Job Title

Assistant Professor Tenure-Track - Literature & Creative Writing

Agency

Tarleton State University

Department

English & Languages

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Stephenville, Texas

Job Type

Faculty

Job Description

The Department of English and Languages (http://www.tarleton.edu/english/) , housed in the College of Liberal and Fine Arts, is seeking an Assistant Professor of Literature & Creative Writing. This position offers an exciting opportunity to join a vibrant department dedicated to fostering excellence in language education, cultural studies, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

This is a 9-month tenure-track position located on Tarleton’s main campus in Stephenville, Texas. Summer appointment is dependent upon need and funding availability. Work hours: Mon-Fri; 8 AM-5 PM or as work and teaching requirements indicate. May be required to teach at other campuses or online at the institution’s discretion.

The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate excellence and innovation in teaching, maintain an impactful research program, teach and mentor undergraduate and graduate students, actively engage in mentoring and guiding doctoral students through their academic and research endeavors, fostering a supportive and enriching environment within our PhD program*, and participate in the necessary operation of the institution. This position carries a 3/3 teaching load and includes responsibilities for courses in creative writing (with a focus on poetry), literature, and first-year writing. Candidates specializing in poetry will be given preference.

*The Public and Applied Humanities PhD is under submission and pending approval by THECB and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges with a proposed launch date of Fall 2026 .

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

60% Teaching and Service:

• Plan, prepare, and deliver lectures, seminars, and/or laboratory offerings to undergraduate and/or graduate students, which may include general education core curriculum.

• Develop course syllabi, select instructional materials, and design assessments such as exams, quizzes, papers, etc.

• Assess student performance, provide timely feedback, and evaluate student learning outcomes to inform teaching practices and curriculum improvements.

• Engage students in active learning, foster critical thinking skills, and provide opportunities for discussion, collaboration, and hands-on learning.

• Provide academic support and guidance to students through office hours, feedback on assignments, and mentoring.

• Adhere to university policies, academic integrity standards, and accreditation requirements related to teaching responsibilities.

• Incorporate innovative teaching methods, technologies, and pedagogical approaches to enhance student learning and engagement.

• Engage in ongoing professional development activities to stay current in the field, improve teaching skills, and explore new instructional strategies.

• Collaborate with colleagues, departmental faculty, and university staff to coordinate course offerings, share resources, and contribute to program development and improvement.

• Participate in institutional service roles including but not limited to, college committees, advisory committees, student/faculty recruitment, and mentoring of new and part-time faculty.

40% Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity:

• Maintain an active agenda for research, scholarship, or creative activity appropriate to the applicant’s academic discipline.

• Make original contributions to the advancement of knowledge/creative expression in the applicant’s discipline through scholarly publication, presentation, or exhibition.

• Demonstrate potential for external funding, national impact, or professional recognition.

  Minimum Requirements:

• Earned doctorate in Creative Writing, English (with an emphasis on Creative Writing), or a related field from an accredited university.

• OR

• Earned doctorate in English (open literature specialization) and an MFA in Creative Writing from an accredited university.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Creative Writing specialization in Poetry

• Literature specialization which complements existing literature faculty

  Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :Knowledge and understanding of disciplinary subject matter at a level adequate for graduate-level instruction; written and oral communication skills sufficient to conduct effective teaching and research activities; ability to interact with students, staff, and faculty in a professional, collegial, and collaborative manner.

Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience

Application Procedure:

During the application process applicants have one opportunity to enter the requested information, upload documents, and Submit the application. Applicants will not be able to make changes or add additional documents once the application materials have been submitted via the "Submit" action.

Employment applications must include (required):

• Completed online application

• Cover Letter / Letter of Interest addressing qualifications

• Curriculum Vitae or Resume

• At least 3 current professional references and their full contact information

• Unofficial transcripts

• Philosophy Statement related to Teaching, and Research - no more than 1500 words.

• Proof of Teaching Excellence (student evaluation information)

  Applications received by Tarleton State University must have all job application data entered. Failure to provide all job application data could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. “See resume” is not an acceptable entry in the job application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

  Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

  Official transcripts must be received directly from each degree‐granting institution prior to a letter of appointment being issued

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.

Founded in 1899, Tarleton State University a founding member of The Texas A&M University System, has a rich history and tradition through generations that have inspired educational excellence. Tarleton maintains a commitment to transformational student experiences and career readiness supported by engaged faculty, staff, and alumni mentors. Tarleton State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), earned the prestigious designation of Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, and is a member of the NCAA Division I, Western Athletic Conference.

Strategic Planning for the Next Decade - Tarleton Forward 2030 (https://web.tarleton.edu/tarletonforward/)

All links will open to a new tab

• Employee Services (https://www.tarleton.edu/hr/index.html)

• Benefits

• University Leadership (https://web.tarleton.edu/president/)

• Research and Economic Development

• Traditions and History (https://www.tarleton.edu/traditions/index.html)

  Tarleton State University is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action/ Veterans/ Disability Employer. If you have questions about submitting your application, please contact employment@tarleton.edu .