Associate Professor of Biology - Oklahoma Baptist University

OBU Mission Statement

OBU transforms lives by equipping students to pursue academic excellence, integrate faith with all areas of knowledge, engage a diverse world, and live worthy of the high calling of God in Christ.

Oklahoma Baptist University achieves its mission through a shared commitment to the following expectations. All employees must embrace these expectations and model them in their behavior.

• Demonstrate commitment to the essentials of the Christian faith.
• Commit to the mission and vision of Oklahoma Baptist University.
• Treat people with dignity and respect.
• Build relationships on honesty, integrity, and trust.
• Strive for excellence through teamwork, leadership, and a strong work ethic.
• Manage human and financial resources wisely and efficiently.

OBU is a distinguished Christian university committed to integrating faith and learning. We strive to provide an education that fosters intellectual growth, spiritual development, and a commitment to service. The Biology program in the James

E. Hurley Division of Science and Mathematics is dedicated to excellence in undergraduate teaching, mentorship, and scholarship, with a particular focus on hands‑on, laboratory‑ and field‑based learning in a Christ‑centered, liberal arts context.

• Teach a variety of undergraduate biology courses for majors and non‑majors (such as General Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, or other courses as departmental needs and the candidate’s expertise indicate).
• Develop and implement effective student‑centered teaching strategies that integrate faith and learning, including laboratory experiences and appropriate educational technology.
• Advise and mentor Biology majors and minors (and related programs as assigned) in academic planning, professional development, and spiritual formation.
• Participate in curriculum development and ongoing assessment of biology courses and programs, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement and alignment with institutional learning outcomes and any relevant accreditation expectations.
• Engage in scholarship appropriate for a liberal arts environment (such as discipline‑based research, scholarship of teaching and learning, or student‑mentored research projects).
• Integrate the Christian faith into classroom and laboratory environments, helping students consider how a Christian worldview informs the study and practice of biology, including ethical dimensions of the life sciences.
• Participate in University committees and governance as assigned.
• Contribute to advising, recruitment, and retention efforts for Biology and related majors.
• Uphold and promote the Christian mission and values of the University in all professional activities.

• Assist with the assessment process and reporting for Biology and other assigned programs, including contributions to accreditation documentation as needed.
• Assist in recruiting students to Biology and related majors through campus events, individual visits, and school visits.
• Manage or assist with management of the Wood Science laboratories for teaching, research, and outreach purposes, as appropriate to the candidate’s expertise.
• Participate in community outreach related to biology and environmental stewardship, including events for local schools, churches, and community groups.
• Collaborate with faculty in natural science, chemistry, physics and other STEM disciplines to support interdisciplinary learning and projects.
• Assist with purchasing large equipment.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Demonstrated ability to teach biology courses effectively at the undergraduate level, including both lecture and laboratory components.
• Ability to thoughtfully integrate Christian faith with the theory and practice of biology, including discussion of ethics, stewardship of creation, and vocation.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with college students one‑on‑one, in small groups, and in larger classroom settings.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build constructive relationships with students, staff, faculty…