Assistant Professor of Philosophy (Tenure-track)

Assistant Professor of Philosophy (tenure-track)

Department: Religion & Philosophy
Directly Reports To: Chair of Religion & Philosophy Dept.
Classification: Exempt

Catawba College (“Catawba”) invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position in Philosophy at the rank of Assistant Professor, to begin in August, 2025. We are seeking candidates with specialization in Environmental Ethics and/or Philosophy of Science (Environment).

Preferred qualifications:

• Extensive teaching experience, which may include teaching assistantships, and developed strategies for student-centered pedagogies

• Academic and pedagogical expertise in Environmental Ethics and/or Philosophy of Science (Environmental emphasis)

• Ability and desire to teach introductory level core courses for non-majors, including Ethics.

• Academic and pedagogical expertise from perspectives that have been actively marginalized in the academic study of philosophy, including an understanding of intersectionality and justice frameworks.

• A demonstrated commitment to diversity, well-being, equity, and belonging (WEB) as well as success in teaching students from diverse communities.

• Ability to teach courses in the core, the department, and a graduate program that is under development.

• Demonstratable ability to thrive in an institution, founded in Christian faith, which welcomes students from all faiths or no faith.

• Candidates from minoritized groups are especially encouraged to apply.

This faculty position presents a unique tenure-track opportunity for a professor of philosophy who is committed to teaching in an undergraduate environment that values the personal formation of students, the exploration of vocation, the central role of a liberal arts education, and interaction with faculty and students who work across varied disciplines. The position provides opportunities to teach in first-year seminars, the honors program, and graduate studies. The candidate must value the ethos and rhythm of small-college life.

This successful candidate will serve as a member of a strategic cluster hire aimed at embedding environmental education and sustainability across Catawba College’s curriculum and co-curricular initiatives, this position will join a dynamic cohort of new campus thought leaders. Together, this interdisciplinary group will collaborate to develop innovative strategies that enhance students' environmental and sustainability literacy, fostering a deeper understanding of these critical issues. In addition, the cohort will explore and implement opportunities to utilize the campus as a living learning laboratory, creating hands-on, experiential learning experiences that reinforce classroom instruction and enrich the overall student experience. Through this collective effort, the cohort will help shape a more sustainable and environmentally conscious campus community.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Teach a 4-4 course assignment during a traditional two-semester academic year, including introductory courses for non-majors

• Assist in a department-led redesign of the Philosophy curriculum, including course, minor, and major development and assessment;

• Teach in the M.S. in Environment & Sustainability Leadership (working title; under development)

• Participate in the interdisciplinary environmental learning and sustainability faculty cohort

• Teach as needed in the Pursuit, the College’s interdisciplinary humanities program that is part of the First Year Seminar program;

• Opportunities for teaching online classes, including Winter Term and Summer Sessions, are available;

• Maintain office hours and provide academic advising and mentorship for students, both majors and non-majors;

• Support recruitment and retention of students for current departmental programs and those in development;

• Engage in service, including faculty governance committee membership and involvement in college and community life;

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• PhD in Philosophy with specialization in Environmental Ethics and/or Philosophy of Science (Environmental emphasis).

• Demonstration of excellence in teaching.

• Ongoing research and scholarly activity in Philosophy.

• Desire and willingness to support the mission of Catawba College.

• Ability to work collegially and engage in cross-disciplinary collaboration.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within the relevant departments and the greater Catawba community.

ABOUT CATAWBA:

Founded in 1851 in Newton, North Carolina, Catawba College was started by German pioneers who had traveled from eastern Pennsylvania as settlers in the valleys of the Haw, Yadkin, and Catawba Rivers. In 1890, Catawba became a coeducational institution and the first woman graduate completed her studies in 1893. In 1925, Catawba moved and re-opened to its current location in Salisbury, NC, which is about 45 minutes from Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and Charlotte, two hours from the mountains, and four hours from the beaches.

Today, Catawba College has 41 buildings on 276 wooded acres on a residential campus. Catawba is known for its 189 acre on-campus ecological preserve. Ranked as one of the best colleges in the south, Catawba offers 70 academic majors to approximately 1,300 students representing 34 U.S. states and 19 foreign countries. Students are instructed by nearly 90 full-time faculty, more than 83% of whom hold the highest degree in their field.

Catawba College provides an education focused on an institutional philosophy of a liberal education, which entails a broad range of knowledge, intellectual and practical skills, and individual and social responsibility fostered and developed in all academic programs. Catawba is a learning community that provides students unique opportunities to explore vocation, helping students to consider their calling, their passions, and their purpose as they prepare to reach their highest potential. Catawba’s mission is to provide “students an education rich in personal attention that blends the knowledge and competencies of liberal studies with career preparation” and to enable “students to reach their highest potential while becoming responsible citizens.” More information about Catawba College is located at www.catawba.edu.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

In a single pdf document, applicants should include:

• A cover letter (not more than 2 pages) addressing the applicant’s

       1.  dedication to student learning at a liberal arts college,
       2.  commitment to Catawba College’s mission and ideal

• Curriculum vitae;

• Evidence of teaching excellence at the undergraduate level

• Statement of teaching philosophy

• Contact information for three (3) professional references who can provide insight into the candidate’s abilities in teaching and scholarship.

Candidates should submit this electronic application file (single PDF document) via email to [email protected].

Catawba will provide full consideration to complete files received prior to March 14, 2025, and will accept materials until the position is filled.

Please contact Dr. Megan Flocken, Chair, Religion & Philosophy Dept., if you have questions about the position or application process.