"Assistant Professor - Health Sciences - 001881"

Position Summary

The primary location of this position is the main Cullowhee, NC campus.

The School of Health Sciences invites applications for a nine-month, tenure track position in the Health Sciences Program with expertise and interest in health education. This is a full-time appointment with the rank of Assistant Professor. Anticipated start date is August 1, 2026. Salary is commensurate with academic qualifications and experience for a regional comprehensive university. Opportunities for summer teaching are available.

Responsibilities of the position include: (1) teaching undergraduate and graduate courses that support the Health Sciences curriculum and general education courses; (2) advising and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in collaboration with the Advising Center; (3) providing meaningful service to the university, profession, and community; and (4) pursuing a well-defined scholarly/research agenda.

We seek candidates who demonstrate their ability to work with, and be sensitive to the educational needs of, first generation, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and rural populations; and support the Universitys commitment to Honoring Our Promise. The Health Sciences program holds inclusive excellence as a core value, and we work together to foster a welcoming community, where all are respected and know they belong.

The Health Sciences program is housed in the 160,000 square foot, state-of-the-art Health and Human Sciences Building and is part of the robust and engaged School of Health Sciences. The Health Sciences program consists of a bachelors degree in Integrated Health Sciences and a masters degree in Health Sciences. The Integrated Health Sciences (IHS) Program is a 120-credit hour, residential, program designed for students who have a broad-based interest in the health field with concentrations in Pre-Professional, Management, and Health & Wellness. This innovative and flexible program of study is intended to equally serve entry-level and transfer students. More information about the program can be found on the website: ihs.wcu.edu The Master of Health Sciences (MHS) program, designed for the working professional, is a 100% online graduate degree program that prepares future health organization managers and educators. The MHS program offers concentrations in Emergency Medical Care, Health Education, Health Management and Nutrition & Dietetics/Dietetic Internship. More information about the program can be found on the website: mhs.wcu.edu.

The School of Health Sciences offers undergraduate programs in Emergency Medical Care, Environmental Health, Integrated Health Sciences, Nutrition & Dietetics, and Recreational Therapy. Graduate programs include the Master of Science in Athletic Training and the Master of Health Sciences. Additional programs within the College of Health and Human Sciences include Communication Sciences and Disorders, Nursing, Physical Therapy, and Social Work. A collaborative environment conducive to interdisciplinary teaching, scholarship and service exists within the School and College of Health and Human Sciences. Western North Carolinas rural, ageing, and medically underserved population and location provides numerous and rich opportunities for community partnerships, collaborative research, and grant acquisition. More information on the school can be found on the website: hs.wcu.edu and information on the College can be found on the website: chhs.wcu.edu.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this position

• Support the vision and mission of Health Science programs, along with that of the School, College, and University.
• Develop and deliver courses within the Health Sciences program such as, but not limited to, Nutrition, Fitness, & Wellness; Theory of Public Health; Training & Development in Clinical Settings (e.g., patient health education); Womens Health; and Capstone courses.
• Mentor and advise students in collaboration with the Advising Center with regard to academic progress and professional development.
• Engage in scholarly activities and creative contributions within the profession based upon the Boyer Model of scholarship.
• Provide service to the university, profession, and community.
• Maintain currency and contemporary expertise in the academic discipline through continuing education, scholarship, and/or participation in activities within the profession, including involvement within professional organizations at the state, district and national levels.
• Work cooperatively and collegially with all faculty and staff involved in the Health Sciences program, School of Health Sciences, and across the university.
• Submit appropriate artifacts, narratives, and data related to program, liberal studies, and accreditation assessment and continuous improvement.
• Carry out other assignments and duties as assigned by the Director of the School of Health Sciences and Dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences.

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in health education, health promotion, community health, public health, or closely related field from a regionally accredited institution (ABD candidates will be considered with degree conferral by December 2025 for a January start or May 2026 for an August start) with a minimum of 18 graduate semester hours in the teaching discipline.
• Evidence of teaching experience in the discipline.
• Evidence of scholarly activity and a research agenda.
• Evidence of service to the profession or community.

Preferred Qualifications

• Credentials or certifications in health education specialties.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.

Please include the following:

1. Letter of application
2. Current CV
3. List of a minimum of 3 professional references with complete contact information
4. Description of your teaching philosophy
5. Description of your research/scholarly agenda
6. Unofficial transcripts* showing degree conferral dates for all degrees at the masters degree level and higher
7. Copy of credentials and certifications (if applicable)

For questions or additional information please contact Dr. Chelsea Weddle, cweddle@wcu.edu