Assistant Professor of Dance Studies

Appalachian State University; Boone (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. is seeking an Assistant Professor of Dance Studies to join the Department of Theatre and Dance at Appalachian State University. The successful candidate will teach courses that guide students in their exploration of contemporary and modern dance practices, as well as maintain an active creative research profile.

This role demands a terminal degree in Dance or a related field by 7/31/27. Responsibilities include engaging with student mentorship and faculty governance. The position offers a vibrant academic community to foster student learning and creative inquiry.

Qualifications

• A terminal degree (MFA) in Dance or related field (must be completed by 7/31/27).
• University/college level dance studies teaching experience required.

Responsibilities

• Guide students in exploring contemporary and modern dance practices.
• Maintain an active creative research profile.
• Engage in faculty governance and student mentoring.

Skills

Teaching experience in dance studies

Passion for mentoring students

Creative activity in Dance Studies

Education

MFA in Dance or related field

Job description

Assistant Professor of Dance Studies

Tenure Status: Tenure Track

Department: Theatre & Dance - 265350

Minimum Qualifications

• A terminal degree (MFA) in Dance or related field (must be completed by 7/31/27)
• University/college level dance studies teaching experience

Areas of Interest (No Minimum Level Required)

• Documented success in and passion for teaching and mentoring undergraduate students, majors and non-majors
• Emerging creative activity/scholarship in Dance Studies

License/Certification Required

N/A

Description of the Department or Unit

The Department of Theatre and Dance is both NAST and NASD accredited and offers B.A. degrees in Theatre Arts and Dance Studies. It is one of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts at Appalachian State University. The mission of the department is to provide a liberal arts curriculum for the BA degrees in Dance Studies, and in Theatre Arts (including concentrations in Performance, Design/Technology, Theatre Education and General Theatre). The department offers both Dance Studies and Theatre Arts Honors programs; minors in theatre arts, dance studies, and somatic sustainability; and courses to meet General Education requirements in several themes, the fine arts, and wellness literacy. The department values the opportunity to offer coursework for integrated learning through the arts to the overall student population. The Department has a strong co-curricular production program with six main-stage productions/dance concerts each year.

For more information, visit www.theatreanddance.appstate.edu.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Teaching will include guiding students in embodied investigations that explore the evolution and reimaging of contemporary/modern dance practices. The candidate will also demonstrate fluency in one or more of the following: African diasporic movement and/or ballet practices. Additionally, the course load may include creative practice/theory courses such as Dance History, Dance Pedagogy, somatic practice courses, survey courses that serve the General Education program and other courses as needed.

Scholarship and/or creative activities include maintaining an active creative research profile in areas of specialization, consistent with the expectations for tenure and promotion. This includes choreographing for departmental dance and/or theater productions, as well as engaging in research, creative inquiry, publication and/or production appropriate to the candidate's areas of expertise.

Service load includes active engagement with faculty governance, committee participation, recruitment, community facing projects, facilitation of interdisciplinary opportunities, student mentoring, program assessment, concert coordination, development of curriculum and course content; as consistent with the expectations for tenure and promotion.

Proposed Date of Hire

08/09/2027

Suggested Salary Range

Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Closing Date

Open Until Filled: Yes

Evaluation of Applications Begins

08/10/2026

To Apply

https://appstate.peopleadmin.com/postings/54490

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Statement

Appalachian State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. The University does not discriminate in access to its educational programs and activities, or with respect to hiring or the terms and conditions of employment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity and expression, political affiliation, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or sexual orientation.