Teaching Assistant Professor - Health Education/Health Sciences

Position Summary

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

Following recent departmental alignment and ongoing strategic growth, we invite applications for a fixed term position in the Health Sciences Program with expertise and interest in health education. This is a full-time (9-month) appointment with the rank of Teaching Assistant Professor. Opportunities for summer teaching and additional compensation are available. Preferred start date is August 1, 2026, with consideration for January 1, 2027.

Responsibilities of the position include: (1) teaching undergraduate courses that support the Health Sciences curriculum and general education courses; (2) advising and mentoring undergraduate students in collaboration with the Advising Center; and (3) providing meaningful service to the university, profession, and community. If qualified (i.e., possess a doctoral degree) candidates may also teach graduate students in the Master of Health Sciences program.

We seek candidates who demonstrate their ability to work with, and be sensitive to the educational needs of, first generation, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and rural populations; and support the University’s commitment to Honoring Our Promise. The Health Sciences program holds inclusive excellence as a core value, and we work together to foster a welcoming community, where all are respected and know they belong.

The Health Sciences program is housed in the 160,000 square foot, state-of-the-art Health and Human Sciences Building and is part of the restricted Department of Integrated and Environmental Health Sciences within the College of Health Sciences. The Health Sciences program consists of a bachelor’s degree in Integrated Health Sciences and a master’s degree in Health Sciences. The Integrated Health Sciences (IHS) Program is a 120-credit hour, residential, program designed for students who have a broad-based interest in the health field with concentrations in Pre-Professional, Management, and Health & Wellness. This innovative and flexible program of study is intended to equally serve entry-level and transfer students. More information about the program can be found on the website: ihs.wcu.eduThe Department of Integrated and Environmental Health Sciences Program offers undergraduate programs in Environmental Health and Integrated Health Sciences, and a Master of Health Sciences. Additional programs within the College of Health and Human Sciences include Therapeutic and Clinical Healthcare, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Nursing, Physical Therapy, and Social Work. A collaborative environment conducive to interdisciplinary teaching, scholarship and service exists within the Department and College of Health and Human Sciences. Western North Carolina’s rural, ageing, and medically underserved population and location provides numerous and rich opportunities for community partnerships, collaborative research, and grant acquisition. More information on the College can be found on the website: chhs.wcu.edu.Western Carolina University is a regional comprehensive university with more than 12,000 students with its main campus located in Cullowhee, NC. Part of our mission is to inspire student learning through innovative teaching, nationally recognized programs, exceptional support, and a robust connectedness with surrounding communities in Southern Appalachia, including the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The county and surrounding areas provide residents a high quality of life with their proximity to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, diverse outdoor adventures, a thriving arts community, and mild year-around temperatures.

Reports To: Department Head, Integrated and Environmental Health Sciences

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this position:

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the vision and mission of Health Sciences program, along with that of the Department, College, and University.
• Develop and deliver courses within the Health Sciences program in areas such as, but not limited to, Health Education, Nutrition, Fitness, & Wellness; Women’s Health; Public Health; and Capstone courses.
• Mentor and advise students in collaboration with the Advising Center about academic progress and professional development.
• Provide service to the university, profession, and community.
• Maintain currency and contemporary expertise in the academic discipline through continuing education, scholarship, and/or participation in activities within the profession, including involvement within professional organizations at the state, district and national levels.
• Work cooperatively and collegially with all faculty and staff involved in the Health Sciences program, Department of Integrated and Environmental Sciences, and across the university.
• Submit appropriate artifacts, narratives, and data related to program, liberal studies, and accreditation assessment and continuous improvement.
• Carry out other assignments and duties as assigned by the Health Sciences Program Director, Department of Integrated and Environmental Health Sciences, and Dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in health education, health promotion, community health, public health, or closely related field from a regionally accredited institution.
• Evidence of teaching experience in the discipline.
• Evidence of service to the profession or community.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree in health education, health promotion, community health, public health, or closely related field from a regionally accredited institution.
• Credentials or certifications in health education specialties.

Position Type:

Permanent Full-Time

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.
Please include the following:
1. Letter of application
2. Current CV
3. List of a minimum of 3 professional references with complete contact information
4. Description of your teaching philosophy
5. Unofficial transcripts showing degree conferral dates for all degrees at the master’s degree level and higher*
6. Copy of credentials and certifications (if applicable)

For questions or additional information please contact:
Dr. Chelsea Weddle
E-mail: cweddle@wcu.edu
Phone: (828)227-3233