Assistant Professor and Department Chair of Human Animal Studies
Aurora University

Aurora University (AU) is committed to the transformative power of learning by creating a student-centered environment and an equity of experience and opportunity, to ensure that students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel welcome and included. Our culture of collaboration, generosity, and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty, and staff.

AU is grounded in the transformative opportunity it provides to a diverse student body. As a private university with a public mission and a commitment to making a difference in peoples' lives, AU has a long history of resilience and of providing access to an education that values innovation, focuses on continuous improvement, and has a positive impact on the communities we serve. We are proud of our service to and economic impact on the state of Illinois, where over 80% of our students stay to live and work, where 90% of our students come from, and where we foster strong community partnerships to develop the workforce in areas such as nursing, education, business, technology, and social work.

We are looking for passionate and purposeful individuals who represent the full diversity of Aurora and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, ability, identity, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at AU, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative, and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice requiring broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students, and community partners.

At AU we believe that continuous learning is a fundamental part of working life, and our goal is for all colleagues on our campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support our community by providing all employees with opportunities to engage in professional development activities, as well as a range of tuition and employee benefits that can be found here.

Aurora University seeks talented faculty who are passionate about teaching and learning. As a private institution, Aurora University expects faculty to be involved in the lives of students through mentoring, student support, enrollment initiatives, and other activities related to the college experience. To facilitate this highly interactive faculty/student relationship, the typical teaching load is three 4 credit-hour courses per semester. Student advising is supported by professional staff. Undergraduate faculty share in the delivery of the general education program, most often by teaching within the university's interdisciplinary core. Evidence of successful teaching, or a strong potential for successful teaching, is required for all positions. Experience teaching at a smaller, private institution is highly preferred.

Position Purpose: The School of Health Science at Aurora University invites applications for a full-time, clinical track Assistant Professor of Human-Animal Studies. The candidate will be instrumental in furthering the Human-Animal Studies program's objective of providing students with outstanding classroom and experiential learning opportunities to become highly competent and productive professionals. The candidate will possess experience and knowledge in multiple aspects of the human-animal bond. This position is a 9-month academic appointment with the possibility of an additional summer appointment contingent upon the need and availability of funds, beginning fall of 2024. This position will also include department chair responsibilities.

Essential Job Functions:

Teaching Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will teach undergraduate courses that span the Human-Animal Studies major as well as engage in research and service projects that will strengthen the university community. The successful candidate will also work well in a highly collaborative departmental environment and provide service to the university. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Faculty typically teach three courses per term and have opportunities for service and professional growth and development. The successful candidate will have experience working with animals in a professional environment involving the Welfare and Bonding and/or the Animal Assisted Therapy track of the major.

Department Chair Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will also be responsible for the oversight of the academic program. This includes mentoring students; managing the faculty, the curriculum, assessment plans and reports, and departmental resources; providing oversight of the robust internship experience; and maintaining the pre-veterinary medicine program.

Education: Applicants must have an earned master's degree in Animal Science or a relevant field by appointment date. Doctorally prepared candidates are preferred and ABD candidates will be considered as well. Current certifications related to the field are encouraged, as well as prior teaching experience.

Experience: Industry experience and teaching experience preferred. Ability to work with animals and students in hands-on practice is necessary.

Skills: Demonstrate commitment to fostering a diverse working and learning environment. Demonstrated effective written, oral communication, and/or presentation skills. Commitment to staying current in the field. Mentoring undergraduate students.

Physical Requirements: Ability to interact with individuals, either in person or via technology. Ability to manage animals on campus. Ability to be physically present in class and during office hours. Ability to demonstrate physical activities relevant to the profession.

Full consideration will be given to applications received by December 1, 2023. Applications received after that date may be considered until positions are filled. It is anticipated the appointments will begin fall 2024.

Inquiries about this position can be directed to the Department Chair, Dr. Jane L. Davis,
(jdavis@aurora.edu). For more information about Aurora University, please visit aurora.edu.

All benefit-eligible faculty positions offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits including health, dental, vision, life, long term disability, a 403(b) retirement plan through TIAA, and tuition remission. Applications must include a letter of intent including description of education, certifications held, and all relevant experience, current curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references including phone numbers (candidates will be notified prior to references being contacted). Electronic applications welcomed.

If you were referred by a current employee of Aurora University please include the name of the employee in your submission.

Please submit application materials as follows:

Hardcopy submissions:
Faculty Search, Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs
Aurora University
347 S. Gladstone Ave.
Aurora, IL 60506

Electronic submissions:
facultysearch@aurora.edu

Aurora University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.