Assistant Professor, Criminal Justice

StartupNWA; Fort Smith (AR); On-site; USD 52,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Tuition waiver for employees and their

Tuition waiver for family

12 official holidays

Immediate leave accrual

Retirement programs with university 5-

Job summary

The Department of Criminal Justice at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith seeks an Assistant Professor. The position emphasizes face‑to‑face teaching, active campus presence, mentoring students, and an ongoing research agenda. The appointee will teach in‑person and online courses and report to the Head of the Department.

The role starts August 9, 2027, and requires a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice or a closely related field with at least 18 graduate credit hours in criminal justice; ABD

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Criminal Justice or a terminal degree in a closely related field with a degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 18 graduate hours in criminal justice; ABD considered but degree must be conferred at appointment.
• Ability to teach face-to-face courses and participate in online/hybrid formats.

Responsibilities

• Teach core Criminal Justice courses such as Introduction to the Criminal Justice System, Law Enforcement, Courts, and Research Methods.
• Provide in-person and online instruction and maintain regular office hours.
• Offer academic advising, mentoring, and participate in committees and governance.
• Maintain an active scholarly agenda with peer‑reviewed publications.

Skills

Teaching

Organizational skills

Interpersonal communication

Technology use in teaching

Multicultural sensitivity

Education

Ph.D. in Criminal Justice or terminal degree in related field

18 hours graduate coursework in criminal justice

Job description

Current University of Arkansas System employees, including student employees and graduate assistants, need to log in to Workday via MyApps.Microsoft.com, then access Find Jobs from the Workday search bar to view and apply for open positions. Students at University of Arkansas System will also view open positions and apply within Workday by searching for “Find Jobs for Students”. All Job Postings will close at 12:01 a.m. CT on the specified Closing Date (if designated).

If you close the browser or exit your application prior to submitting, the application process will be saved as a draft. You will be able to access and complete the application through “My Draft Applications” located on your Candidate Home page.

Closing Date:

Type of Position:

Faculty - Non-Tenure

Workstudy Position:

No

Job Type:

Regular

Work Shift:

Day Shift (United States of America)

Sponsorship Available:

No

Institution Name:

University of Arkansas at Fort Smith

University of Arkansas – Fort Smith

The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith is a dynamic, mid-sized public university that’s redefining higher education. We’re on a mission to provide transformative, hands‑on learning experiences for students of all backgrounds and aspirations. Our multi‑faceted approach to education offers a wealth of opportunities, with over 70 academic programs, including certificates, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. We’re committed to building a diverse community that mirrors Arkansas’s rich tapestry, reflecting our dedication to serving the state’s varied population while enhancing the quality of our institution.

The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life, and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10 percent of employee salary.

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Nestled along the Arkansas River, this vibrant city offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the Old West at the Fort Smith National Historic Site, explore the eclectic local art scene, or take a scenic stroll along the picturesque riverfront trails. With a welcoming community, diverse dining options, and a thriving downtown, Fort Smith is the ideal destination for history enthusiasts and those seeking modern amenities.

Thank you for your interest in joining our university. Below you will find details for the position including any supplementary documentation and/or questions you should review before submitting your application. For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at [phone].

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process please contact Human Resources at 479-788-7080. Applicants are required to submit a request for each position to which they have applied.

Department:

Criminal Justice

Summary of Job Duties:

The Department of Criminal Justice at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith seeks applications for an Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice. The Department offers a four‑year bachelor’s degree and a minor in criminal justice. While the department offers online coursework, this is primarily an in‑person position. Candidates are expected to teach face‑to‑face courses and maintain an active presence on campus. On‑campus engagement includes but is not limited to holding regular office hours; providing academic advising and mentoring; participating in meetings; serving on committees and shared governance bodies; attending commencement and fulfilling other duties that require regular on‑campus engagement and participation in the life of the university. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellence in teaching and service and an active research agenda that has the potential to result in published scholarly works or other peer‑reviewed products. The position will start August 9, 2027, and will report to the Head of the Department.

Qualifications:

Required Education and Work Experience: Ph.D. in Criminal Justice or a terminal degree in a closely related field and a minimum of 18 hours graduate level coursework in criminal justice. The degree must be from an accredited institution of higher education. An advanced ABD will be considered but the degree must be conferred at the time of appointment.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Teach core courses within the Criminal Justice program, including but not limited to Introduction to the Criminal Justice System, Law Enforcement, Courts, Corrections, and Research Methods.
• Deliver instruction in multiple formats, including face‑to‑face, hybrid, and online modalities.
• Maintain an active scholarly agenda that includes peer‑reviewed publications and other forms of academic scholarship.
• Provide service to the department, college, and university as needed, including participation in assessment activities, student recruitment and retention efforts, and shared governance.
• Advise and mentor students in support of their academic, professional, and career development.
• Maintain regular office hours.
• Foster a positive and collegial work environment by communicating and collaborating effectively with students, faculty, staff, and community partners.
• Demonstrate professionalism through reliable performance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: To perform the job successfully, the following competencies are required for the essential functions of this position:

• Good organizational skills and timeliness in responding to student inquiries.
• Ability to respond to needs of learners from a variety of educational backgrounds in a multicultural environment, including first generation students.
• Ability to deliver course outcomes and content through a variety of teaching/learning styles.
• Ability to use technology effectively in teaching and service duties.
• Demonstrated excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships with students and colleagues.
• Dedication to professional development.

Qualification Equivalencies:

Applicable equivalencies may be considered on the qualification listed above.

Additional Information:

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, and/or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Salary Information:

$52,000 - $54,000 commensurate with education and experience

Required Documents to Apply:

Cover Letter/Letter of Application, Curriculum Vitae, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Unofficial/Official Transcript(s)

Recruitment Contact Information:

HR

479-788-7080

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:

This position may be subject to a pre-employment criminal background check, sex offender registry check, financial history background check, and/or drug screening. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication and/or adverse financial history alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background checks and drug screening information will be used in a confidential, non‑discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Benefits Eligible:

Yes