional responsibilities which may include advising students, orientation and registration of students, participation in university committees, keeping regular posted office hours (which are scheduled at times convenient for students), and participation in traditional functions which have academic significance (ex. reporting initial student participation data and submitting final grades on time).
• Faculty members may be required to teach off-campus or in an on-line environment.
• Any other duties assigned within the position classification area.

Skills and Abilities

Demonstrated successful experience working directly with people from diverse backgrounds, including cultural, educational, socioeconomic and life experiences.
Effective communication skills and interpersonal skills to work with a diverse array of students and colleagues.

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Unofficial Transcript 1
• Teaching Philosophy

Special Instructions to Applicants

Unofficial Transcript 1 (REQUIRED): Applicants must attach a copy of unofficial transcript of doctoral degree. Transcript must include: Institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, degree awarded. Finalist will be required to submit an official transcript.

Initial Application Review Date

February 9, 2026

Open Until Position is Filled?: Yes