Assistant Professor - Modern European History - #000470

Western Carolina University; Cullowhee (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Tuition waivers

Job summary

Western Carolina University invites applications for a nine‑month, tenure‑track Assistant Professor position in Modern European History to begin in August 2027. The role includes a 3/3 course load with teaching responsibilities across the European history survey, modern Europe, and related graduate offerings.

The position is based on the Cullowhee, NC campus, with potential contributions to the International Studies Minor and diverse teaching/research activities within a growing UNC system

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in History or an equivalent degree is required or expected by August 2027.
• ABD status considered if the doctoral degree is conferred by the specified date.

Responsibilities

• Teach the second half of the European history survey, modern Europe, and related upper-level and graduate courses.
• Contribute to the International Studies Minor as appropriate.

Education

Ph.D. in History

ABD considered with degree conferral by August 23, 2027

Job description

About WCU

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes 'Best Employers' lists each year. Including:

• 2025 - Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.
• 2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
• 2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
• 2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.

Western Carolina University is the UNC system's westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.

Position Summary

The primary location of this position is on the main Cullowhee, NC campus. The Department of History at Western Carolina University invites applications for a nine‑month, tenure‑track Assistant Professor position in Modern European History to begin in August 2027. The position comes with a 3/3 course load with teaching responsibilities to include the second half of the European history survey, modern Europe, and other upper‑level and graduate offerings related to teaching/research interests. The position may contribute to the International Studies Minor.

Western Carolina University is a 12,000 student campus in the University of North Carolina system that offers more than 120 areas of study for undergraduates and more than 50 graduate‑level programs. The campus is located in a beautiful mountain setting between the Great Smoky and Blue Ridge mountains, 50 miles west of Asheville, North Carolina, and only minutes from Cherokee, NC and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Location

Cullowhee, NC

Contract & Working Hours

Permanent Full-Time

Number of Months per Year: 9

Teaching Responsibilities

Teaching responsibilities include the second half of the European history survey, modern Europe, and other upper‑level and graduate offerings related to teaching/research interests.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in History (ABD considered with degree conferral by August 23, 2027)
• Degree must be from an appropriately accredited institution.

Inclusion & Diversity

Western Carolina University’s History Department holds inclusive excellence as a core value, and we work together to foster a welcoming community, where all are respected and know they belong.

Application Timeline

Open Date: 09/23/2026

Contact Information

For questions or additional information please contact Dr. Robert Clines at [phone] or [e-mail] or the department chair Dr. Alex Macaulay at [phone] or [e-mail].

Background & Verification

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

Credential Verification

All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

University Safety Report

The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.

Benefits

• Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire.
• Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan.
• Optional disability plans are also available.
• Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses.
• Free group exercise classes multiple times per week.
• Discounted membership to the campus recreation center.
• Free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus.
• Pretax flexible spending accounts.
• 12 paid holidays.
• 24 hours of paid community service leave each year.
• Leave earning employees (staff and 12‑month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately.
• Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
• WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences—many of which are offered free of charge.

Required Documents

1. Cover Letter/Letter of Application
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Teaching Philosophy
4. Unofficial Transcripts
5. List of references