"Assistant Professor of Sociology"

Job Details

Assistant Professor of Sociology

About Western Kentucky University:

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is a student-centered, applied-research institution committed to providing its students with a transformative academic and social experience and to elevating its surrounding communities. Founded in 1906, WKU is the third largest public four-year institution in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with approximately 16,293 students and nearly 2,612 faculty and staff employees.

Western Kentucky University is committed to empowering its campus community. At the heart of our mission, we seek to provide holistic education and employment experiences that prepare students, faculty, and staff to become effective scholars, contributors, and leaders in our ever-evolving communities.

Located 65 miles north of Nashville, TN, and just over 100 miles south of Louisville, KY, WKU's main campus is in Bowling Green, KY - a city with approximately 70,000 residents. Our population is ethnically diverse, with more than 85 languages spoken in and around Bowling Green, and people from 35 nationalities call our community home.

Western Kentucky University seeks to attract talented faculty and staff who are inspired individually to contribute to WKU's strategic plans and ongoing success. We offer comprehensive wellness and health benefits to employees and their families, including domestic partners and other qualified dependents and take pride in providing a workplace culture that supports balancing the responsibilities of work and family life. Paid-time off for holidays, vacation and sick leave, and a tuition discount program for employees and dependents are also provided. Learn more about WKU and Bowling Green at wku.edu/about.

Job Description:

Western Kentucky University's (WKU) Department of Society, Culture, Crime, and Justice Studies (SCCJS) invites applications for an Assistant Professor position. This is a full-time, nine-month, tenure-eligible position to begin August 15, 2026. Review of applications will begin on November 15 and will continue until the position is filled.

Applicants should possess a Ph.D. in Sociology or Rural Sociology, completed by the time of appointment. The primary expectation for the position is the delivery of high-quality instruction in Research Methods. However, the candidate preferably would also be able to contribute in one or more of the areas of departmental specialization: family, gender, and/or community. The successful candidate will be expected to teach three courses per semester, with the primary area of specialization being open. Familiarity and experience in teaching online courses is desirable, and a willingness to teach online courses is required. Demonstrated excellence in teaching, an ongoing record of scholarly research, and involvement in service activities are essential expectations for the position once selected.

SCCJS offers bachelor's degrees in Sociology, Criminology and Anthropology, a minor in folk studies, and partners with the Department of Political Science to offer a certificate in Citizenship & Social Justice. The department currently has over 450 undergraduate majors matriculating through its programs. Specifically, 41% of students pursuing our majors are first-generation college students and 28% are underrepresented minorities with 15% who are both. Our faculty are dedicated to improving the quality of life for students of multicultural backgrounds and, through a welcoming and supportive environment, helping them excel academically and socially. For more information on our department and our programs, please visit our website at https://www.wku.edu/sccjs/.

Requirements:

• PhD In Sociology or Rural Sociology
• Ability to deliver high quality instruction in Social Research Methods

Additional Information:

Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices.

Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify the office of Institutional Equity. To request an accommodation, report a complaint, or ask questions regarding WKU's Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040), please contact Ms. Ena Demir, Executive Director/Title IX Coordinator via email at ena.demir@wku.edu or by phone at (270) 745-6867. Ms. Demir is also responsible for coordinating the University's response to complaints related to sex and gender harassment. Additional information regarding Title IX is accessible via WKU's https://www.wku.edu/titleix/ website.

Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at: http://www.wku.edu/atwku/academics.php

For information related to job postings, please email employment@wku.edu.

Application Instructions:

The following items must be submitted through this electronic talent management system by November 14, 2025, although expressions of interest may be considered until the position is filled:

• Letter of Intent
• Curriculum Vita
• Unofficial Transcripts
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy

Names and contact information of three reference providers will be collected during the application process. Reference letters will be requested by the Search Committee through an online process at a later date.

You will receive email confirmation once you have successfully completed the application process.

Quicklink to apply: https://wku.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp;jsessionid=54C4DCC83E3AD6D28A3661D871C636D7?JOBID=194006