Assistant Professor of Church History and Historical Theology

Vacancy Announcement

Assistant Professor of Church History and Historical Theology

Duties and Responsibilities:

Responsible for teaching required courses in Church History for the MDiV and DMin programs. Expected to offer elective courses in church polity and practice and representative Black church leaders. Baptist denomination history and history of the Civil Rights Movement are among elective courses that will help to expand our offerings. Applicants should have the ability to offer alternative delivery methods and online options. Advising students, community service, and presentations in appropriate academic guilds are expected.

Responsible for teaching required foundational courses in theology (systematic, historical, constructive, and philosophical theology) and offering advanced elective courses in areas such as liberation and womanist theology. Applicants should have the ability to offer different platforms and course delivery methods including online formats. Advising students, community service, and presentations in appropriate academic guilds are expected.

Required Qualifications

Qualified applicants should hold an earned PhD/ThD in Church History from an accredited university-based graduate school or theological seminary. Experience in teaching and Baptist church leadership is preferred. Applicants should have a record of research and writing and peer-reviewed publication, and regularly participate in and contribute to the work of appropriate professional organizations. The desired candidate will bring a commitment to the mission of the School of Theology’s articulation of its identity and vision.

Preferred Qualifications:

Knowledge and teaching experience in Church History and Historical Theology in varied theological and religious backgrounds are also preferred for this position. A minimum of 3-5 years’ teaching experience is preferred. The desired candidate will bring a commitment to the mission of the School of Theology’s articulation of its identity and vision. Denominational affiliation and ordination as a Baptist is also preferred but not required.

VUU is nourished by its African American and Christian heritage and energized by a commitment to excellence and diversity. Its mission is to: 1) Provide a nurturing, intellectually challenging and spiritually enriching environment for learning; 2) Empower students to develop strong moral values for success; and 3) Develop scholars, leaders, and lifelong learners of a global society.

Established in 1865, Virginia Union University gave newly emancipated slaves an opportunity for education, for establishing a community, and for gaining economic, political, and social advancement. The University is the result of a merger among four historic institutions: Richmond Theological Seminary, Wayland Seminary, Hartshorn Memorial, and Storer College. Richmond Theological Seminary held its first classes at Lumpkin’s Jail, a former holding cell for runaway slaves. The Wayland Seminary was founded in 1865 by the American Baptist Home Mission Society in Washington, DC. Two years later Storer College was founded in West Virginia, and Hartshorn Memorial College opened its doors in 1883 as the first college for African American women in the country. After operating independently for three decades, these notable seminaries joined forces to form Virginia Union University in 1899. Hartshorn Memorial and Storer Colleges would eventually join this Union in 1932 and 1964, respectively.

Located in the heart of Virginia’s capital city, Virginia Union University, a Baptist affiliated private institution, is best known for its world-renowned graduate school of theology. It also offers a broad range of educational opportunities in the liberal arts, teaching, research, science, technology, continuing education, civic engagement, and study abroad. VUU’s commitment to student success has included an emphasis on student engagement and retention, and close interaction between faculty and students, both of which produce a synergy among scholarship, teaching, and learning.

At Virginia Union University®, we consistently search for and create growth opportunities that forge groundbreaking research, state of the art technology, or top-of-the-line curriculum. We welcome and encourage new ideas and processes that positively impact experiences. We require the following core values.

Spiritual Formation, as a faith-based University, we welcome the regular practice of prayer, worship, silence, and mediation that matures one’s relationships, values, and life purpose that lead to ongoing spiritual growth and transformation.

Integrity, we value our commitment to fairness, honesty, and truth reflected in each person’s words and deeds while holding ourselves accountable for our personal and words and actions.

Diversity & Inclusion, as one of the nation’s oldest HBCUs, we value diversity in thought, perspective, and embodiment, trusting that we are stronger when various voices, traditions, and experiences are present.

Excellence, we provide the highest quality of experiences and interactions while remaining flexible, responsive, and open-minded in developing and delivering programs, services, and facilities committed to exceeding the standards of what it means to be Best-In-Class.

Salary: Commensurate with experience.

Applications should include a cover letter, curriculum vitae with official transcript, a one-page statement of one’s teaching philosophy, sample syllabus and three letters of reference. Review of applications will begin immediately, and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Applications should be submitted as a PDF file via email and recommenders should send their letters directly to:

Dean John Guns: JEGuns@vuu.edu

Assistant Dean Paul D. Flowers Sr.: pdf@vuu.edu

Search Committee

The selected applicant may be required to submit to a background investigation. VUU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, protected veteran status, or other protected class.