Faculty Position in Philosophy and Religion

Truman State University seeks a diverse pool of applicants for a non-tenure-track faculty position in Philosophy and Religion, to begin January 2024 or August 2024.

Responsibilities:

• A 4/4 teaching load providing undergraduate classroom instruction in lower- and upper-division philosophy curriculum (including introductory philosophy, introductory ethics, and advanced ethics courses) and multi/interdisciplinary curriculum within the faculty member’s competency area; fulfillment of additional faculty duties including mentoring students; and provision of service to the University and community.

Required Qualifications:

Requires a Ph.D. in Philosophy or a related field, with an ethics or related value theory Area of Specialization, and an open Area of Competency.

Applicants will be evaluated on…

• academic qualifications;
• compatibility with department and university needs;
• teaching background in, or the potential for teaching, an introductory survey course in philosophy;
• teaching background in, or the potential for teaching, an introductory ethics course;
• teaching background in, or the potential for teaching, an advanced ethics course in applied ethics and public affairs;
• teaching background in, or the potential for teaching, other advanced ethics and value theory courses;
• interest or background in interdisciplinary and/or cross-disciplinary teaching;
• evidence of commitment to liberal arts education,
• evidence of teaching effectiveness, including potential for developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills in undergraduates; and
• strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Compensation and Rank: This is an entry-level academic position with a benefits package that includes health insurance, retirement contributions, and reimbursed assistance for moving expenses.

Program: The Philosophy and Religion program is part of the School of Arts and Humanities. The program currently has four full-time faculty members, equally divided between philosophy and religious studies, and approximately 20 undergraduate Philosophy and Religion majors and 35 minors. The program also offers courses in Truman’s core curriculum. For more information about the Philosophy and Religion program, please visit https://www.truman.edu/majors-programs/majors-minors/philosophy-major/ .

The University: Truman State University is home to a vibrant educational community. The approximately 3,500 students who make up its student body are well prepared for the challenging academics in a supportive environment. More than 25% engage in significant undergraduate research and creative projects.  Nearly 40% gain leadership experience, and nearly half plan to go on to graduate or professional school.

Founded in 1867, Truman is known for its focus on student learning and outcomes and places an emphasis on high-impact experiences such as internships, research, and study abroad opportunities. Truman has the highest overall graduation rate among the state’s public four-year colleges and universities. For more than two decades, Truman has been recognized as the No. 1 public university in the Midwest regional category by U.S. News & World Report, and Washington Monthly consistently ranks Truman as one of the best master’s universities in the nation. For more information regarding additional rankings and acknowledgments, visit truman.edu/about.

The Community: Located in northeast Missouri, Kirksville is a cultural and economic hub in the region. In addition to being the home of Truman, Kirksville is the birthplace of osteopathic medicine and features a medical school, dental school and community college, and the Kirksville School District is consistently recognized for academic excellence. The community takes pride in several annual events including the Red, White and Blue Festival and the FLATS Trail Half-Marathon. The charming downtown area features an arts center, as well as several local shops and restaurants. It is also the site of numerous community events including weekly farmers’ markets from May through October, as well as the Red Barn Arts and Craft Festival each fall. Just a few minutes outside of town is beautiful Thousand Hills State Park with hiking and biking opportunities surrounding the 700-acre Forest Lake. Kirksville offers easy access by car to Kansas City, St. Louis, Chicago and Des Moines. Daily flights from Kirksville Regional Airport to Chicago O’Hare provide quick access to one of the country’s major metropolitan areas. More information about Kirksville can be found at visitkirksville.com.

Application: The School of Arts and Humanities coordinates the application process. Applications must be submitted electronically at http:// employment.truman.edu/. For assistance with submitting an application, please contact Human Resources at 660-785-4031 or [email protected].

Complete applications must include:

• a letter of application that addresses the evaluation criteria, scholarly activity interests, and any other applicant characteristics that merit emphasis;
• current curriculum vitae,
• statement describing the candidate’s teaching philosophy, research interests and goals, as well as the candidate’s commitment to the liberal arts and sciences, and to student development,
• a short writing sample (15 pages or fewer),
• teaching portfolio (a reflective summary or small representative sample of evaluations, and samples of syllabi and assignments),
• copies of graduate transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable), and
• names and contact information for three references; letters of recommendation will be solicited from candidates prior to any on-campus interview.

Review of applications will begin on November 20, 2023 and continue until the position is filled. If hired, applicants must provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States, official copies of graduate transcripts, or documentation of degrees if transcripts are not available. Final candidates will be expected to undergo and successfully pass a background check.

Questions about this position may be directed to Dr. Chad Mohler ([email protected]), Professor of Philosophy and Religion.

Truman State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. In compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, Truman State does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or protected veteran status in its program or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs. Inquiries may be directed to the Institutional Compliance Officer, 660-785-4354, and [email protected].

Truman State is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate form or to request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources, McClain Hall 101, 100 E. Normal, Kirksville, MO 63501, 660-785-4031 or [email protected].