Visiting Faculty- Religion Department

Visiting Assistant Professor, Religion department

About Augustana College:

Augustana College is a private, selective, residential liberal arts and sciences college with an enrollment of approximately 2,500 students. Our scenic 115-acre campus is located in Rock Island, Illinois, part of the Quad Cities metropolitan area along the Mississippi River, about 165 miles west of Chicago. The Quad Cities region has a population of approximately 450,000.

Augustana offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in nearly 100 majors and related academic programs, as well as a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. Our student body includes 25% first-generation college students, 24% Pell Grant recipients, 24% students of color, and 20% international students. Strengthening our inclusive and welcoming community is central to the college's mission and strategic plan.

The Position:

Religion - Augustana College, Rock Island, IL, invites applications for a Visiting Assistant Professor position in the Religion department, beginning in August of the 2026-207 academic year, with possibility of renewal for one additional year upon mutual agreement.

We seek a creative and reflective teacher, trained in the study of religion or related fields, who is enthusiastic about serving general education students enrolled in courses that fulfill the College's "Reasoned Examination of Faith" (REF) requirement. All students take one REF course, given the institutional commitments of the College as a Lutheran institution. All Religion Department faculty staff these courses, each of which critically analyzes questions and topics related to religious traditions, including Christianity, often in relation to other religious, ethical, or historical traditions/topics; seeks to raise student interest in these questions and topics; and enables students to connect what they learn to broader areas of their educations, vocations, and personal lives. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate commitment to and/or excellence in teaching at the undergraduate level; capacity to bring creative, reflective ideas for structuring one or more REF sections; and commitment to fostering equity and inclusion.

We welcome historical, theological, ethical, ethnographic, comparative, or other scholarly approaches to any of the Department's REF sections. We welcome the development of new REF course names/topics as well, to be taught after one or two terms of staffing one or more of the current REF offerings. Ideal candidates would be able to staff RELG 284/384, "Buddhism and Film" in the fall semester of 2026. In subsequent years, there may be opportunities to teach RELG 150, "Encountering Religion." The successful candidate will teach 24 credits per 10-month academic year (standard courses are 4 credits), consisting of two semesters and an intensive J-term.

Requirements:

What We're Looking For:

• Terminal degree/PhD is desired in Religious Studies or related fields; ABD will be considered.
• Appointment will be at the rank of visiting instructor or visiting assistant professor, depending on whether a terminal degree is completed.
• No research or campus service is required in this position. However, visiting faculty are encouraged to engage in departmental and college life beyond teaching.
• All faculty at Augustana College are invited to participate in professional development and mentoring opportunities consistent with their needs throughout their appointment.

Why Augustana?
At Augustana, you'll find a supportive and collegial environment where faculty thrive professionally and personally. Our small class sizes foster deep connections between faculty and students. You'll have access to resources and opportunities to pursue innovative research and impactful teaching.
Additional Information

The budgeted compensation for this position ranges from $43,000- $46,000 per year based upon minimum and preferred qualifications, education, experience, skills, and abilities. Actual placement within the range will depend upon experience, education, research, rank, and other relevant factors.

Augustana College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, and any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.
Application Instructions

A complete application will include:

• A cover letter expressing interest in and understanding of teaching in a liberal arts setting,
• Curriculum vitae,
• A copy of your graduate transcript
• A statement of teaching philosophy.

Questions may be directed to the chair of the department, Eric Stewart at ericstewart@augustana.edu. To guarantee full consideration, please submit all materials by Friday, May 1. The position will remain open until filled.