Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes Best Employers lists each year. Including:
2025 - Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes Americas Best Employers by State list.
2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes Americas Best Employers by State list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC systems westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.
Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

The primary location of this position is on the main Cullowhee, NC campus.

Following recent departmental alignment and ongoing strategic growth, we invite applications for a fixed term position in the Health Sciences Program with expertise and interest in health education. This is a full-time (9-month) appointment with the rank of Teaching Assistant Professor. Opportunities for summer teaching and additional compensation are available. Preferred start date is August 1, 2026, with consideration for January 1, 2027.

Responsibilities of the position include: (1) teaching undergraduate courses that support the Health Sciences curriculum and general education courses; (2) advising and mentoring undergraduate students in collaboration with the Advising Center; and (3) providing meaningful service to the university, profession, and community. If qualified (i.e., possess a doctoral degree) candidates may also teach graduate students in the Master of Health Sciences program.

We seek candidates who demonstrate their ability to work with, and be sensitive to the educational needs of, first generation, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and rural populations; and support the Universitys commitment to Honoring Our Promise. The Health Sciences program holds inclusive excellence as a core value, and we work together to foster a welcoming community, where all are respected and know they belong.

The Health Sciences program is housed in the 160,000 square foot, state-of-the-art Health and Human Sciences Building and is part of the restricted Department of Integrated and Environmental Health Sciences within the College of Health Sciences. The Health Sciences program consists of a bachelors degree in Integrated Health Sciences and a masters degree in Health Sciences. The Integrated Health Sciences (IHS) Program is a 120-credit hour, residential, program designed for students who have a broad-based interest in the health field with concentrations in Pre-Professional, Management, and Health & Wellness. This innovative and flexible program of study is intended to equally serve entry-level and transfer students. More information about the program can be found on the website:ihs.wcu.edu

The Department of Integrated and Environmental Health Sciences Program offers undergraduate programs in Environmental Health and Integrated Health Sciences, and a Master of Health Sciences. Additional programs within the College of Health and Human Sciences include Therapeutic and Clinical Healthcare, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Nursing, Physical Therapy, and Social Work. A collaborative environment conducive to interdisciplinary teaching, scholarship and service exists within the Department and College of Health and Human Sciences. Western North Carolinas rural, ageing, and medically underserved population and location provides numerous and rich opportunities for community partnerships, collaborative research, and grant acquisition. More information on the College can be found on the website: chhs.wcu.edu.

Western Carolina University is a regional comprehensive university with more than 12,000 students with its main campus located in Cullowhee, NC. Part of our mission is to inspire student learning through innovative teaching, nationally recognized programs, exceptional support, and a robust connectedness with surrounding communities in Southern Appalachia, including the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The county and surrounding areas provide residents a high quality of life with their proximity to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, diverse outdoor adventures, a thriving arts community, and mild year-around temperatures.

Reports To: Department Head, Integrated and Environmental Health Sciences

Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.

Please include the following:

For questions or additional information please contact:
Dr. Chelsea Weddle

E-mail: cweddle@wcu.edu

Phone: (828)227-3233

*All applicants are required to submit an unofficial transcript of their highest attained degree, showing all completed coursework and the date the degree was conferred. The transcript must state Degree Awarded, Degree Conferred or a similar phrase. For candidates who are ABD, please submit your most recent doctoral program transcript along with your masters degree transcript, if you hold such a degree. The masters degree transcript must have a notation such as Degree Awarded, Degree Conferred or similar phrase, to verify it as your highest completed degree.