Job Description

Philosophy Instructor (Non-Tenure-Track)

The University of Tennessee Southern

About the University

The University of Tennessee Southern (UT Southern) is a small public university established in 2021 through the acquisition of Martin Methodist College, founded in 1870. Located in Pulaski, UT Southern stands as the fourth undergraduate campus in the UT System. It is the only public four-year institution of higher education between Chattanooga and Memphis, and situated along Tennessee’s southern border, the campus is conveniently located about 70 miles south of Nashville and 40 miles north of Huntsville, Alabama. The over 1,000 students enrolled at UT Southern enjoy a private, small-college experience at an affordable, public-university cost. Low student-teacher ratios, high classroom personalization, and the resources of a land-grant university system are among the many advantages students experience. Nearly 30 academic programs are available through the schools of business, education, arts and humanities, mathematics and sciences, nursing, and social sciences. The UT Southern Firehawks, competing in the Southern States Athletic Conference, have 19 nationally competitive athletic teams. Both the women’s and clay target programs have recently won national championships.

The University of Tennessee Board of Trustees recently approved UT Southern’s inaugural five-year strategic plan:  Igniting Excellence. The strategic plan is built on three foundational pillars designed to guide UT Southern through its next phase of growth and development: enhance academic excellence and promote innovation; create transformational student experiences and foster student success; and establish greater connectedness and facilitate campus and community engagement.

The University of Tennessee Southern’s vision is to be the epicenter for education, community leadership, and workforce development in south-central Tennessee and a national model for higher education in rural America.

The mission of the University of Tennessee Southern is to:

• provide undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs grounded in the liberal arts and sciences that are designed to prepare students for careers and lives of continued learning;
• promote a diverse and globally conscious learning community that nurtures intellectual, social, and personal growth; and
• serve the region through educational, social, and cultural programs and through community outreach and development.

The Opportunity

The University of Tennessee Southern enthusiastically invites applications for the position of Philosophy Instructor (Full Time, Non-Tenure-Track) in the School of Arts & Humanities. Instructors are expected to be dedicated to excellent undergraduate education and student success. Instructors typically teach five courses per semester as well as provide service to the university and community. There may be opportunities to develop new courses. Primary consideration will be given to candidates with experience teaching philosophy courses at the undergraduate level, though previous experience is not a requirement. Generalists as well as those with specialization in ethics, logic and critical thinking, religious studies, and other areas are invited to apply. This is a full-time, in-person position beginning in August 2025.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Teach introductory and upper-level courses determined by the School Chair
• Teach in-person and occasionally online courses in the candidate’s area of expertise
• Serve on committees as requested
• Work with learners of all backgrounds
• Mentor or support students from a wide variety of backgrounds and with differing levels of academic preparedness
• Ability to apply a variety of teaching methods and styles to effectively meet learner needs
• Meet weekly office hours and other duties required to meet student, employer, and college needs

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Philosophy or a closely related field (degree must be completed by August 1, 2025). Ph.D. preferred.
• Demonstrated potential for effective teaching at the college level
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to effectively facilitate learning and support student success
• Strong commitment to excellence and uncompromised integrity
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and administrators
• Commitment to the mission, vision, and values of UT Southern

Application Process

For full consideration, candidates should apply electronically using the link below with a 1) cover letter addressing their interest in and qualifications for the role, 2) a CV/resume, and 3) a list of at least three professional references (include name, email, phone number, and nature of the relationship).

Compensation for the position will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits and much more. Additionally, Tennessee residents do not pay a state income tax. For more information on the University of Tennessee’s benefits, visit

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