Assistant Professor of English (Tenure Track)

Savannah State University established in 1890, is the first public historically black college or university in the state of Georgia and the first institution of higher learning in the city of Savannah. The university's students select majors from five colleges:

• Business Administration
• Education
• Engineering and Computing
• Media, Arts, and Communication
• Science and Humanities

The campus is by far the most picturesque in the state of Georgia. The moss-laden sweeping oak trees, expansive marsh and historic architecture create a resplendent yet tranquil atmosphere. Beneath the beauty and splendor is a vibrant residential campus bursting at the seams with the vim and vigor of quality collegiate life: relevant academic majors, engaging lectures, cutting-edge research, quality student-faculty engagement and a nurturing environment.

Job Summary

SSU invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor position in English to teach freshman composition courses for the 2026-2027 academic year. The successful candidate will teach 24 hours per year, chiefly in first-year English, including ENGL 0999, ENGL 1101, and/or ENGL 1102. Candidates with specializations in rhetoric and composition, writing center experience, and/or published scholarship of composition pedagogy are strongly encouraged. Candidates with experience and training in Africana Studies and/or African American Literature may have opportunities to teach general education courses in these areas.

NOTE : In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not offer sponsorship for employment visas.

Responsibilities

• Teach 24 credit hours per academic year.
• Support student success through effective teaching, mentoring, and advising.
• Maintain high standards of teaching effectiveness and engage in reflective self-assessment for continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with departmental faculty on curriculum development and program growth.
• Hold regular office hours, advise students, and provide individual academic support.
• Actively participate in departmental, college, and university committees and service activities.
• Contribute to community, institutional, and professional service in alignment with the University's mission.
• Engage in professional development and maintain strong instructional skills.
• Maintain records, grades, and student interactions effectively
• Demonstrate evidence of scholarly productivity, such as peer-reviewed publications, books, presentations, and grantsmanship
• Utilize online learning management systems and communication platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, WebEx), with the ability to incorporate these tools into teaching.
• Contribute to a positive work environment in the department and the University

Required Qualifications

• PhD in English, Rhetoric and Composition, or in a related field
  • If degree is in a related field, the applicant must have at least 18 graduate credit hours in English and/or Rhetoric and Composition
• Experience teaching college-level writing courses.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of English language, literature, and composition theory.
• Knowledge of various literary traditions, genres, and critical approaches.
• Knowledge of research methodologies in literary and rhetorical studies.
• Knowledge of current trends in English studies.
• Knowledge of instructional strategies and assessment methods for college-level English courses.
• Skills in effective classroom management
• Skills in developing and delivering engaging lectures and course materials.
• Skills in facilitating discussions that promote critical thinking and analysis.
• Skills in academic writing, editing, and scholarly research.
• Skills in integrating technology and learning management systems into instruction.
• Skills in curriculum design and program development.
• Ability to mentor and advise students on academic and professional goals.
• Ability to adapt teaching methods to all learning styles and needs.
• Ability to collaborate with colleagues on departmental initiatives and interdisciplinary projects.
• Ability to maintain active scholarly engagement and contribute to the academic community.

Apply Before Date

Review of applications will begin upon receipt. For best consideration, apply by December 15, 2025. The position will remain open until filled.

Contact Information

For more information or questions about a job posting, please contact the Department of Human Resources at hr@savannahstate.edu. For technical support, please call the USG Service Desk at (877) 251.2644, or email support@usg.edu.

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .

Institutional Values

Savannah State University's Core Values
At Savannah State University, five core values shape everything we do:

• Belonging - Building a community where all voices are valued and respected.
• Collaboration - Working together across disciplines and communities for shared success.
• Discovery - Pursuing knowledge, research, and exploration that expand horizons.
• Excellence - Committing to superior achievement in every endeavor.
• Resilience - Rising stronger through challenges with determination and adaptability.

These principles guide our culture, inspire our teams and define the kind of workplace we strive to build; one where every individual can thrive, contribute, and grow.

Conditions of Employment

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with Savannah State University, as determined by Savannah State University, its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (USG). The Board of Regents prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual's age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status ("protected status"). No individual shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any USG program or activity because of the individual's protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual's protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.

All employment processes and decisions, including but not limited to hiring, promotion, and tenure, shall be free of ideological tests, affirmations, and oaths, including diversity statements. The basis and determining factor for all such decisions should be that the individual possesses the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the role, and is believed to have the ability to successfully perform the essential functions, responsibilities, and duties associated with the position for which the individual is being considered. At the core of any such decision is ensuring the institution's ability to achieve its mission and strategic priorities in support of student success.

For questions or more detailed information regarding this policy please contact the Savannah State University, Office of Human Resources at hr@savannahstate.edu. Individuals requiring disability related accommodations for participation in any event or to obtain print materials in an alternative format, please contact the Office of Human Resources at hr@savannahstate.edu.

Special Applicant Instructions

• Applicants must include a list containing the name, e-mail address, and telephone number for three (3) professional references (e.g., supervisor, mentor, colleague).
• Applicants must upload transcripts with the application. Unofficial is acceptable. Official transcript(s) required upon hire.
• Applicants must include a teaching statement that demonstrates their interests, teaching methods, and goals as an academician.
• Applicants must include a writing sample that demonstrates their ability to write in an academic style appropriate for English studies, showcasing analytical skills and research capacity.