Teaching Assistant Professor - Health Education​/Health Sciences

Position: Teaching Assistant Professor - Health Education/Health Sciences - #002028
Location: Cullowhee

Posting Number FAC
932P Quick Link for Internal Postings (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Classification Title Teaching Assistant Professor (F1) Working Title Teaching Assistant Professor - Health Education/Health Sciences - #002028 Department School of Health Sciences About WCU

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes 'Best Employers' lists each year. Including:

* 2025 - Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.

* 2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.

* 2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.

* 2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.

Western Carolina University is the UNC system's westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.

Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan.

Optional disability plans are also available.

Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year.

Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.

WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

Position Summary

The primary location of this position is on the main Cullowhee, NC campus.

Following recent departmental alignment and ongoing strategic growth, we invite applications for a fixed term position in the Health Sciences Program with expertise and interest in health education. This is a full-time (9-month) appointment with the rank of Teaching Assistant Professor. Opportunities for summer teaching and additional compensation are available. Preferred start date is August 1, 2026, with consideration for January 1, 2027.

Responsibilities of the position include: (1) teaching undergraduate courses that support the Health Sciences curriculum and general education courses; (2) advising and mentoring undergraduate students in collaboration with the Advising Center; and (3) providing meaningful service to the university, profession, and community. If qualified (i.e., possess a doctoral degree) candidates may also teach graduate students in the Master of Health Sciences program.

We seek candidates who demonstrate their ability to work with, and be sensitive to the educational needs of, first generation, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and rural populations; and support the University's commitment to Honoring Our Promise. The Health Sciences program holds inclusive excellence as a core value, and we work together to foster a welcoming community, where all are respected and know they belong.

The Health Sciences program is housed in the 160,000 square foot, state-of-the-art Health and Human Sciences Building and is part of the restricted Department of Integrated and Environmental Health Sciences within the College of Health Sciences. The Health Sciences program consists of a bachelor's degree in Integrated Health Sciences and a master's degree in Health Sciences. The Integrated Health Sciences (IHS) Program is a 120-credit hour, residential, program designed for students who have a broad-based interest in the health field with concentrations in Pre-Professional, Management, and Health & Wellness.

This innovative and flexible program of study is intended to equally serve entry-level and transfer students. More information about the program can be found on the website:ihs.wcu.edu

The Department of Integrated and Environmental Health Sciences Program offers undergraduate programs in Environmental Health and Integrated Health Sciences, and a Master of Health Sciences. Additional programs within the College of Health and Human Sciences include Therapeutic and Clinical Healthcare, Communication Sciences…