Loy H. Witherspoon Professorship in Christian Origins

Established in 1964, The Department of Religious Studies has a long tradition of providing a multidisciplinary approach to the study of religions. We provide undergraduate and graduate instruction in the academic study of religion in a global context; conduct and publish research related to religion; and provide service that enhances public understanding of issues related to religion. We host the annual Loy H. Witherspoon Distinguished Lecture in Religious Studies, which is the oldest and most prestigious endowed lecture series at The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Religious studies faculty contribute to the institutional work of the College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences and the University. Our mission is to foster a critical understanding of the significance of religion in human societies and cultures.

The College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences, where Religious Studies is housed, is the largest and most academically diverse college at UNC Charlotte. It includes 15 departments, 18 interdisciplinary programs, and 6 applied centers. We offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs with extensive honors and early-entry options. The College plays a pivotal role in delivering on the university's goals in the areas of research excellence, student success and experience, and community engagement. Through their scholarship and teaching, the College's 350+ faculty members seek to deepen our understanding of complex problems and lead the university in interdisciplinary collaboration.

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is the second largest institution within the University of North Carolina system. This past Fall, UNC Charlotte enrolled over 31,000 students and experienced record growth with its incoming first-year class and graduate programs. UNC Charlotte is also the fastest growing institution in the UNC System, comprising seven academic colleges offering 171 undergraduate majors in 77 programs leading to Bachelor's degrees, 65 Master's degrees, and 24 Doctoral Degrees. UNC Charlotte is proud to have 3,545 passionate and committed faculty and staff members and more than 120,000 alumni.

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte recognizes the differentiation of mission, goals, and objectives inherent in the diversity of disciplines represented by its colleges and departments. Thus, the Job Responsibilities and Essential Functions for Tenured and Tenure Track Faculty should be interpreted in the context of the related departmental and collegiate goals.
Teaching, Advising, Curriculum and Instructional Development - Faculty responsibilities and essential functions with respect to teaching may include but are not limited to: subject matter competence, course design, course presentation, advising and consultation, directing student research, curriculum and instructional development, and grading student work.
Scholarly Research, Creative, and Other Professional Activities - All tenured and tenure-track faculty are expected to participate in expanding the knowledge base of their academic field by conducting research or engaging in other creative activities as appropriate to the faculty member's discipline. Faculty responsibilities and essential functions with respect to research may include but are not limited to: research/creative activity that generates new knowledge and/or synthesizes and/or integrates existing knowledge, publication, an on-going agenda for research, scholarly, and creative activity, and are expected to seek extramural support for their work.
Service to University, the Public, and the Profession - All tenured and tenure-track faculty are expected to engage in a program of service appropriate to their discipline. Faculty responsibilities and essential functions with respect to service may include but are not limited to: service to the administration and governance of the University, public service, and service to the profession.

To view the complete Job Responsibilities and Essential Functions for Tenured and Tenure-Track Faculty document visit our website: https://provost.charlotte.edu/academic-budget-hr/academic-personnel-procedures-handbook/

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte's Religious Studies Department invites applications for the Loy H. Witherspoon Professorship in Christian Origins, a full-time, tenured faculty position to begin 11 August 2025. The appointment will be made at the associate or full professor rank.

The Loy H. Witherspoon Distinguished Professorship in Christian Origins, named after the founding chair of the Department, will serve as a catalyst for research and grant activity in the field of religious studies with a broad focus on Christian origins. In addition to teaching undergraduate and MA-level graduate courses in their area (a 2-2 teaching load), the successful candidate for this senior-level position will carry out the expanded institutional mission to engage with organizations in the Charlotte region, such as cultural associations and other colleges and universities.

UNC Charlotte gives primary consideration to the earned doctorate or terminal degree in the teaching discipline or a related discipline.

Requirements:
1. Candidates will have a Ph.D. or its equivalent in a field applicable to the academic study of Christian Origins from an accredited institution of higher learning.
2. Candidates will have an exceptional record of scholarly accomplishment with significant national and/or international stature that is commensurate with a tenured appointment in Religious Studies.
3. Candidates will have a record of success in teaching, advising, and mentoring students of all backgrounds in higher education and can contribute to the success of UNC Charlotte students.
4. Candidates will show an interest in fostering engagement and dialogue among the departments in the College and across the University.
5. Candidates will have a scholarly agenda with a public-facing dimension capable of attracting the interest of and engaging the Charlotte community and region.

Applicants should apply online at https://jobs.charlotte.edu (position # 5854) and submit the following materials: 1) a letter of interest discussing the applicant's professional qualifications and history regarding the five requirements and how the applicant would contribute to the department, college, and university's research, teaching, and service mission; and 2) a curriculum vitae. Applicants selected for further consideration will be asked to send three confidential letters of recommendation to the search committee chair. Finalists will also be asked to discuss how their teaching practices engage, include, and eliminate barriers to learning for UNC Charlotte students, and how their educational approach helps increase the engagement and success of all students regardless of their entry pathway into the university.

To ensure full consideration, complete applications should be submitted by 2 December 2024. Questions about the position should be directed to Sean McCloud, the Religious Studies Department Chair ( sean.mccloud@charlotte.edu). The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and an ADVANCE Institution that strives to create an academic climate in which the dignity of all individuals is respected and maintained. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, gender identity or sexual orientation. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte maintains an Affirmative Action Plan prepared in accordance with Executive Order 11246 and the Consent Decree.

The candidate chosen for the position will be subject to Criminal Background Check. The selected candidate will be required to provide Official Transcripts of their highest-earned degree upon hire.