Catherine Brewer Smith Endowed Professorship

Posting Number FAC687P Quick Link for Internal Postings Classification Title Distinguished Professor Working Title Catherine Brewer Smith Endowed Professorship in Communication Disorders - Department Comm Sciences & Disorders About WCU Western Carolina University has been named to the 2022 "America's Best Employers by State" list by Forbes, ranking 14 out of the top 100 employers in North Carolina. Forbes has also ranked Western Carolina University in the Top 100 of America's Best Midsize Employers for 2023. Western Carolina University is the UNC system's westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South. WCU's main campus is nestled in a beautiful valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains, 50 miles west of Asheville. WCU is located just 25 miles from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, one of the nation's most spectacular and most visited national parks. The entire region is known for its excellent quality of life and access to outdoor activities. Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, and free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus. Position Summary The primary location of this position is the main Cullowhee, NC campus. WCU, a regional comprehensive university in the University of North Carolina System, is in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina about 50 miles west of Asheville. The university is also in reasonable proximity to both Knoxville, TN and Atlanta, GA. WCU's Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders is comprised of fourteen faculty and staff. The department offers a CSD undergraduate degree and minor and a graduate degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Western Carolina University (WCU) seeks candidates for the Catherine Brewer Smith Endowed Professorship in its CAA accredited Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD). This is a nine-month tenure track position with an anticipated start date of August 2024. The Catherine Brewer Smith Professorship was established in the late 1990s by the generous gift of the Brewer Smith family. The endowment provides funding for a faculty member at the rank of professor who is an established leader in the field of Speech-Language Pathology. Indicators of eligibility include an active agenda as an expressive scholar, the receipt of or potential for external funding, and innovative teaching/service to the profession of Speech-Language Pathology. The endowment provides a competitive salary and a professional development fund which is replenished annually. The Brewer Smith professor is expected to write and pursue external funding, teach one course per term (in their area of expertise), and provide leadership/mentorship to students and faculty in CSD. Western Carolina University recognizes and rewards all legitimate forms of scholarly activity described by Ernest Boyer: scholarship of discovery, scholarship of integration, scholarship of application, and scholarship of teaching and learning. Areas of importance for the Brewer Smith Professor include: National reputation; Potential for success with expressive scholarship/federal grants; and Ability to further missions of the department, college, and university. Carnegie statement WCU embraces its role as a regionally engaged university and is designated by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as a community engaged university. Preference will be given to candidates who can demonstrate a commitment to public engagement through their teaching, service, and scholarship Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position Minimum Qualifications Earned doctorate in speech-language pathology or closely related field from an accredited institution; eligibility for the rank of professor within WCU CSD; evidence of excellence in teaching/research/service; and eligibility for CCC-SLP and NC license. Preferred Qualifications Interprofessional experiences; evidence of and interest in collaboration with students and faculty peers; evidence of strong interpersonal and communication skills, effective collaboration, and collegiality. Position Type Permanent Full-Time Number of Hours Per Week Number of Months Per Year 9 Posting Text Open Date 12/14/2023 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire. Please include cover letter, curriculum vitae, unofficial transcripts from highest degree earned and a list references. For questions or additional information please contact Department Head and search chair, Leigh Odom, at Background/E-Verify Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment. Credential Verification All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements. AA/EOE Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; religion; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Additionally, the University promotes the realization of equal employment opportunity for minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans through its affirmative action program. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call or email at . University Safety The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 ) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 ). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.