Position Summary:

The Department of Human Services at Western Carolina University (WCU) invites applications for a 9-month tenure track faculty position as Assistant Professor of both Experiential and Outdoor Education (EOE) and Parks and Recreation Management (PRM) to begin January 2021(preferred) or August 2021.

The new EOE graduate program and longstanding undergraduate PRM programs are highly regarded within the university and the region. Current emphasis is to grow the undergraduate program enrollment in size while maintaining its reputation for producing well-qualified graduates and to continue to establish the new graduate program. WCU is a regional comprehensive university located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. One of 16 institutions of the University of North Carolina, WCU enrolls over 12,000 students including over 1,800 graduate students.

The position involves teaching courses in the graduate Experiential and Outdoor Education (EOE) program such as: Research Methods, Philosophy and Theory of EOE, Current Issues in EOE and also courses in the undergraduate Parks and Recreation Management (PRM) program such as: Foundations of Parks and Recreation, Leadership and Group Dynamics, Diversity and Inclusion in PRM, Program Planning and Evaluation, Management and Administration, Entrepreneurship and Commercial Recreation, and Senior Capstone in PRM.

The candidate will support general program responsibilities including graduate student thesis and project committees, undergraduate and/or graduate student advising, university and community service, and internship supervision during the fall, spring, and summer sessions. Additionally, the university, college, department, and program value inclusive excellence. Therefore, the candidate must demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion and knowledge of best practices for working toward social equity in the field/community/classroom.

The Department of Human Services, which resides in the College of Education and Allied Professions, houses graduate and undergraduate residential and distance programs. The institution has adopted the Boyer model of scholarship as a means of supporting its commitment to the stewards of place model and integrated learning. As such, faculty are expected to utilize the scholarship of engagement to enhance student learning. Faculty members participate in regional engagement and support the University's DegreePlus Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP). Applicants are encouraged to visit the WCU website (www.wcu.edu) and read the university vision and details about the DegreePlus QEP. The EOE/PRM programs seek a highly qualified individual who will play an integral role in continued development of programs and initiatives in the graduate and undergraduate majors. Applicants must possess a Doctorate in Recreation, Leisure, Outdoor Education or a closely related discipline and should demonstrate excellence in teaching, a record of service, work experience in park and recreation and/or outdoor education settings, and evidence of a scholarly research agenda. We welcome applications from candidates who value excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service as well as a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must possess an earned Doctorate in Recreation, Leisure, Outdoor Education, or a closely related discipline by date of hire and demonstrated excellence in teaching, a demonstrated record of service, and evidence of a scholarly research agenda.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preference will be given to applicants with previous teaching in higher education and knowledge or experience working with parks and recreation agencies and outdoor education programs.

Candidates with experience in teaching, research and service in one or more of the undergraduate program's professional career paths: recreation resource management, community health and wellness, outdoor leadership and instruction, community recreation and youth development, or commercial and resort recreation are preferred.

Additionally, preference will be given to candidates with experience teaching, conducting research, and as an employee within the field of experiential and outdoor education. Candidates will also present evidence of networking expertise for partnering with local, state and national agencies and their respective professional organizations and a demonstrated research agenda.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Review of applications will begin on or about October 26, 2020 and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire. This position is open until filled.

Applicants must apply online. Hard copy application materials will not be considered. As part of your application you will be asked to attach a cover letter, VITA, complete transcripts (unofficial are acceptable for the screening stage) and current contact information for three (3) professional references. For questions or additional information, contact Dr. Andrew Bobilya, Chair, EOE/PRM Search Committee, via email at: ajbobilya@wcu.edu

The Department of Human Services consists of distance and residential programs that include the following at the undergraduate level: Birth-Kindergarten, Parks and Recreation Management, and Leadership minor; and graduate level: Experiential and Outdoor Education, Counseling (School and Clinical Mental Health), School Administration/Post Masters Certificate in Public School Leadership, Human Resources, Higher Education Student Affairs, and the Educational Doctorate in Educational Leadership.

Carnegie Statement:

WCU embraces its role as a regionally engaged university and is designated by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as a community engaged university. Preference will be given to candidates who can demonstrate a commitment to public engagement through their teaching, service, and scholarship.