Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of Environment, Geography and Geoscience
About Augustana College:
Augustana College is a private, selective, residential liberal arts and sciences college with an enrollment of approximately 2,500 students. Our scenic 115-acre campus is located in Rock Island, Illinois, part of the Quad Cities metropolitan area along the Mississippi River, about 165 miles west of Chicago. The Quad Cities region has a population of approximately 450,000.
Augustana offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in nearly 100 majors and related academic programs, as well as a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. Our student body includes 26% first-generation college students, 23% Pell Grant recipients, 24% students of color, and 12% international students. Strengthening our inclusive and welcoming community is central to the college’s mission and strategic plan. The strategic plan also prioritizes creating engaged learning experiences for students both inside and outside the classroom and building partnerships with communities in the Quad City region.
We seek candidates who are committed to fostering academically challenging, inclusive, and high-impact learning environments that support and engage a diverse student body. We are especially interested in candidates with strengths in teaching, scholarship, and service that are aligned with the strategic plan.
Job Description:
The Department of Environment, Geography, and Geoscience at Augustana College invites applications for a Visiting Assistant Professor in Environmental Studies and Geography beginning in August of the 2026 – 2027 academic year, with the expectation of renewal for a second year by mutual agreement.
The successful candidate will teach 24-credits per 10-month academic year (standard courses are 4 credits), including introductory environmental science, introductory geographic information systems (GIS), and introductory physical or human geography courses. There may also be an opportunity to teach advanced courses in the candidate’s area of specialization.
No research or campus service is required in this position. However, visiting faculty are encouraged to engage in departmental and college life beyond teaching. All faculty at Augustana College are invited to participate in professional development and mentoring opportunities consistent with their needs throughout their appointment.
What We're Looking For:
Requirements:
- Strengths in teaching effectiveness and commitment to learner-centered student experiences
- Experience fostering inclusion and belonging in the classroom and broader campus community
- A Ph.D. or near completion in Geography, Environmental Studies or Sciences, or a related field
Why Augustana?
At Augustana, you'll find a supportive and collegial environment where faculty thrive professionally and personally. Our small class sizes foster deep connections between faculty and students. You'll have access to resources and opportunities to pursue innovative research and impactful teaching.
Additional Information:
Augustana College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, and any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.
The budgeted compensation for this position ranges from $43,000 - $46,000 per year based upon minimum and preferred qualifications, education, experience, skills, and abilities. Actual placement within the range will depend upon experience, education, research, and other relevant factors.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. In particular, applicants who require the H-1B visa cannot be considered, and applicants who require sponsorship for visas other than the H-1B visa will be required to pay all costs associated with visa applications.
Application Instructions:
- A cover letter detailing interest in the position and understanding of teaching in a liberal arts context
- Curriculum vitae
- Copy of graduate transcripts (unofficial is acceptable at this stage)
- A statement of teaching philosophy
- Contact information for three references