Assistant Professor of American History

Assistant Professor of American History

DESCRIPTION

• Otterbein University invites applications for the position of a full-time, tenure track Assistant Professor of American History. We seek candidates who will contribute to the department’s efforts to enhance diversity and provide an inclusive learning environment for all.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• RESPONSIBILITIES: The Assistant Professor will teach lower- and upper-division topical courses in the History major, teach the department’s historical research methods course in rotation with other departmental faculty, and contribute sections of a US History course with a global focus to Otterbein University’s Integrated Studies Program. The faculty member in this position may also teach courses in the Honors Program, the First-Year Experience (FYE) Program, and the Senior Year Experience (SYE) Program in accordance with candidate preference and with institutional needs. Faculty members are also expected to be involved in professional and community activities for the purposes of scholarship, professional development, student advising and mentorship, and service.

• COMPENSATION: For the rank of Assistant Professor (terminal degree) - $62,226 (plus full University benefits).

• WHEN: This appointment will begin August 2027.

QUALIFICATIONS

• QUALIFICATIONS: Ph.D. in American History is required. ABD applicants will be considered but need to have completed their degree requirements by position start date. We seek an outstanding applicant with an active research agenda and a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching in a liberal arts context. The successful candidate will be committed to fostering undergraduate research, to effective teaching from an interdisciplinary and multi-cultural perspective, and to service in the department and University.

• We seek a specialist in modern American political, social, or cultural history, with a temporal focus no earlier than the 19th century. Candidates with subfields in women and gender and/or race and ethnic studies are especially welcome to apply, as are those with an ability to teach from a global or comparative perspective.

• The candidate must also possess superior communication, leadership, and organizational skills, as well as the ability to work effectively with students, faculty, and staff from diverse communities and cultures. This tenure-track position carries commensurate expectations for teaching, scholarship, and service.

• APPLICATION: To apply: submit a letter of application, a curriculum vitae, a teaching philosophy statement, contact information for three references, research statement, and a statement consisting of no more than one single-spaced page addressing the following two questions: How has a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion informed your teaching, scholarship, and/or professional experience to date? How do you see yourself contributing to Otterbein’s belonging plan? Preference given to applicants who submit materials by December 1.

• ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• DEPARTMENT: The Department of History, Political Science, Languages and Cultures centers around the academic study of history, politics, law, cultures, languages, and global relations. Each of our department’s four majors — History, Political Science, Global Studies, and Spanish and Latin American Studies — includes a global focus that allows students to study areas beyond U.S. borders and to learn about interconnections between the United States and other regions. We offer opportunities for immersive language learning, study abroad, co-curricular international travel, service learning, internships, and undergraduate research. We emphasize the development of critical thinking, writing, and communication skills to prepare students for a wide variety of careers, graduate and law school, and lifelong learning. The department connects to and supports the University’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging through promoting student understanding of the richness and diversity of human experience across time and across the globe.

• OTTERBEIN UNIVERSITY: Historically progressive. That is the hallmark of Otterbein University and those connected to this private university nestled in the picturesque, historic Uptown Westerville district in central Ohio and minutes away from Columbus, Ohio’s largest city. Otterbein has set the pace by providing an educational experience that is progressive, innovative, and inclusive. Students come from towns throughout Ohio, as well as many states and multiple countries, enriching the campus through their individual and collective diversity. As a university that educates students of various racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, we strive for and value a diverse faculty and staff that reflects our student population and Franklin County. Otterbein has been selected as one of 23 universities across the US and the first in Ohio to host a Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Campus Center. Otterbein will work with its own campus community as well as the Columbus City and Westerville City school districts to create positive narrative change about race; promote racial healing activities; and erase structural barriers to equity and opportunity.

• Otterbein University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. For more than a decade, Otterbein has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report for its academic quality. In the 2025–2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, Otterbein ranked #12 among 160 Regional Universities in the Midwest. To learn more about Otterbein, visit www.otterbein.edu.

• WHERE: Otterbein University is located in Westerville, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus, and has received notable national designations, including two appearances on Money Magazine’s Top 100 list of Americas’ “Best Places to Live” and recognized as one of Forbes “America’s Friendliest Towns.” Westerville has a population of approximately 38,000 people and combines the beauty and convenience of a medium-sized community with the cultural, educational, and economic benefits of Columbus, the state capital; a thriving and diverse metropolitan area of 2.2 million people. Central Ohio is the fastest growing area in the state with stability provided by a diversified economy.

• Otterbein University’s achievement of academic excellence depends on its commitment to inclusion and belonging. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. Otterbein University is an EEO Employer.

• To help attract a talented team, Otterbein offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time faculty and staff. Benefits at Otterbein include:

• Tuition benefit for employee and their dependents

• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance for employee, dependents, or domestic partner

• Disability

• Defined contribution retirement plan

• and much more

• ABOUT OTTERBEIN UNIVERSITY: https://www.otterbein.edu/about/

• ABOUT OTTERBEIN CAREERS and BENEFITS: https://www.otterbein.edu/about/careers/