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Why Join the University of Mississippi? – A Tradition of Excellence and Innovation
The University of Mississippi, affectionately known as Ole Miss, stands proudly as Mississippi’s flagship institution and a member of the elite R‑1 research universities. Founded in 1848, the university has a storied legacy of producing leaders in public service, scholarship, and business. Ranked among the nation’s “Great Colleges to Work For” by The Chronicle of Higher Education, Ole Miss offers a vibrant academic community, a thriving campus culture, and a location that consistently earns accolades as one of the “Top 10 Best College Towns” in the United States.
Oxford, Mississippi, the home of Ole Miss, is a cultural mecca where literature, music, film, and culinary arts intersect. The town’s historic streets have inspired Nobel laureate William Faulkner, and its lively arts scene continues to draw musicians, writers, and visual artists from around the globe. From the Oxford Film Festival to the Ford Center Performing Arts Series, the community provides a rich backdrop for scholars who wish to live, work, and create in an environment that celebrates the heritage of the American South.
Position Overview – Tenure‑Track Assistant Professor of History and Southern Studies
We are seeking a dynamic, research‑driven scholar to fill a joint, tenure‑track appointment at the Assistant Professor level, beginning in August 2024. This role straddles the Department of History and the Center for the Study of Southern Culture, focusing on 20th‑century United States history with a concentration on the American South. Candidates with expertise in public history, oral history, African‑American history, or related interdisciplinary fields are strongly encouraged to apply.
The successful applicant will teach a balanced 2‑2 load (two undergraduate and two graduate courses per year), mentor graduate students, and actively contribute to the intellectual life of both the History Department and the Center for the Study of Southern Culture. The position offers a competitive salary, a nine‑month appointment, and the flexibility of a fully remote work arrangement for scholarly activities, while maintaining a strong presence on campus during teaching semesters.
Key Responsibilities
- Teaching Excellence: Design, deliver, and assess undergraduate and graduate courses in 20th‑century U.S. history, Southern studies, and related sub‑fields such as public history, oral history, or African‑American history.
- Curriculum Development: Contribute to the evolution of the History Department’s curriculum and help shape interdisciplinary programs within the Center for the Study of Southern Culture, including the MA and MFA tracks.
- Graduate Mentorship: Supervise graduate theses and dissertations, advise students on research design, and serve on graduate committees.
- Scholarly Research: Maintain an active research agenda that results in peer‑reviewed publications, conference presentations, and public scholarship that enhances the university’s reputation.
- Service and Community Engagement: Participate in departmental meetings, university committees, and outreach activities; contribute to the annual Porter L. Fortune History Symposium and other public history initiatives.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Work closely with faculty from African American Studies, Women and Gender Studies, the Croft Institute for International Studies, and the McDonnell Barksdale Honors College to foster cross‑disciplinary projects.
- Diversity and Inclusion: Promote a diverse and inclusive academic environment by integrating diverse perspectives into coursework, research, and community engagement.
Essential Qualifications
- Ph.D. in History, American Studies, or a closely related interdisciplinary field (or ABD status with a documented plan to complete the doctorate before August 2024).
- Demonstrated excellence in teaching at the undergraduate and/or graduate level, with a commitment to innovative pedagogical approaches.
- A strong record of scholarly productivity, including peer‑reviewed journal articles, book chapters, or monographs in 20th‑century U.S. history and/or Southern studies.
- Evidence of the ability to secure external funding or a clear plan to develop grant‑writing skills.
- Commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and supportive learning environment for students from traditionally underrepresented groups.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in public history projects, oral history collection, or community‑based research collaborations.
- Specialization in African‑American history, gender studies, environmental history, or cultural studies of the South.
- Published works that engage with interdisciplinary methodologies or contribute to digital humanities initiatives.
- Experience supervising graduate students or serving on dissertation committees.
- Proven ability to work effectively in a remote or hybrid teaching environment.
Core Skills and Competencies
- Pedagogical Innovation: Ability to integrate technology, experiential learning, and primary source analysis into course design.
- Research Acumen: Skilled in archival research, oral history methodology, and quantitative or qualitative analysis relevant to 20th‑century U.S. history.
- Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills essential for teaching, publishing, and public engagement.
- Collaboration: Demonstrated teamwork with faculty across disciplines and an aptitude for building partnerships with community organizations.
- Adaptability: Comfort with remote work tools, online teaching platforms, and evolving academic environments.
- Leadership: Ability to mentor students, lead seminars, and contribute to departmental governance.
Career Growth and Professional Development
Ole Miss is committed to the professional advancement of its faculty. As a tenure‑track assistant professor, you will benefit from:
- Mentorship Programs: Pairing with senior faculty mentors to navigate research, teaching, and service expectations.
- Funding Support: Institutional assistance for conference travel, research expenses, and grant preparation.
- Teaching Development: Access to the Center for Teaching and Learning for workshops on active learning, inclusive pedagogy, and digital instruction.
- Interdisciplinary Sabbaticals: Opportunities for sabbatical leave to deepen research collaborations within or beyond the university.
- Visibility Platforms: Invitations to present at the Porter L. Fortune History Symposium, the Center’s public lecture series, and community outreach events.
Work Environment and Culture
The Department of History and the Center for the Study of Southern Culture pride themselves on a collegial, supportive, and intellectually stimulating atmosphere. Faculty members enjoy:
- A vibrant community of scholars dedicated to historical inquiry and public engagement.
- Regular interdisciplinary seminars, colloquia, and reading groups that spark innovative research ideas.
- State‑of‑the‑art facilities, including digitized archives, oral history labs, and collaborative workspaces.
- Flexibility to work remotely for research and writing, balanced with on‑campus teaching and mentorship responsibilities.
- A commitment to work‑life balance, with wellness programs, flexible scheduling, and supportive administrative staff.
Compensation, Benefits, and Perks
The University of Mississippi offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and scholarly achievements. In addition to the base salary, faculty members receive a comprehensive benefits package that typically includes:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance for employees and eligible dependents.
- Retirement plans with generous employer matching contributions.
- Paid academic leave, sabbatical opportunities, and generous summer research leave.
- Tuition remission for dependent children and access to continuing‑education courses.
- On‑campus resources such as a state‑of‑the‑art fitness center, childcare services, and a vibrant dining scene.
- Professional development funds for conference travel, research equipment, and scholarly publications.
Application Process and Timeline
To apply, please prepare a single PDF that combines your cover letter and curriculum vitae, and upload it using the “cover letter” and “resume” fields on the university’s ConnectU portal. You must also provide contact information for three professional references.
Required application materials:
- Curriculum Vitae (including a detailed list of publications, teaching experience, and service).
- Cover Letter outlining your research agenda, teaching philosophy, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Contact information for three references (referees will be contacted after an initial screening).
Review of applications will begin on 15 November 2023 and will continue until the position is filled. Candidates are encouraged to submit early, as a strong applicant pool may be assembled quickly.
Equal Opportunity and Background Checks
The University of Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. All applicants will undergo a comprehensive background investigation, which may include criminal history, credit, and driving records as appropriate to the position.
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you are a passionate scholar eager to contribute to the vibrant intellectual community at Ole Miss, to mentor the next generation of historians, and to deepen the understanding of the American South through research, teaching, and public engagement, we invite you to apply today. Join us in shaping the future of Southern studies while enjoying the unique blend of academic rigor and Southern hospitality that only the University of Mississippi can offer.
Apply now and become a pivotal part of a legacy that blends history, culture, and innovation.
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