The School of Health Sciences invites applications for a nine-month, non-tenure track position in the Health Sciences Program with expertise and interest in health management. This is a full-time appointment with the rank of Teaching Assistant Professor. Responsibilities of the position include:

(1) teaching undergraduate and graduate courses that support the Health Sciences curriculum and general education courses;
(2) advising and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in collaboration with the Advising Center; and
(3) providing meaningful service to the university, profession, and community.  

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 is committed to building a community whose members have diverse cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences.

Salary and rank are commensurate with academic qualifications and experience for a regional comprehensive university. Opportunities for summer teaching are available.

Review of applications will begin in December and continue until the position is filled. Start date is August 1, 2023.

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 robust and engaged School 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.edu  The Master of Health Sciences (MHS) program, designed for the working professional, is a 100% online graduate degree program that prepares future health organization managers and educators. The MHS program offers concentrations in Emergency Medical Care, Health Education, Health Management and Nutrition & Dietetics. More information about the program can be found on the website: mhs.wcu.edu.

The School of Health Sciences offers undergraduate programs in Emergency Medical Care, Environmental Health, Integrated Health Sciences, Nutrition & Dietetics, and Recreational Therapy. Graduate programs include the Master of Science in Athletic Training and the Master of Health Sciences. Additional programs within the College of Health and Human Sciences include Communication Sciences and Disorders, Nursing, Physical Therapy, and Social Work.  A collaborative environment conducive to interdisciplinary teaching, scholarship and service exists within the School 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 school can be found on the website: hs.wcu.edu and 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.

Western Carolina University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer and encourages all qualified individuals to apply. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, or other legally protected status. In addition, Western Carolina University welcomes all applicants without regard to sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.

Qualifications:

• Minimum Qualifications:
• Doctoral degree in health care management, public health, or closely related field from a regionally accredited institution (ABD candidates will be considered with degree conferral by August 2023) with a minimum of 18 graduate semester hours in the teaching discipline.
• One-year prior teaching experience in the discipline.
• One-year professional practice-based experience in the field.
• Evidence of service to the profession or community.
• The ability and desire to work collegially with faculty and students from diverse cultural backgrounds, especially with underrepresented students, first generation students and students of color, including students from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

• Preferred Qualifications:
• Prior experience teaching and mentoring first generation students and students from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Previous experience addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Credentials or certifications in health care management specialties.

Reports To:         Director, School of Health Sciences

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the vision and mission of Health Science programs, along with that of the School, College, and University.
• Develop and deliver courses within the Health Sciences program such as, but not limited to, Epidemiology, Quality Management, Cost Containment in Health Care, Financial Management, and Capstone courses.
• Mentor and advise students in collaboration with the Advising Center with regard to academic progress and professional development.
• Provide service to the university, profession, and community.
• Maintain currency 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, School of Health Sciences, and across the university.
• Carry out other assignments and duties as assigned by the Health Sciences Program Director, Director of the School of Health Sciences, and Dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences.