Assistant Professor of History (Fall 2026)

The School of Arts and Humanities at Truman State University seeks applicants for a non-tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Vast Early American History to begin August 2026.

This position is a full-time, nine-month appointment located on Truman’s campus in Kirksville, Missouri. In addition to the duties and responsibilities described below, faculty are expected to contribute to the campus culture of the Liberal Arts and Sciences and interdisciplinarity by teaching in the University’s core curriculum (The Dialogues) and contributing to interdisciplinary initiatives and coursework as needed.

Responsibilities: The successful candidate will provide classroom instruction in lower- and upper-division US survey courses, including historiography of the early US; upper-division undergraduate and graduate-level early vast America/US history elective courses to complement existing offerings; and advanced major-required history classes. They will also collaborate in the ongoing assessment of the program; contribute to academic initiatives in the department; participate collegially in departmental activities; and perform other occasional service to the University.

Required Qualifications: This position requires a Ph.D. in History with specialization in vast early America. All-but-dissertation (ABD) candidates will be considered, but a Ph.D. must be completed by the start date.

Preferred Qualifications: It is preferred that the successful candidate also be able to offer introductory courses or upper-division electives in one or more of the following areas (in no particular order): Atlantic World history; museum studies; digital history; Native American history; African American history; environmental history; history of US law, US Constitution, or US religion.

Benefits: Truman offers a comprehensive benefits package including life, health, and disability insurance, retirement contributions, paid sick leave, and a stipend for moving expenses. Paid parental leave and a tuition discount are available for eligible employees after one year. More details: https://hr.truman.edu/benefits/.

Program:History is part of the multidisciplinary department of Social Sciences and Human Inquiry, which is also home to Philosophy & Religion, Political Science & International Relations, Sociology/Anthropology, Criminal Justice Studies, and Social Issue Advocacy. For more information about the History program, please visit https://history.truman.edu.

The University: Truman State University is home to a vibrant educational community. Our approximately 3,000 students thrive in a challenging, yet supportive, academic environment. More than 25% engage in significant undergraduate research and creative projects. Nearly 40% gain leadership experience, and nearly half go on to graduate or professional school.

Founded in 1867, Truman focuses on student learning outcomes and emphasizes high-impact experiences such as internships, research, and study abroad opportunities. Truman has the highest overall graduation rate among the state’s public four-year colleges and universities. For nearly three decades, Truman has been recognized as the No. 1 public university in the Midwest regional category by U.S. News & World Report, and Washington Monthly consistently ranks Truman as one of the best master’s universities in the nation. For more information about our mission and values and to see additional rankings and acknowledgments, visit truman.edu/about.

The Community: Located in northeast Missouri, Kirksville is a cultural and economic hub in the region. In addition to being the home of Truman, Kirksville is the birthplace of osteopathic medicine and features a medical school, dental school, and community college. The Kirksville School District is consistently recognized for academic excellence. The community takes pride in several annual events including the Red, White and Blue Festival, the Red Barn Arts and Craft Festival, and the FLATS Trail Half-Marathon. The charming downtown area features an arts center, local shops, and restaurants, and it is the site of numerous community events including weekly farmers’ markets and summer concerts on the courthouse lawn. Just a few minutes outside of town is beautiful Thousand Hills State Park with hiking and biking opportunities surrounding the 700-acre Forest Lake. Kirksville offers easy access by car to Kansas City, St. Louis, and Des Moines. Daily flights from Kirksville Regional Airport to Chicago O’Hare provide quick access to one of the country’s major metropolitan areas. More information about Kirksville can be found at visitkirksville.com.

Faculty applications are supported by Interfolio. To apply for this position, please click HERE.

For assistance with submitting an application, please contact Human Resources at 660-785-4031 or hrstaff@truman.edu.

Complete applications must include:

Review of applications will begin April 3, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. If hired, applicants must provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States, official graduate transcripts, or documentation of degrees if transcripts are not available. Final candidates are required to successfully pass a background check. Questions about this position may be directed to Kathryn Brammall, Chair of Social Sciences and Human Inquiry (brammall@truman.edu). Please include “American History Search” in the subject line.

Truman State University is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring, promotion, or any other employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or Missouri law. We are committed to fair and equal treatment in all aspects of employment. Inquiries about these policies may be directed to the Institutional Compliance Officer, 660-785-4354, and titleix@truman.edu.

Truman is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate form or to request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources, McClain Hall 101, 100 E. Normal, Kirksville, MO 63501, 660-785-4031 or hrstaff@truman.edu.