Instructor/Assistant Professor of Practice - MEPN

Instructor/Assistant Professor of Practice - MEPN

Western Carolina University

Department: School of Nursing

About WCU:

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes Best Employers lists each year. Including: 2025 - Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes Americas Best Employers by State list. 2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries. 2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries. 2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes Americas Best Employers by State list. Western Carolina University is the UNC systems westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South. Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available. Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service. WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

Position Summary:

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

The School of Nursing (SON) invites applications for the position of Instructor or Assistant Professor of Practice in its MEPN program (rank to be determined at hire). This is a 12-month fixed-term position. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire. The anticipated begin work date is August 2026.

Faculty in the Masters Entry into Nursing Practice (MEPN) program contribute to the education of prelicensure masters students through teaching, scholarship, service, and clinical engagement. Faculty support student success through rigorous, inclusive instruction and contribute to the development of a strong, practice-ready workforce equipped to meet the needs of diverse and rural populations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Teach courses within the MEPN curriculum based on area of expertise.
• Provide academic and professional advising to students.
• Collaborate on curriculum design, course development, and evaluation.
• Maintain active involvement in clinical practice, scholarship, or service, as appropriate to the faculty line.
• Contribute to School of Nursing committees and initiatives, including student recruitment and outreach.
• Support integration of simulation, interprofessional education, and evidence-based teaching strategies.
• Engage in professional development and mentorship activities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this position:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Instructor: Masters degree in Nursing
• Assistant Professor of Practice: Terminal degree in Nursing (DNP, EdD, PhD)
• Unencumbered RN license in North Carolina or eligibility to obtain.
• Recent clinical experience in relevant practice areas (e.g., adult health, public health, psychiatric-mental health).
• Demonstrated effectiveness in teaching or clinical instruction.
• Demonstrated commitment to providing respectful, patient-centered care across varied populations, and contributing to a well-rounded, skilled healthcare workforce.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior teaching experience in graduate or prelicensure nursing programs.
• Familiarity with simulation-based education, distance learning, or high-impact practices.
• Experience working with diverse student populations and/or rural healthcare systems.

Position Type: Permanent Full-Time