Assistant Professor in Environmental Studies

Randolph-Macon College invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position in Environmental Studies to begin in Fall 2026. The opportunity for an accelerated tenure decision may be available. We broadly seek candidates whose research and teaching focus on the complex interrelations among environmental systems from political, cultural, critical, and/or social perspectives. Ideal candidates are interdisciplinary scholars dedicated to teaching and mentoring students in a project-based environment. Currently, the program is distinguished by its novel and successful three-course, problem-solving sequence. In these courses, students work for off-campus clients to solve real environmental problems. Clients range from multinational corporations to small non-profit groups. Projects and clients are developed to complement the disciplinary expertise of the faculty involved and routinely include a mixture of natural and social sciences. Faculty teaching these courses serve as project managers overseeing the work students conduct.

Environmental Studies faculty are committed to conducting research with undergraduate students. The College’s Schapiro Undergraduate Research Fellowships are available to support students and faculty in all disciplines during summer research. The successful candidate will also be eligible for internal research and travel grants and have access to the program’s research facilities.

Major/Essential Functions: Randolph-Macon College faculty teach, advise, conduct research and engage in scholarship, and serve the college and program. Primary teaching responsibilities currently include the three-course problem-solving sequence (co-taught with other faculty), core courses in the Environmental Studies major (including GIS, environmental law, and/or environmental policy), courses in the applicant’s area of study, and contributions to general education.

Institutional Information: Randolph-Macon College is a nationally-recognized residential institution of about 1800 students located in Ashland, Virginia, just north of Richmond. Founded in 1830, the college offers a broad range of academic programs, including a graduate program in PA studies. The RMC curriculum, grounded in a liberal arts core, fosters intellectual growth and personal development, with a steadfast focus on helping students find and navigate pathways through college and to successful outcomes. With a commitment to inclusivity and hands-on learning, Randolph-Macon College provides an extraordinary educational experience – enhanced by exceptional athletic and extracurricular activities and supportive alumni – and prepares graduates for success in their chosen fields and in their lives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a social science (broadly defined) with a focus on the environment in hand by August 31, 2026
• Demonstrated effectiveness in teaching
• Evidence of a commitment to undergraduate teaching and student engagement
• Ability to teach courses in core subjects in Environmental Studies, including: GIS, environmental law, and/or environmental policy
• Ability to teach upper-level courses in the applicant’s area of specialty
• Experience working with students and a demonstrated commitment to pedagogical methods that support all learners in reaching their maximum potential.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in project-based learning with real-world clients, preferably through experience in environmental consulting
• Evidence of scholarly productivity in the applicant’s area of study
• Evidence of ability to engage undergraduates in the applicant’s area of study
• Commitment to collaborative teaching with other faculty

Application Procedures: Please complete an online application at http://bit.ly/4gFDrwJ. 

And include the following as a single pdf addressed to Sabrina Granderson, Administrative Services Coordinator. Review of applications will begin on October 31.

• Letter of application that addresses the position qualifications;
• Curriculum vitae;
• One page statement of teaching philosophy;
• One page statement of research goals;
• A brief (one page) statement describing inclusive teaching practices you employ and how you actively support students across a broad range of experiences, interests, and perspectives.
• Transcripts (unofficial and scanned copies are acceptable); and
• The names and contact information for three professional references (at least one must be able to address teaching experience and teaching effectiveness; please indicate the teaching reference in your letter of application). Please do not ask references to submit letters of recommendation; the committee will conduct reference checks by phone.

For full consideration, applications must be received by October 31. While applications may be accepted after this date, it is not guaranteed that they will be considered.

Incomplete applications will not be considered by the search committee. For specific inquiries about the position, contact the Chair of the Search Committee, Dr. Liz Burmester (lizburmester@rmc.edu) .