Faculty Position in Criminal Justice Studies

Truman State University seeks a diverse pool of applicants for a tenure track faculty position in Criminal Justice Studies to begin August 2025.

Responsibilities: Provide classroom instruction in lower and upper division courses including research methods and criminology across integrated levels of our curriculum; fulfill additional faculty duties including advising and developing an active research program, preferably involving undergraduates; collaborate in the ongoing assessment of the program; contribute to academic and co-curricular initiatives in the department and across campus; participate in departmental activities including student recruitment; contribute to our university-wide interdisciplinary programs; and perform other regular service to the University and community. Truman is looking for field-specific expertise accompanied by an ability to teach to students following a broad range of pathways in the liberal arts and sciences. Successful candidates will be excited by the opportunity to engage in intentional collaborative research, curricular and co-curricular experiences across programs, departments and schools. Truman is committed to responding to rapidly evolving changes in our fields and in the workforce, embracing expansive modes of inquiry, and building strong communities of practice to address real world needs.

Required Qualifications: This position requires a PhD, JD (from an ABA-accredited law school) or late-stage ABD in Criminology, Sociology, or closely related field. A PhD or JD is required to attain the rank of Assistant Professor. If ABD at the time of appointment, the PhD must be completed by December 2025.

Applicants will be evaluated on:

• academic qualifications,
• compatibility with department needs, complementing existing faculty strengths in terms of class coverage,
• evidence of, or potential for, success in teaching excellence in lower-level courses (including introduction to criminal justice studies, policing, corrections, and/or rehabilitation) and a variety of major elective and required courses (including criminological theory, advanced, critical criminological theory, research methods, and advanced seminars),
• evidence of, or potential for, developing critical-thinking and problem-solving skills in undergraduates,
• demonstrated ability to develop an active research program, preferably involving undergraduates,
• evidence of, or potential for, interdisciplinary and/or cross-disciplinary teaching, including contributing to required First Year Seminar and junior (Junior Interdisciplinary Seminar) campus-wide initiatives and interdisciplinary majors or minors such as Social Issues Advocacy, Africa and African Diaspora Studies, or Women and Gender Studies,
• evidence of commitment to liberal arts education, with focus on undergraduate student development and accomplishment,
• strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Compensation and Rank: This is an entry-level academic position with a salary commensurate with experience; benefits package includes health insurance, retirement contributions, and reimbursed assistance for moving expenses.

Program: The Criminal Justice Studies program provides a uniquely interdisciplinary education in the study of criminal justice. Students choose from one of four interdisciplinary concentrations: Law & Society, Criminological Theory & Research, Criminal Justice Administration, or Forensic Investigation. For more information about the Criminal Justice Studies program, please visit justice.truman.edu or https://www.truman.edu/majors-programs/majors-minors/criminal-justice-studies-major/

The University: Truman State University is home to a vibrant educational community. The approximately 3,500 students who make up its student body are well prepared for the challenging academics in a supportive environment. More than 25% engage in significant undergraduate research and creative projects. Nearly 40% gain leadership experience, and nearly half plan to go on to graduate or professional school.

Founded in 1867, Truman is known for its focus on student learning and outcomes and places an emphasis on high-impact experiences such as internships, research, and study abroad opportunities. Truman has the highest overall graduation rate among the state’s public four-year colleges and universities. For more than two decades, Truman has been recognized as the No. 1 public university in the Midwest regional category by U.S. News & World Report, and Washington Monthly consistently ranks Truman as one of the best master’s universities in the nation. For more information regarding additional rankings and acknowledgments, visit truman.edu/about.

The Community: Located in northeast Missouri, Kirksville is a cultural and economic hub in the region. In addition to being the home of Truman, Kirksville is the birthplace of osteopathic medicine and features a medical school, dental school and community college, and the Kirksville School District is consistently recognized for academic excellence. The community takes pride in several annual events including the Red, White and Blue Festival and the FLATS Trail Half-Marathon. The charming downtown area features an arts center, as well as several local shops and restaurants. It is also the site of numerous community events including weekly farmers’ markets from May through October, as well as the Red Barn Arts and Craft Festival each fall. Just a few minutes outside of town is beautiful Thousand Hills State Park with hiking and biking opportunities surrounding the 700-acre Forest Lake. Kirksville offers easy access by car to Kansas City, St. Louis, Chicago and Des Moines. Daily flights from Kirksville Regional Airport to Chicago O’Hare provide quick access to one of the country’s major metropolitan areas. More information about Kirksville can be found at visitkirksville.com.

Application: The School of Arts and Humanities coordinates the application process. Applications must be submitted electronically at http://employment.truman.edu/. For assistance with submitting an application, please contact Human Resources at 660-785-4031 or hrstaff@truman.edu.

Completed applications must include: a letter of application that clearly addresses the qualifications and evaluative criteria listed above, a current curriculum vitae, statement of scholarly interests, statement of teaching philosophy that considers our program’s liberal arts and sciences setting, writing sample, contact information for at least three references, and official or unofficial undergraduate and graduate college transcripts.

Review of applications will begin December 11, 2024 and continue until the position is filled. If hired, applicants must provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States, official graduate transcripts, or documentation of degrees if transcripts are not available. Final candidates will be expected to undergo and successfully pass a background check.

Questions about this position may be directed to Professor Elizabeth Wiles (ewiles@truman.edu) or Dr. Anton Daughters (adaughters@truman.edu).

Truman State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. In compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, Truman State does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or protected veteran status in its program or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs. Direct inquiries to the Institutional Compliance Officer, 660-785-4354 and titleix@truman.edu.

Truman State is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate form or to request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources, McClain Hall 101, 100 E. Normal, Kirksville, MO 63501, 660-785-4031 or hrstaff@truman.edu.
Truman is an equal employment opportunity, affirmative action employer committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act