Assistant Professor of Practice

Position Function:

The Department of Technology, Leadership, & Design at Mississippi State University invites applications for a non-tenure track, nine-month faculty position, at the rank of Assistant Professor of Practice in Community College Leadership. The Assistant Professor of Practice is a professional and scholar with a strong commitment to teaching, mentoring graduate students, and engaging in service and outreach aligned with community college leadership and workforce education. The successful candidate will contribute to the delivery and growth of the Master’s in Workforce Education Leadership and the Ph.D. in Community College Leadership programs.

Salary Grade : UC

For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Department Profile:

Please see our webpage located at http://www.tld.msstate.edu/

Area of Specialization:

Community College Leadership & Workforce Education Leadership or closely related fields.

Anticipated Appointment Date:

August 16, 2026

Tenure Track Status:

Non-Tenure Track

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Consistent with expectations for Assistant Professor of Practice roles emphasizing teaching, mentoring, service, and applied engagement:

1. Teach graduate courses in community college leadership, workforce education, and related areas in online and/or hybrid formats.
2. Advise and mentor master’s and doctoral students, including support for dissertations, capstone projects, and applied research.
3. Participate in doctoral committees and program assessment activities.
4. Contribute to curriculum development, revision, and alignment with workforce and community college leadership needs.
5. Engage in departmental, college, and university service activities.
6. Collaborate with faculty on program recruitment, student retention, and alumni engagement.
7. Support partnerships with Mississippi community colleges and other educational or workforce organizations.
8. Serve as a liaison between the university and community college systems, state agencies, and workforce partners.
9. Contribute to grant writing, contract training, and externally funded initiatives aligned with workforce development and community college leadership.
10. Participate in outreach activities including workshops, professional development, and leadership institutes for community college personnel.
11. Engage in applied scholarship or professional contributions appropriate to a practice-oriented faculty role.
12. Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Earned doctoral degree in Community College Leadership, Higher Education, Workforce Development, or a closely related field (or ABD nearing completion).
• Professional experience in a community college, workforce education, or closely related setting.
• Evidence of potential for effective teaching and mentoring of graduate students.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work with diverse student populations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated leadership experience in a community college setting (e.g., administration, academic leadership, student services, or workforce development).
• Established professional connections within the Mississippi community college system.
• Experience teaching in higher education, particularly in online or hybrid graduate programs.
• Experience with doctoral education, including dissertation supervision.
• Record of grant writing, workforce initiatives, or partnership development.
• Familiarity with accreditation, program assessment, and continuous improvement processes.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of community college systems, governance, and policy.
• Understanding of workforce education, economic development, and postsecondary pathways.
• Ability to translate professional practice into instructional content and student learning experiences.
• Strong mentoring skills for graduate and doctoral students.
• Ability to build partnerships with community colleges, state agencies, and external stakeholders.
• Effective communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Work is typically performed in a standard office and online instructional environment.

Instructions for Applying:

All applicants must apply online at Mississippi State University’s employment website and submit:

1. Cover letter addressing qualifications and interest in the position
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Contact information for at least three professional references
4. Copies of transcripts (official transcripts required upon hire)

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu .

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu . Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.