Pepperdine University invites applications and nominations for the Fletcher Jones Chair of Western Civilization, a distinguished endowed faculty position dedicated to the study, teaching, and public advancement of the intellectual, cultural, political, and religious traditions that have shaped Western civilization. The Chair will provide scholarly and pedagogical leadership within Seaver College, engaging students in the great texts, ideas, and historical developments that inform contemporary life, while contributing to Pepperdine's mission of integrating faith, learning, and scholarship.
This is a senior appointment reserved for a scholar of national or international distinction whose research and teaching illuminate the foundations of Western thought, including but not limited to classical philosophy, political theory, literature, history, and the Christian tradition, and whose work models rigorous, values-engaged scholarship consistent with Pepperdine's Christian mission.
Key responsibilities include:
- Teaching undergraduate seminars in Great Books with the option of teaching courses aligned with disciplinary expertise.
- Pursue an active program of scholarly research and publication that advances public and academic understanding of Western intellectual traditions
- Provide thought leadership through public lectures, symposia, and engagement with broader university and community audiences
- Mentor students and junior faculty, fostering intellectual formation consistent with Pepperdine's mission
- Contribute to curriculum development, particularly in the established and evolving Great Books program
- Represent Pepperdine in relevant academic and public forums, enhancing the university's reputation in this field
- Participate in university service, including committee work and institutional initiatives related to the humanities
- Requirements include a Ph.D. or equivalent, a demonstrable commitment to excellent teaching, especially in general education; and an outstanding record of peer-reviewed scholarly publication generally commensurate with the rank of associate or full professor.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled; effective date of employment is August 1, 2027. For information on how to apply, please visit our website. For additional questions, please contact Paul Begin, chair of the search committee at paul.begin@pepperdine.edu.
Pepperdine University is a Christian university committed to the highest standards of academic excellence and enduring spiritual values. Seaver College, Pepperdine's undergraduate liberal arts college located on the Malibu campus, is known for its strong core curriculum, integration of faith and learning, and commitment to preparing students for purposeful lives of service and leadership.
The salary for this appointment will range from $112,659 - $147,009 and reflects what Pepperdine University reasonably expects to pay for this faculty appointment. Actual salary may vary based on the qualifications and experience of the applicant, as well as market conditions. In addition to salary, Pepperdine offers a robust suite of employee benefits. The Fletcher Jones appointment also provides the chair holder $10,000 annually to support their professional development, research/ scholarship, and travel.
To apply now, click Apply Now. A background check will be required as a condition of employment. All inquiries or questions should be sent to the Search Committee Chair, Dr. Paul Begin (paul.begin@pepperdine.edu). Application deadline is December 15th, 2026.
Application Instructions
Applicants are required to submit the following documents:
A letter of application
A curriculum vitae
Three current letters of reference. All letters should be specific to the position and completed within one year prior to the date of submission. The name and email address for each individual providing a letter of recommendation is required when submitting an application.
Transcripts of all graduate work (Unofficial copies are acceptable for the application; however, official transcripts may be required for selected applicants.)
Teaching statement. The teaching statement should reflect on the candidate’s values, beliefs, and goals regarding the teaching and learning process and any pedagogical practices used or envisioned to achieve these goals. Two to three pages maximum length is requested.
Scholarly/Creative agenda. The statement should outline applicants’ short- and long-term objectives and goals for their research and/or creative activities. Candidates should reflect on currently published or presented work(s) as a foundation for the statement. Two to three pages maximum length is requested.
Response to Mission. Pepperdine University’s mission statement declares that we are a Christian university committed to the highest standards of academic excellence and Christian values, where students are strengthened for lives of purpose, service, and leadership. Religiously affiliated with the churches of Christ, it is the purpose of Pepperdine to pursue the very highest employment and academic standards within a context which celebrates and extends the spiritual and ethical ideals of the Christian faith. In pursuit of its mission, Pepperdine reserves the right to recruit and hire persons who richly embrace the goals and Christian mission of the University.
At Seaver College, the undergraduate college of letters, arts, and science at Pepperdine, our faith calls us to uphold the highest standards of academic and scholarly excellence. To achieve this goal, the college’s mission statement affirms that we are a Christian college where each student is a person of infinite dignity and their total development is centered at the heart of our educational enterprise. Arising from our faith, we commit to pursue truth relentlessly in all disciplines, fully confident that it has nothing to fear from investigation.
Candidates should thoughtfully reflect on the Christian missions of Pepperdine University and Seaver College and address the following areas in their response.
- A consistent pattern of support for generally accepted Christian values and the mission of Pepperdine University.
- Active participation in a community of faith.
- Either current practice or vision for integrating faith and learning in the classroom.
A background check is required as a condition of employment. Depending on the position, the search committee may request that additional materials accompany the application (e.g., prior teaching evaluations, portfolio of scholarly work, etc.)
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Pepperdine is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Pepperdine is committed to providing a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment. Engaging in unlawful discrimination or harassment will result in appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the University.
Pepperdine is religiously affiliated with the Churches of Christ. It is the purpose of Pepperdine to pursue the very highest employment and academic standards within a context that celebrates and extends the spiritual and ethical ideals of the Christian faith. While students, faculty, and staff represent many religious backgrounds, Pepperdine is permitted under applicable law and reserves the right to seek, hire and promote persons who support the goals and mission of the institution, including the right to prefer co-religionists who support Pepperdine's Christian mission.
