Job Description / Duties

The Department of Health & Human Performance at Northwestern State University is seeking applicants for an Assistant/ Associate Professor 9-month tenure-track position. Primary responsibilities of this position include teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in the areas of exercise physiology, exercise prescription, research methodologies, exercise testing and prescription, and other courses based on departmental needs. The successful candidate will conduct research in the areas of applied exercise science; actively seek funding; and provide service to the university and community.

Qualifications / Required Skills

Candidates must hold an earned doctorate in Kinesiology, Exercise Physiology, or related field {ABD will be considered). Evidence of teaching experience in the areas of exercise physiology, exercise testing and prescription, and/or research methodologies is required. The successful candidate must demonstrate strong abilities in teaching, scholarly activity, and professional service as well as have excellent communication and computer skills. Experience teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses in exercise science required. Applicants are expected to develop a research agenda related to health and exercise science. The successful candidate will serve on departmental, college, and university committees and seek funding within and outside of the university. Teaching load will begin with a 12- credit load per semester.

Preferred qualifications: Experience in teaching in an online environment; experience teaching across sub-disciplines (e.g., health, kinesiology, sport); experience working with student outcomes; experience in a rural setting; established research agenda; and service within the profession.

Additional Information

JOB CONCEPTS:

Teach 12 hours of undergraduate and/or graduate coursework {both face-to-face and online) during the fall and spring semesters. Summer teaching may be available for an additional contract. Courses may include exercise physiology, exercise testing and prescription, research methodologies, tests and measures, and/or first aid and CPR.
Serve as director of the Human Performance Laboratory.
Participate in scholarly activities appropriate to the discipline and position. Conduct applied research in the areas of health and exercise science.
Actively seek grant funding.
Maintain quality programming in terms of expectations for activity, quality instruction, and record keeping.
Maintain cooperative relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Advise undergraduate students. Participate in and maintain a positive, student-oriented, and caring academic atmosphere.
Maintain required office hours for student access.
Engage in service within health and human performance community and serve on college and university committees.
Support the faculty, Department Head, Dean, Vice-president for Academic Affairs and President in the goals of the College and University.
Participate in official Northwestern State University functions labeled as such by the President or Vice-President
Represent the department and Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development in a professional manner in all activities.
Perform other duties as needed, related to the overall mission of the department.
Northwestern State University is committed to promotion of diversity and thus the candidate should facilitate a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and ability to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds. The candidate should have an understanding and knowledge of multicultural and diversity issues, and their potential applications to pedagogy, programming, and service activity.
Maintain confidentiality in accordance with federal laws and program policy.
Acknowledge and comply with the mandates of the Constitution and laws of the State of Louisiana, which regulates the activity and employment of state employees including but not limited to the "Code of Governmental Ethics", "LA R.S. 42.1101 et seq", and "Dual Office Holding and Dual Employment LA R.S. 42.61 et seq"

The University is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION (FULL DISCLOSURE) It has been, and will continue to be, the policy of Northwestern State University to be an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are based on job related standards and must comply with the principles of equal employment opportunity. In keeping with this policy, the University will continue to recruit, hire, train, and promote into all job levels the most qualified persons without regard to race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, veteran status, or retirement status. All personnel actions, such as compensation, benefits, transfers, layoffs, training, and education are administered without regard to race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, veteran status, or retirement status. The University is committed to equal opportunity for student success by providing access to educational programs, tuition assistance, and social and recreational activities for all students without regard to race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, veteran status, or retirement status. Additionally, the University provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups. Student complaints or inquiries related to Title IX should be directed to the Director of Advocacy and Title IX Coordinator, Christie Price (318-357-5570), Room 308 of the Friedman Student Union or email pricec@nsula.edu. Employee Title IX issues should be directed to the Executive Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Human Resources, Veronica M. Biscoe (318-357-6359), Room 111 Caspari Hall or email ramirezv@nsula.edu. In accordance with Section 35.106 of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), all participants, applicants, organizations, and interested individuals are advised and notified that the ADA Coordinator for Northwestern State University for facilities is the Director of University Affairs, Jennifer Kelly (318-357-4300), located in New Fine Arts, 104 Central Avenue, Ste. 102 or email andersonje@nsula.edu. For student academic services, contact the Director of Access and Disability Support, Randi Washington (318-357-5460) located in Room 108-C Watson Memorial Library or email washingtonr@nsula.edu. For faculty/staff accommodations and services, contact Executive Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Human Resources, Veronica M. Biscoe (318-357-6359), Room 111 Caspari Hall or email ramirezv@nsula.edu.

Salary: $55,000 - 9 months

Contact Information

Screening of applications will begin on June 13, 2022 and will continue until position filled. Qualified applicants should submit electronically a letter of application, curriculum vitae, copies of transcripts, and complete contact information (names, addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses) for at least three (3) professional references to:
Dr. Tara Tietjen-Smith, tietjensmitht@nsula.edu or by mail: Chair, Health and Human Performance Search Committee, Department of Health and Human Performance, Northwestern State University, 170 Tarlton Drive, Natchitoches, LA 71497.

Employer Profile

Mission

Northwestern State University is a responsive, student-oriented institution committed to acquiring, creating, and disseminating knowledge through innovative teaching, research, and service. With its certificate, undergraduate, and graduate programs, Northwestern State University prepares its increasingly diverse student population to contribute to an inclusive global community with a steadfast dedication to improving our region, state, and nation.

History

Northwestern State University was established in 1884 as the Louisiana State Normal School, an institution created specifically for the training of teachers, in a time when public education was an increasing priority across the nation.

The location of the school is tied to the roots of the city of Natchitoches and is the oldest continually occupied site for higher education in Louisiana. When legislation was introduced in 1884 to create a state Normal School, local civic and business leaders marshaled support to purchase the 100-acre site of a former convent and school and offer it as the site of the new state school. The selection was announced in October 1884 and a short, two-month session began in March 1885 with an enrollment of 60 students.

In 1921, the Louisiana State Normal School, which initially offered a 2-year degree program to prepare educators, began offering a 4-year educator degree program and was renamed the Louisiana Normal College. In 1944, the further expansion of degree offerings led to the school’s name being changed to Northwestern State College. In 1970, the college achieved university status and was renamed the title it still holds today: Northwestern State University of Louisiana. Ever-growing, Northwestern State also serves the region at its off-campus instructional sites in Shreveport, Alexandria and Fort Polk.

Since its inception, Northwestern State University has had a tremendous social and economic impact on northwest Louisiana and beyond. NSU has provided and continues to offer educational and cultural opportunities to prepare individuals for success in life, careers and citizenship.