Assistant/Associate Professor of Equine Studies, University of Montana Western

Description

The ideal candidate for the Assistant Professor of Equine Studies would be enthusiastic about integrating equine behavior, equine health and management, and Natural Horsemanship into experiential learning courses on a block schedule.

The successful candidate will teach undergraduate courses in Equine Studies and possibly other Animal Science related areas. Courses may include: Introduction to Equine Studies, Equine Selection and Judging, Basic Horse Care and Nutrition, Advanced Horse Care and Nutrition, Equine Science I and II, Equine Reproduction, Herd Behavior, Contemporary Issues and Ethics in the Equine Industry, and Equine Facilities Management. A candidate with experience or interest in acupuncture, chiropractic care, and equine rehabilitation would complement the current established curriculum well, and courses could be developed focused on these or other topics the candidate is passionate about. Courses that could be developed and offered depending on expertise: farrier science, advanced reproduction, equine nutrition, rehabilitation for the equine athlete, and equine exercise physiology,

Faculty workload includes teaching, scholarly activities, and service. Faculty contribute by participating on university committees, advising students, and supervising internships. Collaboration with community members, national and international supporters, and alumni helps to foster developing relationships and maintain established relationships for experiential teaching opportunities, funding, recruiting, graduate job opportunities, and event support. The successful candidate will also be expected to demonstrate professionalism, good citizenship, the ability to maintain scholarly productivity in the area of specialty, and a commitment to professional service including guiding undergraduate research, assessment efforts, committee work, advising, and other departmental or university duties as assigned.

Montana Western is defined by our Experience One model, in which students and faculty engage with a single course at a time, with a maximum of 25 students enrolled in each course. Each course meets for an intensive eighteen-day block, with classes meeting for three hours each day (Monday through Friday). The block schedule allows students time to engage with the authentic practices of the discipline, and Montana Western faculty are expected to create experiential learning environments aligned with that mission. Tenured and tenure-track faculty at Montana Western generally teach three blocks per semester (a 3-3 teaching load), leaving one block (essentially a month) each semester when faculty can focus on research or other forms of professional development, as well as service activities.

Qualifications

Required

*The candidate will have a terminal degree earned (PhD or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine/VMD)

(ABD considered when other qualifications listed below have been met)

*The candidate will have a PhD in:

Animal Science (Equine emphasis preferred)

Equine Nutrition

Agricultural Education (Equine emphasis preferred)

Other PhD with an Equine Science focus area

*If a DVM/VMD, an equine focus would be preferred.

*Experience with horses

Preferred

*Familiarity and interest in natural horsemanship

*Experience teaching at the collegiate level and a

*Background in equine activities/training/competition

Application Instructions

Department: Equine Studies
Position: Full-time (10-Month), tenure-track position with complete benefit package

Salary: Up to $54,000 for Assistant Professor and up to $60,000 for Associate Professor, as per the CBA
Union Affiliation: MFPE

Posting Date: November 2024

Start Date: August 1, 2025

A Complete Application will include:

1. A letter of interest
2. A Curriculum Vitae
3. Copies of all graduate or professional level transcripts
4. Names and contact information for at least 4 professional references

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Questions regarding the position should be directed to:

Dr. Megan Kelly

megan.kelly@umwestern.edu

Equine Studies Department Chair

The University & Dillon Area

The University of Montana Western is a dynamic, innovative, undergraduate university with over 70 full-time faculty and more than 1,200 students. It is located in Dillon, Montana in the scenic Rocky Mountains and has been awarded numerous top national rankings for delivering high quality, affordable education.

Montana Western is the only public four-year college in the nation offering Experience One (X1), experiential learning delivered on the block schedule. Class sizes are small and students take a single course at a time, three hours each day for 18 days, before moving on to the next course. Each course is four credits and four blocks are offered each semester. The block schedule facilitates field and lab work, undergraduate research, study travel, and interdisciplinary teaching. Montana Western’s faculty strongly believe in mentoring and inspiring students, and assisting them in the transition from university life to professional careers.

The University of Montana Western is an integral part of the Dillon Community. With a population of 5,000 people, Dillon is known for outstanding public schools, safe environments, recreational opportunities, and an excellent quality of life.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

University of Montana shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR §§ 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, national origin, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, sex, gender, age, political ideas, marital or family status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation (“protected classes”). Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, sex, gender, age, political ideas, marital or family status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation.

Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request.

Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.

References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing: Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.

Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).