Faculty Position in Sociology and Family Studies

Position Title Faculty Position in Sociology and Family Studies

Division College of Arts & Sciences (DIV)

Location Jackson

The Department of Sociology and Family Studies at Union University invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position, open rank, beginning August 2027. The successful candidate will teach multiple sections of Principles of Sociology each semester, including online sections, along with upper-level courses across Sociology, Family Studies, and/or Criminal Justice as fit the faculty member’s interests and departmental needs. A specialization or strong interest in criminology or criminal justice is preferred.

Teaching load is 24 credit hours per academic year. Union faculty members produce scholarship and participate in advising and departmental/university service. Rank assignment commensurate with education/experience. Competitive salary and benefits package. Position subject to final budgetary approval.

Founded in 1823, Union University is a private, coeducational liberal arts-based university offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, with a total enrollment of about 2,600. The main campus is located in Jackson, Tenn., with additional campuses in Memphis and Hendersonville. A national leader among colleges and universities in promoting a Christian worldview and a Christ-centered approach to education, Union is consistently ranked among the nation’s premier Christian universities.

• Teach a full-time course load (24 hours per academic year) in Sociology, Family Studies, and/or Criminal Justice as fits departmental need, including lower-level Principles of Sociology. Assign grades, maintain records in accordance with FERPA regulations, and keep regular on-campus office hours. Integrate a Christian worldview into course design and instruction. Pursue steady growth as a teacher and as a course designer.
• Advise, mentor, and supervise undergraduates within the discipline, including regular meetings with students to plan for registration and assess academic progress. Supervise undergraduate research for interested students.
• Maintain a program of scholarship in line with the department’s definition of scholarship, including the public dissemination of scholarly/creative works.
• Work with other Sociology and Family Studies Faculty and Staff on the Jackson Campus on projects as needed.
• Participate in standing and ad-hoc university committees in line with expectations for full-time faculty.
• Attend and participate in departmental, divisional, and college-wide meetings and events, including commencements and convocations.
• Participate enthusiastically in the life of the department via shared curriculum development, program planning, assessment, and other activities, including sponsoring student organizations as assigned. Cultivate meaningful community with faculty colleagues, staff, and students.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Ph.D. in Sociology, Criminology, or a closely related field is preferred. Candidates currently pursuing relevant advanced degrees will be considered. Preference will be given to applicants with a specialization in criminology, but applicants with any specialization will be considered.

Successful candidates must be professing Christians who are active members of a local church, who enthusiastically support Union University’s Identity, Mission and Core Values, Faith Statement
, and who articulate a Christian worldview in their work and life.

The work performed by this position is of a general office and classroom nature. While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to perform the following:

• Communicate clearly in person, on the phone, through a computer, and in writing.
• Move independently from office to classroom and from one campus office/building to another campus office/building.
• Spend extended periods of time standing or sitting while managing a classroom independently (1 to 3 hours).
• Work performed requires occasional lifting and carrying of files, materials, and equipment up to 25 pounds.

Posting Number F123P