Assist​/Assoc​/Full Professor Practice - Criminal Justice

Position Overview

Position Overview The KU School of Professional Studies (SPS) was created in 2019 with a vision to transform students’ lives and improve communities through innovative, student‑focused, and exemplary academic programs that lead to rewarding careers in an array of fields that serve the workforce needs of KS and beyond. SPS offers a variety of disciplines, course formats, class schedules, student services, aid, and more to meet the needs of students who may work full‑time, have considerable commitments outside of the classroom, have prior college‑level education or otherwise need a different approach to earning academic credentials.

SPS continues to launch new degree programs aimed at supporting the needs of future students and is poised for significant growth over the next 5 years.

KUEC and SPS have a reputation for employing innovative teaching techniques and serving the unique needs of non‑traditional students. Faculty enjoy an interdisciplinary and collaborative atmosphere focused on building rewarding careers while improving student success. Employees typically enjoy a hybrid work environment that provides sufficient flexibility for a healthy work‑life balance.

KU launched baccalaureate programs in Criminal Justice in 2023 to meet the growing employment demands of law enforcement, corrections, policy, courts administration, and related workforce needs in the KC metropolitan area, the greater KS and MO region, and nationally. The BA and BS in Criminal Justice are both delivered as online, degree completion programs and as a freshman admission 4‑year traditional program for those with a strong interest in understanding how agencies and institutions function as part of the criminal justice system.

Students will learn about different ideas of justice and the impact the justice system has on the lives of individuals and communities through law enforcement, the courts, and corrections. They will also engage timely topics such as constitutional rights, police use of force, collaboration with tribal nations, alternatives to incarceration, and evidence‑based practices.

One degree path is for traditional, first‑year college students at the Lawrence campus where they declare the major as a freshman and take their classes on campus. Another degree path is designed for students who have already earned an associate’s degree or equivalent hours and are looking to complete the last two years needed for a BA or BS degree. That program can be completed fully online, or hybrid, based on students’ location and preference.

This position is located on the Lawrence KS Campus.

The Criminal Justice/Open Rank Professor of the Practice is a 12‑month, non‑tenured position with both teaching and service responsibilities. The position is expected to maintain regular office hours and attend events on weekends or evenings as needed. The Assistant/Associate/Professor of the Practice serves a 3‑year limited term that may be renewed pending comprehensive evaluation. The Professor of the Practice works with the Program Director to provide courses and support for students in Criminal Justice (CRIM) and any extensions of this new program that may be developed in the future within SPS.

Responsibilities include managing course development and design (including course transitioning and development of new online and hybrid courses), delivering Lawrence classroom and online instruction, and providing academic support for these programs, related long‑term curriculum development, student recruitment and admission, student retention, program quality and assessment, community outreach, and alumni development. The position requires an in‑person presence at the KU Lawrence campus.

The selected individual may office at either the KU Edwards or KU Lawrence location.

KU’s excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other’s success. We…