"OPEN RANK TENURE TRACK FACULTY - Professional Counseling"

SUMMARY

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) invites applications for two tenure-track open-rank faculty positions (Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor) in Professional Counseling to begin on January 15, 2026. These full-time, nine-month appointments are an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic counseling faculty committed to preparing the next generation of counseling professionals. Faculty will contribute to our CACREP-accredited Master of Arts program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through teaching, research, clinical supervision, mentoring, and service.

In this role, new faculty will have the opportunity to shape the future of the Professional Counseling program, take part in program coordination or fieldwork coordination, and enrich the lives of students—all while enjoying the exceptional quality of life offered by SFA and Nacogdoches.

Functions of the role will include the following:

• Teaches graduate-level counseling courses.
• Supervises practicum and internship students, providing clinical supervision, mentorship, and professional development.
• Pursues an active research and scholarly agenda, publishing in scholarly journals and presenting at professional conferences.
• Contributes to program development, accreditation efforts, and curriculum innovation.
• Works effectively in a reactive, high-demand environment, demonstrating patience.
• Demonstrates a counselor identity consistent with the counseling profession.
• Engages in research/scholarly accomplishments and service.
• Works effectively and patiently with students.
• Participates in CACREP accreditation processes.
• Maintains professional organizational affiliations and service.

A Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from a CACREP-accredited program is required at the time of appointment.

The preferred candidate will demonstrate the following (applicable to all ranks):

• A strong counselor identity and a commitment to counselor education.
• Possession of, or eligibility to earn, licensure as a Texas Licensed Professional Counselor within one year of appointment.
• Training and experience in clinical supervision.
• Prior experience in maintaining a program of research and scholarship, with evidence of publications, presentations, or grants.
• Leadership experience in counselor education, including mentoring junior faculty or administrative contributions.
• Effective teaching methods in both face-to-face and online modalities.
• Active engagement in professional organizations, such as the American Counseling Association.
• Embracement of the academic faculty role, contributing both as an educator and as a researcher.
• Interest in program coordination or fieldwork coordination roles.
• For the associate professor or professor rank, evidence of sustained excellence in teaching, research, service, and leadership.

The Professional Counseling program is being integrated into the new Department of Allied Health Studies within the James I. Perkins College of Education, fostering an interdisciplinary, collaborative environment. Faculty will be key contributors to program development, innovation, and leadership in counselor education.

SFA is a comprehensive, student-centered public university that takes pride in combining the strengths of a large research institution with the close-knit community feel of a teaching-focused campus. SFA offers more than 120 areas of study across six colleges and serves a population of approximately 11,000 students. Small class sizes, strong mentoring relationships, and a culture of collaboration define the SFA experience for both students and faculty.

As a member of the University of Texas System, one of the largest and most respected higher education systems in the nation, SFA benefits from statewide partnerships, shared resources, and a reputation of excellence that extends far beyond East Texas. The university continues to grow in its research profile while maintaining its longstanding tradition of teaching excellence and community engagement. Faculty find a supportive environment that values innovation, scholarship, and service.

Located in the heart of East Texas, Nacogdoches is the oldest town in Texas and is often called “The Garden Capital of Texas” for its natural beauty, azalea gardens, and scenic trails. With a population of around 33,000, Nacogdoches combines small-town friendliness with the energy of a vibrant college community. The presence of SFA shapes the cultural life of the town, bringing theater, music, Division I athletics, and a variety of student and community events throughout the year.

The region enjoys a relatively warm climate with mild winters and long outdoor seasons that make it easy to explore the surrounding Piney Woods, lakes, and parks. The charming historic downtown features unique shops, local restaurants, live music venues, and community festivals, creating a lively and welcoming environment. Affordable housing, short commutes, and a strong sense of community make Nacogdoches an easy place to call home. At the same time, its location—within a few hours of Houston, Dallas, and Shreveport—provides access to larger metropolitan opportunities while preserving the quality of life of a true college town.

JOB DESCRIPTION

This is a full-time, nine-month, tenure-track faculty position responsible for contributing significantly to Stephen F. Austin State University’s undergraduate and/or graduate programs through teaching, scholarship/creative accomplishment, and service. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the chair.

QUALIFICATIONS

Assistant Professor:

Terminal degree in the field in which the individual will be teaching is required. ABD candidates may be considered if Ph.D. is earned prior to start date.

The rank of Assistant Professor is held by an individual who demonstrates the capability to produce research/scholarly/creative accomplishments, teach effectively, and provide service to the academic and general communities.

Associate Professor/Professor:

Terminal degree in the field in which the individual will be teaching is required.

The rank of Associate Professor is held by an individual with a proven record of research/scholarly/creative accomplishments, effective teaching, and service to the academic and general communities. The individual must demonstrate excellence in teaching and excellence in either research/scholarly/creative accomplishments or in service. An individual should have held the rank of Assistant Professor for at least three years.

The rank of Professor is held by an individual who has a sustained record of research/scholarly/creative accomplishments, effective teaching, and service to the academic and general communities and whose contributions to the profession or field are substantial and are recognized beyond the campus. The individual must demonstrate excellence in all appropriate categories: teaching, research and/or scholarly/creative accomplishments, and service. An individual should have held the rank of Associate Professor for at least three years.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Performs an equivalent of twenty-four teaching load credits (TLC) for the combined fall and spring semesters; reduction of teaching load through reassignment of duties is possible under certain circumstances.
• Engages in research/scholarly/creative and service activities at levels that are appropriate to faculty rank and departmental tenure/merit criteria.
• Provides services to the university and the profession.
• Participates in promotion review of lower-ranked faculty members within the department.
• When tenured, participates in tenure review of candidates for tenure.
• May conduct supplemental instructional activities such as independent studies, internships, advising, and thesis/dissertation supervision.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. May receive course load reassignment when assigned administrative duties in support of the department/college/university.
2. May receive course load reassignment when assigned to prepare course material during the first semester/year when included as part of initial contract.
3. May receive course load reassignment when approved to conduct research/scholarly/creative accomplishment and service which exceed normal expectations.
4. May supervise the work of student and/or graduate assistants.
5. May serve on departmental, college, and university committees.
6. Performs other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Assistant Professor:

1. Extensive knowledge in the field in which the individual will be teaching.
2. Ability to effectively teach undergraduate and/or graduate students.
3. Ability and commitment to conduct research and/or scholarly/creative accomplishments and service.
4. Ability to work within a collaborative faculty environment.
5. Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
6. Ability to work effectively and patiently with students.

Associate Professor/Professor:

1. Extensive knowledge in the field in which the individual will be teaching.
2. Skill in effectively teaching undergraduate and/or graduate students.
3. Skill in conducting recognized research and/or scholarly/creative accomplishments and service.
4. Ability and commitment to conduct research and/or scholarly/creative accomplishments and service.
5. Ability to work within a collaborative faculty environment.
6. Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
7. Ability to work effectively and patiently with students.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANT

Upload licensure and certifications under Other Documents. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable; official transcripts will be required for finalists.

Review of applications will begin on October 13, 2025, and will continue until both positions are filled. The posting will remain open until the positions are filled.