"Barbara Lester Methvin Chair in Southern Literature, Associate or Full Professor"

Job Details

Position Summary

The Department of English at the University of Georgia invites applications from candidates specializing in Southern Literature, with a preferred focus on African American Culture and Literature, for the Barbara Methvin Chair, to begin on August 1, 2026. We are interested in candidates at the level of Full or Advanced Associate Professor. Candidates may be considered for an appointment in the Institute for African American Studies.

The successful candidate will engage in the instruction and mentorship of both undergraduate and graduate students. The teaching load is three courses during the academic year. The position comes with a support account intended to enrich the campus community of scholars. Methodology and disciplinary orientation should supplement and complement that of the current faculty, such as forms and genres, theory and criticism, cultural studies, or transatlantic currents, in addition to Southern Studies and African American Studies. The Department has recently initiated the John Wharton Lowe, III Doctoral Fellowship and the John Wharton Lowe, III Doctoral Support Fund to recruit and retain outstanding students in Southern American Literature fields.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Review of applicants will begin on November 20, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled. Please upload as part of your application a cover letter, curriculum vitae, writing sample, and contact information for three references. The committee will request letters of recommendation later in the search process. Please direct questions to the search committee chair, Dr. Barbara McCaskill (bmccaski@uga.edu).

Posting Details

Posting Number: F2525P

Working Title: Barbara Lester Methvin Chair in Southern Literature, Associate or Full Professor

Department: Franklin-English

About the University of Georgia: Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department: The Department of English and the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences are committed to multidisciplinary research, collaboration, and academic innovation.

College/Unit/Department website: https://www.english.uga.edu/

Posting Type: External

Retirement Plan:

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Underutilization:

Advertised Salary:

Anticipated Start Date: 08/01/2026

Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings):

Job Posting Date: 10/20/2025

Job Closing Date:

Open until filled: Yes

Location of Vacancy: Athens Area

EEO Statement: The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

USG Core Values Statement: The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title: Open Rank

FLSA:

Faculty Rank: Open Rank (Tenure Track)

Contract Type: Academic (9 mo.)

Tenure Status: Tenured

Minimum Qualifications: Doctorate in English or related fields.

Additional Requirements:

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification:

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies: The University of Georgia has launched ongoing, dynamic student learning programs in digital literacies and archival studies, and has an institution-wide experiential learning requirement for all undergraduates. We welcome applicants with additional knowledge and abilities in these areas.

Successful applicants must show evidence of a robust research and publishing agenda.

Physical Demands:

Is this a Position of Trust?: No

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?: No

Does this position require a P-Card?: No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?: No

Is driving a responsibility of this position?: No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?: No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications): No

Credit and P-Card policy: Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy: Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Posting Specific Questions: Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. Writing Sample
4. List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents