Dear Colleagues,
The Professional Writing and Rhetoric (PWR) Program at Baylor University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor and Director of First-Year Writing to begin in Fall 2025. We welcome applications from candidates with any specialization in Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. Full details of the position can be found here: https://apply.interfolio.com/151778. I’m also attaching the job description to this email.
The application deadline is October 25, 2024.
Please share this position announcement with interested colleagues.
All the best,
Kara
Kara Poe Alexander, Ph.D.
Professor, Professional Writing & Rhetoric | Department of English
Director, University Writing Center | College of Arts & Sciences
Co-Editor, Literacy in Composition Studies
Baylor University
One Bear Place #97404 | Waco, Texas 76798
Assistant Professor, Tenure-Track, Professional Writing and Rhetoric, and Director of First-Year Writing
Position URL: apply.interfolio.com/151778
Deadline: October 25, 2024
Position Description
The Professional Writing and Rhetoric (PWR) Program in the Department of English at Baylor University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies to begin in Fall 2025. This Assistant Professor will serve as the Director of Baylor’s First-Year Writing Program. We welcome applications from candidates with any specialization in Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies, including but not limited to writing program administration, composition studies, writing pedagogy, writing across the curriculum, or writing assessment.
About the English Department and the Professional Writing and Rhetoric Program
The English Department at Baylor University is organized into three programs: Professional Writing and Rhetoric, Literature and Creative Writing, and Linguistics. Each program offers an undergraduate major, including Professional Writing and Rhetoric, English Literature, and Linguistics, as well as a minor in creative writing. The department also offers an MA and PhD in English Literature. First-Year Writing is a well-established and dynamic dimension of undergraduate education for Baylor students across the disciplines. Nearly 2,500 students per year have the opportunity to enrich their writing knowledge and abilities in English 1310: Writing and Academic Inquiry—the most widely taken writing course in Baylor’s Core Curriculum. The Professional Writing and Rhetoric Program currently has over 70 students and seven full-time faculty. The PWR faculty is a collaborative and supportive community, and we would love for you to join our team.
About Baylor University
Located in Waco, Texas, Baylor University is the oldest college in Texas. With a population of 21,000 diverse students, Baylor is one of the top universities in the nation, having been named an R1 institution by the Carnegie Classification in January 2022. Baylor is also on the honor roll of the “Great Colleges to Work For” from The Chronicle of Higher Education; Baylor offers competitive salaries and benefits while allowing faculty and staff to live in one of the fastest-growing parts of the state. Our strategic plan, Illuminate, guides the University as we continue to live up to Baylor’s mission of educating men and women for worldwide leadership and service by integrating academic excellence and Christian commitment within a caring community.
Qualifications
- PhD in rhetoric and composition/writing studies or related discipline by August 1, 2025.
- Evidence of a productive research agenda in rhetoric and composition/writing studies.
- Evidence of successful college-level teaching experience in rhetoric and composition/writing studies or related areas.
- Experience teaching advanced writing and rhetoric courses is desired but not required.
- Writing Program Administration experience is desired.
Essential Functions
Teaching will include undergraduate rhetoric and writing courses in the Professional Writing and Rhetoric major, with the possibility of teaching courses in Rhetoric and Composition in the graduate program in English Literature and courses in the First-Year Writing Program. Candidates should demonstrate a well-defined and productive research agenda, teaching excellence, and a willingness to serve the department, university, and profession. The ability to seek external funding is strongly encouraged to support research. The faculty member hired in this position will serve as the Director of First-Year Writing. WPA experience is desired. The Director of First-Year Writing is an elected leadership position in the English Department. The appointment term for the Director of First-Year Writing is three years, with an opportunity for renewal of an additional term based on a desire for reappointment, a faculty vote, approval by the department chair, and approval of the dean’s office. Because Baylor is a Christian university, candidates should also demonstrate a faith commitment and an active spiritual life. The position offers generous benefits in a rapidly growing town with beautiful parks and a thriving business district.
Application Instructions
Please submit the following materials through Interfolio by October 25, 2024:
- A letter of application
- A curriculum vitae
- A copy of official transcripts (including the official transcript for the Ph.D. or highest degree earned)
- A writing sample
- Three confidential letters of recommendation
All applicants must complete the self-disclosed Religious Affiliation Form in Interfolio.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Baylor University is a private not-for-profit university affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, Baylor is committed to compliance with all applicable anti-discrimination laws, including those regarding age, race, color, sex, national origin, military service, genetic information, and disability. Baylor’s commitment to equal opportunity and respect of others does not undermine the validity and effect of the constitutional and statutory protections for its religious liberty, including, without limitation, the religious organization exemption under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the religious exemption to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, among others. Baylor encourages women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply.
Baylor PWR Job Ad (TT Assistant Prof and Director of FYW).pdf