Director of African and African American Studies – #212900

WCU seeks a dynamic scholar at either the senior assistant (tenure-track) or associate professor (tenure-track or tenured) level to direct and contribute to the development of its new interdisciplinary minor in African and African American studies beginning in August of 2020. This is a nine-month position. Employment in this position is contingent upon final budgetary approval. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a successful candidate has been identified.

The director will build the intellectual identity of the program, and will assure an exciting and collegial environment for faculty, students, and staff by fostering interdisciplinary campus, regional, and national collaboration and help shape the curriculum, mission, and community outreach of the program. Proposed by students at WCU as a necessary part of creating a diverse campus community and supported by faculty, this minor is part of an effort to encourage students to develop their analytic, research, and literary skills. The director will have a disciplinary home in one of the following departments: Anthropology and Sociology, English, History, Philosophy and Religion, or Political Science and Public Affairs.

The director’s duties will include:
Teaching course(s) for student in the minor and in their discipline that support the minor and other majors on campus and conducting research.
Designing curriculum appropriate for an African and African American studies minor and facilitating the development of relevant courses across campus.
Establishing a program board of supportive faculty, students, and community members to guide the minor.
Developing signature programming associated with the minor that showcases faculty scholarship, student work, and community engagement.
Recruiting and advising students in the minor.
Managing a budget for the program.
Developing and implementing an assessment plan for the minor
Other duties could include:
Developing a growth plan.
Coordinating with cultural programs in partnership with university units and departments.
Bringing in outside scholars or speakers.

The successful applicant will join the appropriate disciplinary department in the College of Arts and Sciences and will develop, in conjunction with the Dean of Arts and Sciences and their home department head, a service load reflective of the interdisciplinary mission of the program. The director will work with a board of interested faculty, students, and community members who will aid in supporting, developing, and promoting programming.

Located in Cullowhee, NC, the campus is about one hour west of Asheville and less than twenty miles from the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians. WCU is in the Southern Appalachian Mountains and adjacent to several thriving communities, including nearby Sylva. The area has a mild climate, tremendous recreational opportunities, and natural beauty.

Western Carolina University is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce by ensuring all our students, faculty, and staff work in an environment of openness and acceptance. We strive to foster a community where people of all backgrounds, identities, and perspectives can feel secure and welcome. We also value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place to work, learn and live. We believe in transparency and encourage you to visit our “Diversity at WCU” website. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strongly encourage veterans, individuals with disabilities, women, and all minorities to consider our employment opportunities.

Minimum Qualifications
A terminal degree (PhD or M.F.A) in a discipline that would fit in one of the following departments: Anthropology and Sociology, English, History, Philosophy and Religion, or Political Science and Public Affairs.

A scholarly record that demonstrates academic contributions related to fields in African American, African Diaspora or Africana studies, broadly conceived.

Ability to teach an introductory interdisciplinary course on African/African American studies.

2-5 years of higher education teaching experience at a college or University.

Preferred Qualifications
Administrative experience in curriculum development or program development.

Experience in community-based participatory research or community outreach.

Experience in developing service learning or internship opportunities for students.