VMI seeks a tenure-track assistant professor with expertise in the history of the Middle East and/or North Africa. The position will fill a line opened by the retirement of a senior colleague. Candidates with training in any relevant temporal or geographical specialty are welcome, but applicants should be prepared to teach courses on the history of Islam and a two-semester Middle Eastern History survey. The most attractive applicants will demonstrate a strong background in Arabic and be able to offer an array of upper-division courses demonstrating innovative approaches to or perspectives on the history of the Middle East and/or North Africa. The Department of History hosts a minor in Middle Eastern Studies, and candidates will have the opportunity to offer classes in support and shape the direction of that program.

The position includes responsibility for teaching the Institute’s two-semester core-curriculum World History sequence; candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their interest in and ability to do so. The teaching load is 3/3—with two preps—with sections limited to a maximum of 22 students.

Minimum requirements include an earned Ph.D. in history by August 2025. If the doctorate is not presently in hand, applicants should specifically address when the defense will be held and the dissertation completed. Prior experience teaching undergraduates is extremely desirable. VMI expects faculty members to maintain an active scholarly agenda in their specialty, to include work in relevant foreign languages; the Institute offers generous research and conference travel support.

Initial interviews will be conducted via Zoom, with on-campus visits to follow.

VMI is a public, four–year, undergraduate military college of approximately 1,700 students, about half of whom accept commissions as officers in the armed forces upon graduation. Teaching excellence in a liberal arts setting is our first priority. Tenure-track faculty members wear uniforms and adhere to military customs, but military experience among the faculty is neither required nor expected. For more information about VMI and the Department of History, please visit our web site at https://www.vmi.edu/academics/departments/history/.

Applicants must complete an online state application and submit a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, list of references, and an unofficial transcript of all graduate course work on-line at: https://www.vmi.edu/about/offices-a-z/human-resources/jobs/all/job-openings/name-45224-en.php

Candidates invited to interview via Zoom will be asked to submit additional materials, including letters of recommendation. Please do not mail hard copies of letters of interest, curricula vitae, application forms, or any other application material directly to the department. Questions should be directed to Professor Geoff Jensen, jensenrg@vmi.edu.

Applications will be accepted until Close of Business, 1 October, 2024.

In a continuing effort to enrich its academic environment and provide equal education and employment opportunities, VMI encourages women, minorities, disabled individuals, and veterans to apply. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are also encouraged to apply. VMI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. VMI will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with documented disabilities to ensure equal access and equal opportunities with regard to employment, educational opportunities, programs and services.

About Virginia Military Institute

VMI is a public, four–year, undergraduate military college of approximately 1,700 students, about half of whom accept commissions as officers in the armed forces upon graduation. Teaching excellence in a liberal arts setting is our first priority. Faculty members wear uniforms and adhere to military customs, but military experience among the faculty is neither required nor expected. For more information about VMI and the Department of History, please visit our web site at https://www.vmi.edu/academics/departments/history/ In a continuing effort to enrich its academic environment and provide equal education and employment opportunities, VMI encourages women, minorities, disabled individuals, and veterans to apply. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are also encouraged to apply. VMI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. VMI will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with documented disabilities to ensure equal access and equal opportunities with regard to employment, educational opportunities, programs and services.

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