Job Description

Brief Summary of Work for this Position
The School of Health and Applied Human Sciences (SHAHS), within the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), seeks an outstanding faculty member for an Assistant Professor (tenure-track), nine-month position in the School’s Tourism, Recreation, & Sport program beginning August 2025.

The successful candidate will have a wide-ranging background and be able to teach a variety of undergraduate core courses in the program, in addition to courses in the Tourism concentration area. Further, the successful candidate will conduct research, publish, present at conferences, write grants, mentor students, and provide community engagement and professional service.

This is a non-remote position. The candidate will work in a collaborative interdisciplinary academic setting.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Applicants must possess the following qualifications:
Ph.D. or Ed.D. in Tourism, Recreation, & Sport or related field.
NOTE: Applicants who are ABD for the terminal degree may be considered if the doctoral degree is conferred by August 1, 2025 to be eligible for employment.
Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills & Experience
In addition to the minimum qualifications, preference will be given to candidates who possess the following:

1. Employment Experience in Tourism, Recreation, & Sport or Related Fields: Proven experience of at least two years in a field related to the degree program demonstrating expertise and contributions to the discipline.
2. In-Person Content Delivery: Proven ability to effectively deliver engaging and informative in-person content fostering a dynamic and interactive learning environment.
3. Broad Teaching Experience: Experience teaching a variety of Tourism, Recreation, & Sport courses at the college level, showcasing versatility and adaptability across different program requirements.
4. Scholarship: Demonstrated success in research evidenced through peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and other scholarly products.
5. Grant Work: Capability for grant activity in the field.
6. Collaborative Relationships: Evidence of the ability to establish and maintain collaborative relationships with colleagues, staff, administrators, and students, demonstrating effective teamwork and communication skills.
7. Community Engagement: Ability to form successful partnerships with relevant community agencies.
8. Professional Certifications: Possession of relevant professional certifications, indicating commitment to professional development and adherence to industry standards.
9. Commitment to Service: Demonstrated commitment to service at any level, including school, college, university, community, or professional organizations, highlighting engagement with the broader community and a sense of social responsibility.
10. Applied Learning Opportunities and Global Experiences: Experience in providing students with applied learning opportunities and global experiences, such as internships, research projects, or study abroad programs, fostering real-world application of knowledge and exposure to diverse perspectives.
11. Integration of Technology: Experience incorporating technology into classroom instruction, such as AI, demonstrating technological proficiency and an ability to enhance learning through innovative methods.
12. Commitment to Personal Professional Growth: Proven commitment to personal and professional growth, evidenced by participation in professional development workshops, conferences, or research initiatives, showcasing a dedication to continuous learning and improvement.
Required Certifications or Licensure
Primary Function of Organizational Unit
Graduates of the Tourism, Recreation, & Sport (TRS) program are prepared for management positions in a diversity of recreation, sport, and tourism settings and for graduate study. The curriculum is based not only on classroom experience but also significant experiential education.
Graduates find career opportunities in settings such as hotels, resorts, theme parks, convention and visitor centers, private recreation clubs, non-profit organizations, municipal parks and recreation departments, cruise ships, and meeting and event planning.
TRS students take classes in a core curriculum that includes both a practicum and a semester-long internship. Students then select at least one option area that offers specialized classes in one of the two following options.

Sport & Recreation Option

Students selecting this option desire to find employment in recreational sport and/or fitness settings. These may include university campus recreation sports, local and regional sports clubs, and fitness centers. Classes include courses in facility management, inclusive recreation, planning and managing sports leagues, and leadership.

Tourism, Hospitality & Events

Individuals selecting this option are prepared for management in a range of tourism and commercial recreation settings including cruise ships, theme parks, tour operators, spas, resorts and hotels, and professional meeting and event planning. Courses include resort and spa management, assessment of tourism’s economic, environmental and social impacts, an introduction to commercial recreation and tourism industries, and convention and meeting planning.

The TRS program is housed within the School of Health and Applied Human Sciences (SHAHS) which is a large and growing academic unit with over 1750 students and 58 full time faculty. See: https://uncw.edu/chhs/shahs/ . The SHAHS currently has six undergraduate degree programs:

• Public Health
• Exercise Science
• Healthful Living and Fitness Education
• Tourism, Recreation, & Sport
• Recreation Therapy
• Respiratory Therapy

The SHAHS also has Graduate degree programs in:
• Athletic Training
• Healthcare Administration
• Gerontology with 4+1 options with Exercise Science, Psychology, Public Health, Recreation Therapy, and Tourism, Recreation & Sport.
• Masters of Arts in Teaching in Physical Education and Health (MAT) in conjunction with the Watson College of Education
• Masters of Education concentration in Physical Education and Health (MED) in conjunction with the Watson College of Education

Minors are offered in:
• Gerontology
• Whole Health & Wellness Studies
• Tourism, Recreation, & Sport
• Yoga Studies
• Assistance Dog Training

The SHAHS is also home to the Physical Activity and Wellness program (WPA/L) which delivers courses that fulfill University Studies requirements and serves 2,000 students per semester.