Alaska Pacific University (APU) invites applications for an Assistant Professor of Indigenous Studies with demonstrated teaching or professional experience and desire to work on the development of Indigenous programs and implementation of Indigenous curriculum to meet the needs of Alaska, with emphasis on the needs of Alaska Native people and rural communities.
The University
APU is a small, private liberal arts university known for experiential and project-based learning. The university campus is in Anchorage, Alaska, a diverse city and home to more than 300,000 residents. APU offers a unique set of bachelors, master’s and doctoral- level degrees, with emphasis on Alaska-critical and globally relevant issues. Focused on competency development and cultural relevancy, the APU curriculum fosters high-level intellectual and practical skills, a wide-ranging knowledge of science, cultures, and society, and an active commitment to personal and social responsibility. APU is an Alaska Native-Serving Institution which seeks to become a Tribal university by honoring Alaska’s Indigenous heritage, exemplifying excellence, and preparing pathways for educational attainment and student success. The University is committed to growing innovative programs that are responsive to the workforce needs of Alaska, as well as growing Alaska Native and Alaskan professionals from within the state. APU was recently awarded a 5-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education to expand curriculum and student participation in three programs that integrate an Indigenous One Health pedagogy—health sciences, nursing, and environmental public health. This position will support this integration.
The Program Area
Indigenous One Health is an interdisciplinary and holistic approach to wellbeing, and related APU programs are aligned with several academic units. APU’s Institute of Health and Wellness offers degree programs in counseling psychology, health sciences, nursing, health occupations, and community health. Honoring Alaska’s complex and distinctive histories, health care services, and systems of care, the Institute prepares students to address and engage in stewardship of our peoples and communities to promote community health and wellness for all. Collaborating closely with the programs in the Institute of Health and Wellness as well as programs in the natural sciences and liberal arts, the Environmental Public Health program is aligned with the Institute of Culture and Environment. This position will work with faculty and administrators of varied backgrounds and disciplines to integrate Indigenous perspectives and culturally relevant content into new and existing curricula. Additionally, this position will work directly with the provost to meet the needs of the 5-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education to expand curriculum and student participation. Affiliation with an academic unit will be determined based on the candidate’s academic background and professional experience.
Duties of the Position
The position includes a ranked appointment and a 9 to 12-month contract focused on the implementation of a Federal grant dedicated to expanding Indigenous pedagogy within the university. That expansion includes faculty, student and curriculum development activities that integrate Indigenous perspectives and culturally relevant content into APU’s varied programs as we continue our journey towards becoming a Tribal university.
Representative duties include
- Provide leadership to the development and implementation of culturally appropriate pedagogy based on Alaska Native/Indigenous values and knowledge in the academic and co-curricular programs at APU, particularly in programs related to Indigenous One Health.
- Work collaboratively with other university departments and institutes to incorporate Indigenous principals and serve as a liaison for connecting the various APU programs in developing Indigenous pedagogy and research strategies.
- Develop and provide trainings consistent with the goals the DOE grant and the University’s strategic goals.
- Assist with the tracking of success metrics, incorporating culturally responsive evaluation strategies that focus on the target goals outlined in DOE grant, and participate in research efforts that explore project goals.
- Coordinate with other Tribal colleges on identifying, developing, and implementing best practices for Alaska Native/Indigenous academic systems.
- Provide leadership for identifying grants to enhance program delivery.
- Seek Indigenous community engagement as needed for curricula and faculty development and engage in innovative learning, teaching, research, and creative practices.
- Teach at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels, typically 1-2 courses a semester.
Salary
Salary is dependent upon educational preparation and experience and is proscribed by a university-wide salary range and grant funding. The term of research faculty appointment may not exceed the period of external funding availability.
Dates of Position
Summer/Fall 2020—Fall 2024, contingent on continued funding. Position may be extended if additional funding is secured.
Qualifications
Earned doctorate in Indigenous studies, education, or health-related field preferred. Related professional experience may be considered. Candidates should be able to demonstrate expertise in a core competency area related to Indigenous studies or Indigenous One Health. Successful candidates include those with proficiency in university teaching and mentoring as well as curriculum and program development. Candidates with an understanding of Tribal health systems, experience teaching Alaska Native/American Indian students, and/or working with Indigenous communities preferred.
Application Process
Please complete the Application for Employment – up through the “How did you hear about us?” section as well as the Background Check forms. The rest of the form may be skipped as education and experience will be included in your Curriculum Vitae (CV). The Equal Opportunity Self Report is optional. Please upload your CV (in a .txt, .doc, or .pdf) at the end of the application form. Additional documents noted below should be emailed to hr@alaskapacific.edu. If your CV exceeds 4 MB, please include it with the other documents.
In addition to a CV, interested candidates should send: 1) a letter of interest describing how the applicant’s professional and pedagogical goals fit with APU’s dedication to experiential and project-based learning; 2) a summary of teaching experience; 3) a statement of teaching philosophy; and 4) names and contact information of three references. Please submit materials to hr@alaskapacific.edu. Please direct questions about the position to Hilton Hallock, Ph.D., Provost, provost@alaskapacific.edu, Alaska Pacific University, 4101 University Dr., Anchorage, AK 99508. Completed applications should be received by April 1, 2020 for full consideration.
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