Assistant Professor of Exercise Science

Position

The Department of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation (KSR) at Eastern Illinois University is seeking applications from innovative and student-centered candidates for a full-time, 9-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Exercise Science position. Primary responsibilities include teaching a broad tenet of classes in the undergraduate Exercise Science and graduate Exercise Physiology programs. The start date is August 16, 2026. Housed in the College of Health and Human Services, the department strives to be prospective students' first choice in the Midwest to earn a degree in the undergraduate fields of Exercise Science, Physical Education Teacher Education, Sport & Recreation Management and the graduate fields of Exercise Physiology and Sport Administration.

Qualifications

Doctoral degree in Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology or closely related field is required. Qualified candidates who are ABD by the start date of August 16, 2026 will be considered. Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate the ability to deliver high-quality, student-centered instruction. The ideal candidate will have experience utilizing innovative and collaborative teaching methods, including active learning strategies and current technologies, to promote critical thinking and communication competency. NSCA/CSCS certification is preferred as well as demonstrated interest in exercise psychology. Research and scholarly activities will be part of the well-rounded professional experience. The successful candidate will be expected to network with community, regional and state-level practitioners, alumni, and prospective students to maintain program alignment with current and anticipated industry trends and workforce needs.

Application Instructions

Applications received by February 27, 2026 will receive priority review. The position will remain open until filled. Interested candidates should submit: a) letter of application addressing qualifications, strengths, and experience relative to the responsibilities and desired qualities; b) current CV; c) unofficial transcripts; and d) names and contact information of three professional references who can comment on professional experiences and qualifications of the candidate. Applications must be submitted through Interfolio https://apply.interfolio.com/180483. Questions about the search process should be directed to Dr. Stacey Ruholl, search committee chair at slruholl@eiu.edu.

Salary/Pay Rate

The salary range for this position is $6,700.00 to $7,000.00 monthly for a 9-month contract.

Benefits Overview

Eastern Illinois University offers an excellent benefit package designed to support our employees’ well-being and career goals.

This position is eligible for the following benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical Coverage: Competitive employee insurance premiums with flexible plan options.
• Vision Insurance: Vision coverage is included with medical at no cost.
• Dental Insurance: Dental plans are available to meet your needs.
• Retirement Benefits: Participation in the State University Retirement System, which includes medical insurance benefits upon retirement.
• Tuition Waivers: Opportunities to pursue educational goals through tuition waivers for employees and dependent children.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Up to 12 paid holidays annually, plus earned vacation and sick time.

For more information on our employee benefit programs, please visit EIU Employee Benefits webpage.

The College and Department

The College of Health and Human Services was created in 2018 as a hub for health and human services-related programs at Eastern Illinois University. The College fosters academic rigor and experiential learning, preparing students to become critical thinkers and leaders who advance the health and well-being of the communities they serve as professional practitioners and private citizens.

The Department of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation is the largest of the academic units in the College with a combined undergraduate and graduate enrollment of more than 300 students and plays a critical role in fulfilling the interprofessional goals of the college through industry-driven degree options. The Department is located in the Lantz building, a high-volume recreation center and athletics venue, on the west side of EIU’s beautiful campus and benefits from strong relationships with EIU Campus Recreation and the EIU Athletics Department. The Department houses 15 faculty and staff, along with ten classrooms and two labs all in Lantz. The Department offers rewarding undergraduate degree programs in Sport & Recreation Management, Exercise Science, and Physical Education Teacher Education. Graduate programs include degrees in Exercise Physiology and Sport Administration. Program alumni are engaged in meaningful careers across the U.S. and are critical to successfully connecting current students with practicing professionals.

The University and Community

Eastern Illinois University takes pride in creating a warm and welcoming environment for all faculty, staff, and students. EIU boasts a rich, tradition of preparing students for their personal and professional goals. A traditional regional residential institution, EIU offers a superior education at a relatively low cost while consistently earning high rankings and distinctions for its affordability, academic program quality, career placement rates, campus safety, online degree options, student support, and sustainability initiatives. EIU focuses on individualized attention and superior student relationships and has earned recognition as the highest ranking independent public regional university in Illinois and a place among the Midwest’s top public regional universities according to U.S. News and World Report. Eastern offers faculty a wide range of research and public service activities. EIU hosts more than 175 student organizations on campus and offers a variety of cultural events, NCAA Division I athletics, and active research opportunities for its students to enjoy and to thrive. EIU has become recognized for providing the resources of a large institution while creating the kinds of individual relationships that support student and alumni success.

Eastern Illinois University is located in Charleston, Illinois – a comfortable and safe east central town within a two-to-three-hour drive of three major metropolitan areas: Chicago, Indianapolis, and St. Louis.

Diversity and Inclusion

Eastern Illinois University is committed to fostering a learning community where all members feel welcomed and valued. The university provides equality of opportunity in all areas of campus life, and we strive to recognize and appreciate the unique value of our students, faculty, and staff. Every member of campus has the right to learn and work in an environment free of discrimination and harassment, and beyond that, our goal is for all members of our community to develop a strong sense of belonging to Eastern Illinois University.

Eastern Illinois University provides equal opportunity in education and employment for all students, applicants for employment, and employees. Discrimination based upon race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis of discrimination precluded by federal and state statutes, is strictly prohibited.

The University further commits to a program of affirmative action as prescribed by statute to employ, and advance in employment, qualified individuals with a disability and qualified protected veterans (disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, active-duty wartime veterans, and Armed Forces service medal veterans).