Employment

The Wabash College Rhetoric Department invites applications for a Visiting Assistant Professor to begin July 1, 2026. The position is for one year with the possibility of renewal based on the needs of the department and a positive review. Candidates should have expertise and training in rhetorical studies, and preference will be given to PhDs in Communication. The area of specialization is open. The successful candidate will teach public speaking, persuasion or U.S. contemporary public address, and other courses as needed, with the possibility of designing an elective course in area of specialization. The ability to teach Contemporary Rhetorical Theory and Criticism and/or to co-teach Senior Seminar (both are required courses for Rhetoric majors at Wabash College) is a plus. The successful candidate may also contribute to one of the college’s many interdisciplinary programs, such as Black Studies, Hispanic Studies, or Gender Studies. Teaching load is three courses per semester. Ph.D. preferred, but ABD candidates are encouraged to apply.

The Rhetoric Department has a strong culture of innovative pedagogy, collegiality and mentoring, and research. Wabash College offers competitive salaries and benefits, with substantial support for conference travel. Strong applicants will have an appreciation for the broad intellectual community of an undergraduate, residential liberal arts setting.  

About Wabash College

Founded in 1832, Wabash College is a private, independent, residential four-year liberal arts college with a mission to “educate men to think critically, act responsibly, lead effectively, and live humanely.” The College invests significant resources to ensure students can participate in off-campus study and faculty-led course-embedded travel, both domestic and international. Wabash has opportunities and close connections to the local community and has recently been awarded multiple grants to support community engagement and collaboration, with supported opportunities for faculty, staff, and students. Our 92-acre wooded campus is in Crawfordsville, Indiana. Crawfordsville is a growing and vibrant community with easy access to outdoor recreation and is a 50-minute drive west of Indianapolis. Amid a strategic transformation to advance the success of first-generation students and students from low-income families, Wabash College is committed to attracting and effectively supporting faculty and staff with a demonstrated commitment to supporting student success.

Approximately 25% of our students are federal Pell Grant recipients, one-third of our students are first-generation college students, and about 20% of our students identify as domestic students of color. Wabash offers a broad range of academic and cultural programs open to all members of the Wabash community with the goal of providing a rich educational environment. Wabash is a top-50 Liberal Arts College according to U.S. News, and a member of Colleges That Change Lives. Many students, staff, and faculty find the close-knit community of the residential college one of the most rewarding aspects of joining the Wabash College community.

Application Process

To apply, go to www.wabash.edu/employment and hit the “Apply Now” button. The application dossier should consist of:

• A letter of interest that in part addresses qualifications for teaching persuasion or contemporary U.S. public address as well as potentially teaching Contemporary Rhetorical Theory and Criticism and/or co-teaching Senior Seminar
• Curriculum vita
• Unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts
• Statement of teaching philosophy
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness
• Names and email addresses of three professional references who will submit confidential letters of recommendation.

Inquiries about the position may be sent to Dr. Jennifer Abbott, Chair at abbottj@wabash.edu. Application questions may be sent to Ms. Julia Phipps, Academic Administrative Coordinator, phippsj@wabash.edu. Review of materials will begin on April 3.

Wabash College, a liberal arts college for men, seeks faculty and staff who are committed to providing quality engagement with students, high levels of academic challenge and support, and meaningful experiences that prepare students for life and leadership among diverse populations around the globe. Wabash is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from persons of all backgrounds.