Powell-Edwards Lectureship in Religion - SWS

Mission or Goal of Unit:

The mission of the College of Humanities and Sciences is to serve as the intellectual heart and soul of our institution and wider community. The College of Humanities and Sciences:

• Prepares lifelong learners to participate actively as engaged and responsible citizens
• Propels scientific research and scholarship to improve the human condition, cure and treat diseases, and promote healthy environments
• Grounds us in our history, critically examines our present human condition and empowers students to create more equitable local and global communities
• Provides communities with a passionate and creative workforce that serves as a powerful engine for economic development and innovative solutions to problems

As the intellectual lifeblood of VCU and our community, the College of Humanities and Sciences seeks to inspire our students to explore their passions and dreams as individuals and provide the context to understand their place in the world and connections with others-locally, globally and throughout time. Most importantly, our educational and research environment addresses an array of technological, health-related and societal problems, as well as providing profound insights and reflections of what it means to be human and humane.

As a preeminent national, urban, publicresearch university and academic health center, Virginia CommonwealthUniversity is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion - an environmentwhere all can thrive in their pursuit of excellence. VCU's student body isdiverse; approximately 35% of our undergraduates are first-generation collegestudents and 32% are from underrepresented groups. One of the most importantcriteria for all candidates is that they have demonstrated experience workingin and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or arecommitted to do so as a faculty member at VCU.

The Religious Studies program in theCollege of Humanities and Sciences at VCU offers a holistic investigation ofthe artistic, ethical, historical, psychological, and social dimensions ofreligions, as well as the influence of religions on how we perceive sexuality,gender, race, health, public policy, and social justice. Graduates developstrong analytic, communication, and creative skills essential in anincreasingly globalized economy where more and more people with differentfaiths are coming together.  TheReligious Studies program grounds learning in respect for global cultural andreligious diversity and the search for social justice for all the world'scitizens.

The Powell-Edwards DistinguishedProfessorship in Religion and the Arts is an endowed faculty line in theCollege of Humanities and Sciences. The scholar holding the Powell-EdwardsDistinguished Professorship will engage in scholarship and teaching in Religionand the arts, and will establish and host an annual event exploring theintersection of religion and the arts in conjunction with a public lecture.

Chief Purpose of this position: The Religious Studies program in theCollege of Humanities and Sciences at VCU seeks an open-rank 9-month,tenure-eligible faculty member to fill the Powell-Edwards DistinguishedProfessorship in Religion and the Arts beginning in August 2024.

Position Responsibilities: We are seeking an individual who will (i)contribute high-quality research and scholarship including peer-reviewedpublications, external funding, and active involvement in national orinternational professional association organizations, (ii) teach a 2-2 courseload in Religious Studies, religion and the arts, and/or related fields; (iii)annually organize a religion and the arts public event in conjunction with thePowell-Edwards Lecture Series; (iv) engage in service as a faculty member inthe Religious Studies program; (v) contribute to the intellectual andpedagogical mission of the College of Humanities and Sciences; (vi) contributeto the newly created Center for the Study of Global Religions andSpiritualities.

Required Qualifications: 

An earned Ph.D. in Religious Studies or the Anthropology, Sociology, or History of Religion, Art History, or other adjacent or relevant field by the start of the position is required;
An innovative and meaningful research agenda that has strong potential for external funding;
Demonstrated teaching experience at the university level in the study of religion or courses related to the mission of the lectureship;
Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU.
Applicants must apply online and submit:
Cover letter addressing candidate's qualifications for the position
Curriculum vitae
Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Applicants selected for interviews willbe asked to provide three letters of recommendation.

Preferred Qualifications: N/A

 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement:  As a preeminent national,urban, public research university and academic health center, VirginiaCommonwealth University is committed to organizational diversity, equity andinclusion - an environment where all can thrive in their pursuit of excellence.We recognize that local contexts vary across departments and disciplines andthat contributions to diversity, equity and inclusion may take many forms.  Efforts to cultivate inclusive excellencemight include, for example, creating opportunities for students, faculty, andstaff systematically excluded and underrepresented in the U.S. academy and/orparticular disciplines; educational outreach (particularly to under resourcedand underserved communities); efforts to increase diversity, equity andinclusion at the university or in the local community; as well as one's ownlived experiences.

Applicants are requested to submit aStatement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (typicallybetween 150-300 words) providing your career aspirations and contributionstoward promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through this statement, youcan share how your lived experiences, and academic and professional activitieswill impact your contributions to VCU's mission of promoting equity andinclusion. For more information and examples, see Diversity Statement.

Virginia Commonwealth University is anequal opportunity/affirmative action university providing access to educationand employment without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnicorigin, age, sex (including pregnancy), political affiliation, veteran status,genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression ordisability. Women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities areencouraged to apply.

For more information contact AndrewChesnut, Sullivan Chair in the Catholic Studies, Virginia CommonwealthUniversity.
Review of applications will begin January16. Position open until filled.  

Position Type: Teaching & Research Faculty
Full time equivalent: 100%
Tenure: Tenure Track
Rank: Open
Months:
Department:School of World Studies

Salary:

Contact Information:
Contact Name: Amy Rector
Contact Email: alrector@vcu.edu
Contact Phone: 827-3406