Job Description

Southern Arkansas University is accepting applications for a 9-month Assistant or Associate Professor, tenure-track position in Exercise Science. The selected candidate will also serve as the undergraduate exercise science program director. The start date for this position is August 1, 2026.

The Department of Human Performance and Sport Sciences, one of the largest at Southern Arkansas University, offers undergraduate degrees in exercise science, sports management, and K-12 physical education, as well as a graduate degree in kinesiology with an emphasis in sport coaching. The dynamic exercise science program, among the fastest-growing majors on campus, currently serves over 155 students across two tracks: pre-professional, which prepares students for graduate programs in fields such as physical therapy, athletic training, and occupational therapy, and strength and conditioning, which equips students for careers in fitness and sports performance.

Duties: teach a full-time course load in the exercise science program using a student-centered approach while delivering instruction through both face-to-face and online modalities; advise and mentor undergraduate exercise science students and serve as the exercise science program director who will conduct program reviews and assessments; engage in scholarly activities, such as research, publications, and presentations, and contributing to university, department, and community service through committees, other initiatives, and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: must hold an earned doctorate in exercise science or a closely related field, though those who are ABD may be considered with the expectation of degree completion by the start date; should demonstrate the ability to deliver a wide range of undergraduate exercise science courses and a commitment to developing or refining curricula to enhance program offerings; dedication to supporting diverse student populations and using data for continuous program improvement is essential; demonstrate a record of or potential for scholarly activity including publications, presentations, or securing external funding; demonstrate the ability to collaborate effectively within the department to strengthen the undergraduate program; knowledge of pre-professional program admission standards, such as those for athletic training, physical therapy, and occupational therapy, and familiarity with standards set by professional organizations like the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), National Strength and Conditioning Association (via NSCA), or related bodies required.

Preference will be given to candidates with experience in student advisement, curriculum development, and program assessment. Professional credentialing through nationally recognized organizations such as ACSM, NSCA, or the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) is preferred, as is a valid CPR/First Aid/AED certification or the ability to obtain certification prior to the start date. Experience teaching courses such as therapeutic exercise, nutrition and human performance, applied statistics, kinesiology, biomechanics, exercise physiology, exercise prescription and fitness programming, or supervision of exercise science internships is highly desirable.

To be considered for the rank of Associate Professor, candidates must currently hold the rank of Associate Professor at an accredited institution. A highly qualified candidate may be considered for advancement to a leadership role within the department within one to two years, subject to performance and departmental needs.

All SAU faculty and staff demonstrate a commitment to the value of all members of the SAU community, to excellence in interpersonal behaviors, and effective collaboration with colleagues. Joining the SAU family requires a commitment to our culture of Continuous Quality Improvement.

Southern Arkansas University is a public comprehensive regional university located in the city of Magnolia, located in southwest Arkansas. SAU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. More information is available at www.saumag.edu

Interested candidates should send a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, transcripts, and the contact information of three (3) references to HR@saumag.eduor the Office of Human Resources, Southern Arkansas University, 100 E. University, MSC 9288, Magnolia, AR 71753. AA/EOE. Finalists for the position may have non-listed references contacted. Notification will be given to the finalist should a non-listed reference come from their current employer. Review of applications will begin January 6, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.

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