Assistant Professor of History at Western Colorado University 

POSITION: Western Colorado University invites applications for an Assistant Professor of U.S. History.

We seek an effective teacher-scholar engaged in teaching and research on histories of what is now the Western United States (western Turtle Island/northwestern Abya Yala) and its environment and/or public lands. We particularly welcome applications from scholars whose work focuses on subjects such as critical studies of race, ethnicity, gender, and class; settler colonialism and decolonization; Indigenous knowledge; migration and diaspora; environmental and/or Indigenous policy; and/or marginalized peoples and contested spaces in the American West.

Teaching is the primary focus of this position, and the faculty member will be responsible for teaching a 4-4 load per year. These will include one or more of the program’s U.S. history survey courses, General Education courses, as well as upper-division U.S. history courses and special topics. Depending on qualifications, the candidate may also have the opportunity to teach in the Environmental and Sustainability program and potentially supervise graduate students and teach in the Masters in Environmental Management program. Interdisciplinary collaboration across the Social Sciences, Humanities and/or with Computer Science is desirable.

This position should complement our current team who cover African, European, Latin American, and Public History. The History program seeks a colleague who can show evidence of teaching excellence, scholarly productivity, and curriculum vision. Applicants should directly address issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in research, service, and teaching pedagogy.

The History program at Western Colorado University is part of the Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences. The program has 3 full-time faculty members and approximately 45 majors following three tracks: Standard History major, Secondary Licensure, and Public History. We also support a number of accelerated master’s programs (Environmental Management and Education). The successful applicant will help to nurture an interdisciplinary culture in the Behavioral & Social Sciences department and will contribute to Western’s mission and strategic plan, collegiality, student mentorship, inclusive and interdisciplinary teaching, creating professional pathways, and growing enrollment.

QUALIFICATIONS: A Ph.D. or similar terminal degree from a regionally-accredited university is required. A Ph.D. in history is preferred, but candidates with doctorates in American studies, Indigenous/Native American studies, ethnic studies, or similar fields will be considered if their research is primarily historical in nature. Evidence of teaching excellence and a demonstrated ability to work collegially in a student-centered learning environment while building relationships with external constituents thatbenefit student is also expected. Candidates must also be able to use technology in instructional delivery, including ability to teach online and hybrid courses. Collegiality and professional flexibility are characteristic of the department and would be sought in the successful candidate.

SALARY/BENEFITS: $57,000-$59,000 annualized salary. Western offers an excellent benefits package including shared premiums for a comprehensive health insurance plan, dental insurance, retirement plan, life insurance, and other insurance options. After one year of employment, Western provides free tuition for dependents enrolled full time in undergraduate programs for up to four years. 

START DATE: August 2025

APPLICATION: Apply online at www.western.edu/jobs. Required attachments to the application include: letter of application, curriculum vitae, transcripts, teaching evaluations, statement of teaching philosophy, diversity statement, and a reference list with names and contact information of three references.

Please direct questions to Dr. William Niemi (970-943-3045); email: wniemi@western.edu.

Screening of applications will begin immediately and application deadline is January 15, 2025.

Note: If transcripts are required for your application, you may redact information that identifies your age, date of birth, dates of attendance, or graduation from the educational institution. If a degree is required for employment, official transcripts (unopened or delivered directly to HR) are required upon hire; copies/scans submitted during application will not serve the purpose of official transcripts upon hire.

Additional Information on Western and Gunnison/Crested Butte

Western Colorado University is a public institution with an enrollment of ~3,700 graduate and undergraduate students, the majority of which reside on the campus and in the community.  With average class sizes of 17 students, faculty and staff share a strong commitment to inclusivity and personalized, immersive education. They are student-oriented, collegial, enthusiastic, and engaged in the campus and community. Western is committed to continual growth in regard to diversity, equity, and inclusivity and promotes participation in DEI initiatives from students, faculty, staff, and the community. Please see our diversity statement, and our DEI Committee charge.

 

The University is located in Gunnison, Colorado, a rural community 200 miles southwest of Denver and the gateway to Crested Butte, a world class ski community.  K-12 students are served by the award-winning Gunnison Watershed School District. Both communities value the arts, quality of life, community-based wrap around services for children and adults, and continued personal growth and learning opportunities. At an elevation of 7,700 feet in the southern Rocky Mountains, the Gunnison Valley provides exceptional year-round outdoor recreational and cultural opportunities including summer arts and music festivals, mountain biking, skiing, kayak/rafting, rock climbing, hiking and camping… all within minutes of the campus. 

Visit http://www.western.edu to learn more about the university.

 

An Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.