Assistant or Associate Professor of Higher Education Policy

Peabody College of Education and Human Development; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Leadership, Policy, and Organizations at Vanderbilt University's Peabody College invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor specializing in higher education policy. The position emphasizes rigorous quantitative research on issues such as student success, governance, enrollment management, and AI applications in higher ed.

The successful candidate will teach a mix of in-person and online courses across undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels,

Qualifications

• PhD in higher education, public policy, or a social science discipline.
• Proven ability to publish in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Demonstrated capacity for teaching and mentoring.

Responsibilities

• Conduct rigorous quantitative research on higher education policy.
• Teach in-person and online courses across undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels.
• Develop new courses and engage with postsecondary institutions and policymakers.

Skills

Quantitative research

Teaching & mentoring

External funding

Education

PhD in higher education, public policy, or social science

Job description

Assistant or Associate Professor of Higher Education Policy

The Department of Leadership, Policy, and Organizations (LPO) at Peabody College of Education and Human Development at Vanderbilt University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant or Associate (with tenure) Professor specializing in higher education policy. This position will advance LPOs multidisciplinary commitment to rigorous scholarship that is relevant to policy and practice given the changing landscape of higher education. The successful candidate will conduct rigorous quantitative research on pressing issues in higher education, including but not limited to policies and practices supporting student success in a broad range of postsecondary institutions, workforce preparation and transition, institutional governance, enrollment management, federal-institutional research partnership, or the application of artificial intelligence (AI) tools.

We seek a scholar trained in higher education, public policy, or a social science discipline. Candidates should possess demonstrated capacity to produce rigorous research and publish in leading peer-reviewed journals. We are seeking applicants with a track record (commensurate with experience level) of external funding, interdisciplinary collaboration, and engagement with postsecondary institutions and policymakers.

In addition to research, LPO operates programs and degrees at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral level, including a professional masters degree program in Higher Education Administration. We expect the candidate to teach a combination of in-person and online courses across levels and to develop new courses to prepare students to understand, evaluate, and shape higher education policy and practice. Demonstrated experience or capacity for effective teaching and mentoring is required.

Applications

Review of formal applications will beginOctober 30, 2026. We expect the hire to start in August 2027. Applicants should submit the following materials through Interfolio via the link below: a letter addressing their research and teaching qualifications and interests, a full curriculum vitae, a writing sample, and the names and contact information of three references. References will only be contacted if the applicant is invited to an initial interview. Please apply at the following link: https://apply.interfolio.com/193891.

Contact

For questions about the position, please contact the chair of the search committee:

Brent Evans Associate Professor of Public Policy & Higher Education, Department of Leadership, Policy, and Organizations, [e-mail]

Vanderbilt University shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.