"Assistant Professor in Community and Regional Planning"

Job Details

Assistant Professor in Community and Regional Planning

Tenure Status: Tenure Track

Department: Geography & Planning - 250300

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Planning (or in a closely related field, with formal training and experience in Planning) completed, or expected by July 1, 2026
• Minimum of one semester of college-level teaching experience

Areas of Interest (No Minimum Level Required)

Candidates are especially encouraged to apply if they:

• Can show evidence of teaching excellence at the university level
• Have a strong research agenda in Planning
• Bring expertise that complements department strengths; community and economic development or environmental planning are particularly welcome, but other areas will be considered
• Have experience as a practitioner and/or AICP certification (or the intention and ability to become certified within 3 years)
• Are committed to working in and contributing to a growing program in a lively collegial department.

License/Certification Required

AICP certification or willingness to pursue it is desirable

Description of the Department or Unit

The Department of Geography and Planning at Appalachian State University invites applications for a nine-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Community and Regional Planning (CRP), beginning fall 2026. The CRP program emphasizes teaching, research, and community engagement that supports strong urban, small-town, and rural communities. Housed alongside Geography, the program offers students a solid foundation in GIScience and Planning, with many pursuing double majors or minors across the two fields. Students from other departments also frequently add Planning as a second major or minor.

The Department of Geography and Planning currently enrolls about 170 undergraduate majors, including 35 pursuing the B.S. in Community and Regional Planning. Many Planning majors double-major or minor in Geography, and most earn a GIS certificate. The Department offers several Master of Geography degrees, including a Planning concentration.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

We seek a candidate dedicated to student growth, active learning, and scholarly excellence. Tenure-track faculty should expect to teach 6 courses per year in Planning topics, including introductory courses (Town, City, and Regional Planning), General Education offerings, and intermediate and advanced undergraduate courses as well as graduate courses aligning with the faculty member's expertise.

We particularly welcome applicants with expertise in community and economic development or environmental planning. Current course topics include-but are not limited to-food systems, housing, community and economic development, transportation (including rural), environmental policy and planning, and climate ready-communities. Faculty help facilitate hands-on experience through faculty-supported research, community-based projects, and professional development opportunities such as conferences and publication.

Non-major students enrolled in Planning courses often come from related major programs such as Building Sciences or Public Administration. Strong student cohorts often maintain lasting professional connections after graduation.

Appalachian State offers opportunities for exploring regional planning in a distinctive culture and landscape, partnering with towns and small cities in western North Carolina. We seek a colleague who can support our curriculum while contributing their own unique interests and talents.

Proposed Date of Hire: 08/01/2026

Suggested Salary Range: Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Closing Date:

Open Until Filled: Yes

Evaluation of Applications Begins: 11/10/2025

To apply, visit https://appstate.peopleadmin.com/postings/52410

Appalachian State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The University does not discriminate in access to its educational programs and activities, or with respect to hiring or the terms and conditions of employment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity and expression, political affiliation, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or sexual orientation.