"Assistant Professor of Geography (Human Geography)"

Purpose of Position

The Department of Sociology, Social Work, and Anthropology at Christopher Newport University invites applications for a tenure-track position in Human Geography, effective August 2026. The successful candidate will join a vibrant department of 17 full-time faculty and over 400 students dedicated to interdisciplinarity, collegiality, and community-engaged scholarship and education. We offer undergraduate majors in Sociology, Anthropology, Criminology, and Social Work, and minors in Sociology, Anthropology, Criminology, and Geography. We are also home to the university’s interdisciplinary Environmental Studies major, and contribute to numerous programs across campus, including a growing Health Studies program. We plan to launch a new undergraduate certificate in GIS in the 2026- 27 academic year.

We seek a broadly trained human geographer; the area of specialization is open. The successful candidate will teach courses across the human geography curriculum and play a foundational role in our GIS curriculum. This represents an exciting opportunity to help shape the new undergraduate certificate in GIS, with a curriculum focused on GIS applications in the social sciences and environmental studies. The successful candidate must demonstrate the potential for excellence in teaching and in research that can involve undergraduate students. The nominal teaching load for tenure track appointments is 3-3. A Ph.D. in Geography, Sociology, or a closely related field is required for appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor. In some cases, exceptionally well-qualified candidates may be considered for appointment at a higher rank and ABD candidates who will not hold the Ph.D. by the time of appointment may be considered for appointment at the rank of Instructor.

Departmental Information

The Department of Sociology, Social Work, and Anthropology at Christopher Newport University is composed of 17 faculty and offers majors in Sociology, Anthropology, Criminology, and Social Work, and minors in Sociology, Anthropology, Criminology, and Geography. Our goal is to develop students into critical thinkers, readers and writers who go on to become global citizens with compassion, communicative skills, and knowledge to help others. In new faculty we seek excellence in teaching, promising scholarship, supportive collegiality, and the ability to inspire passion for research in our students. Candidates wishing to know more about the department and its academic programs are invited to visit http://cnu.edu/academics/departments/sswa.

CNU Information

Located in Newport News, Virginia, CNU enrolls approximately 4,500 undergraduate and graduate students in more than 90 areas of study. Our modern, walkable campus features world-class arts facilities, advanced technology, and a close-knit community that fosters collaboration and discovery. Just minutes from family neighborhoods, locally-owned businesses, historic sites, unique cultural attractions, and beautiful parks – and a short drive to beaches, Colonial Williamsburg, and Norfolk – CNU offers an exceptional place to advance your career, contribute to a community of scholars, and inspire the next generation. Christopher Newport University is committed to ensuring that all people are welcomed, honored, and fully engaged in the life of our academic community. We recruit exceptional and diverse faculty and encourage applications from individuals who are underrepresented in their profession. For further details and information about Christopher Newport, visit http://www.cnu.edu.

Review Begin Date

10/10/2025

Application Instructions

To apply, please visit https://jobs.cnu.edu/postings/search to upload a letter of interest; current curriculum vitae; graduate transcripts (photocopies acceptable for initial screening); a one- to two-page research statement outlining your research agenda, including a discussion of how you plan to involve undergraduate students in your research; a one- to two-page statement of teaching effectiveness; a one-page statement articulating how your teaching, scholarship and service would contribute toward fostering an inclusive learning environment on campus; and contact information for three professional references. Letters of recommendation will be required of applicants who reach the virtual interview stage.

All applications received by October 10, 2025, will receive full consideration. Applications received later will be accepted but considered only if needed.

Search finalists are required to complete a CNU sponsored background check.