|
Assistant Professor of Practice - Leadership Studies
BPS Instructional Resources Position Description The School of Professional Studies at Texas Tech University Online invites applications for a full-time, 12-month, Assistant Professor of Practice position in Leadership Studies to begin Fall 2026. This is a continuing appointment-eligible position with opportunities for promotion through the Professor of Practice track. Because the position is housed in TTU Online, it is possible for this position's duties to be fulfilled remotely. This position will contribute to the newly launched Master of Science in Leadership Studies (MS-LEAD) program and support as needed teaching in the undergraduate degree in Organizational Leadership. The MS-LEAD is an innovative, fully online graduate program designed for working professionals seeking to develop cross-sector leadership competencies through an accelerated 12-month format with five annual start dates and 8-week terms. This position offers opportunities for growth and advancement within a teaching-intensive, practice-oriented faculty model.
This position is assigned to the online teaching of 8-week courses that are offered as part of five 8-week terms, scheduled throughout the year (two in the fall, two in the spring, and one in the summer) to provide better flexibility to non-traditional students that represent a significant part of the online student population at Texas Tech University. All courses in these 8-week terms are offered asynchronously. While appointed to this position, you will accrue vacation and will be required to report leave monthly following TTU's Operating Policy 70.01 and TTU System Regulation 07.12. Since you will accrue vacation, you will follow a staff holiday schedule, which is available here: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/hr/empbenefits/holidayschedule.php.
All prospective employees are encouraged to visit Work at Texas Tech to learn more about becoming a part of our campus community. About the University Established in 1923, Texas Tech University is a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity) Doctoral/Research-Extensive, Hispanic Serving, and state-assisted institution. Located on a beautiful 1,850-acre campus in Lubbock, a city in West Texas with a growing metropolitan-area population of over 300,000, the university enrolls over 40,000 students with 33,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students. As the primary research institution in the western two-thirds of the state, Texas Tech University is home to 10 colleges, the Schools of Law and Veterinary Medicine, and the Graduate School. The flagship of the Texas Tech University System, Texas Tech is dedicated to student success by preparing learners to be ethical leaders for a diverse and globally competitive workforce. It is committed to enhancing the cultural and economic development of the state, nation, and world.
About Lubbock:Referred to as the "Hub City" because it serves as the educational, cultural, economic, and health care hub of the South Plains region, Lubbock boasts a diverse population and a strong connection to community, history, and land. With a mild climate, highly rated public schools, and a low cost of living, Lubbock is a family-friendly community that is ranked as one of the best places to live in Texas. Lubbock is home to a celebrated and ever-evolving music scene, a vibrant arts community, and is within driving distance of Dallas, Austin, Santa Fe, and other major metropolitan cities. Lubbock's Convention & Visitors Bureau provides a comprehensive overview of the Lubbock community and its resources, programs, events, and histories. About the College Texas Tech University Online extends the university's commitment to high-quality education to learners worldwide. Through a wide range of fully online degree programs and courses, Texas Tech Online offers flexible, accessible learning that maintains academic rigor. Online instructors are part of a collaborative community with access to instructional design support, training, and digital tools to enhance student engagement. Faculty teaching online at Texas Tech are valued members of the university and contribute to its mission of teaching, research, and service, regardless of their location.
The School of Professional Studies, which resides in Texas Tech University Online, offers a number of online degrees in flexible 8-week course terms. About the Department/School/Area The School of Professional Studies promotes students' leadership and career opportunities for success in a dynamic workplace through engaging interdisciplinary and career-focused credential and degree programs. The faculty of Professional Studies is dedicated to supporting students' skills by integrating multiple knowledge bases essential for navigating the complex and interconnected challenges of today's world, particularly those that involve multiple disciplines. The curricula and programs in Professional Studies prepare students to address the interdisciplinary challenges requiring a holistic approach emphasizing creativity, collaboration, and life-long learning for personal and career development. Major/Essential Functions At Texas Tech University, the Professor of Practice title is used to recruit individuals with exceptional backgrounds and achievements in academic, business, government, or other professional practice. Primary responsibilities normally will be to teach in an area of expertise, mentor students in professional and career preparation, and liaise with professional contacts and entities on behalf of the department or program.
In line with TTU's strategic priorities to engage and empower a dynamic student body, enable innovative research and creative activities, and transform lives and communities through outreach and engaged scholarship, applicants should have experience working with a breadth of student populations at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels within individual or across the areas of teaching, research/creative activity, and service.
As a faculty member in the School of Professional Studies, you will be expected to:
Teaching (Primary Emphasis)
Teach graduate-level courses in the MS-LEAD program including leadership theory and application, organizational change, strategic leadership, ethical leadership, and applied leadership topics May teach undergraduate courses in Organizational Leadership (ORGL) as needed Develop and deliver high-quality online asynchronous course content using evidence-based pedagogical practices appropriate for adult learners and accelerated 8-week formats Create engaging, interactive learning experiences and provide timely, developmental feedback to students Maintain TTU Online instructional standards including course readiness, weekly communication, timely grading, and student support Advise graduate students and participate in graduate committees as appropriate Meet Texas Tech Graduate School requirements for graduate faculty status
Professional Development
Actively pursue continuing education, training, and certifications in fields applicable to course content and online pedagogy Participate in professional development related to online teaching, instructional technology, and leadership education Maintain currency in leadership theory and practice through professional activities
Service
Participate in program assessment and continuous improvement activities Contribute to curriculum development, course updates, and program quality initiatives Serve on departmental committees and participate in faculty meetings Support student recruitment, retention, and success initiatives
Engaged Scholarship (Applied and Practice-Based)
Engage in applied, practice-based, or pedagogical projects that demonstrate professional expertise May include conference presentations, professional publications, curriculum development, community partnerships, or applied leadership projects Traditional research is not required, but can fall under this category; emphasis is on engaged scholarship that bridges theory and practice Organization Texas Tech University Faculty Qualifications
Terminal degree (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) in one of the following areas from a regionally accredited institution:
Leadership Studies Organizational Leadership Leadership Development Management Organizational Psychology Organizational Behavior Organizational Development Educational Leadership Other closely related field with demonstrated expertise in leadership education
Terminal degree must be conferred prior to hire. Candidates may be considered with degree completion required within one year of employment.
Demonstrated teaching effectiveness at the college/university level as instructor of record A depth and breadth of knowledge of pertinent theories and practices relative to leadership Proficiency in adult learning strategies and online/blended course delivery Commitment to student success, inclusive excellence, and working with various adult populations as evidenced by specific pedagogical strategies, personal experiences, and concrete actions taken in previous faculty roles. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as evidenced by personal experiences working interdepartmentally, leading and facilitating virtual classrooms, collaborating with remote colleagues, and providing concise digital communication. Preferred Qualifications In addition to the required qualifications, individuals with the following preferred qualifications are strongly encouraged to apply:
Experience teaching graduate-level courses Expertise teaching in fully online instructional environments Experience using technology to teach graduate courses online, including Learning Management Systems (LMS) such as Blackboard or Canvas Familiarity with accelerated academic formats (e.g., 8-week terms) Practical leadership experience in professional, organizational, or community-based roles Post-doctoral professional experience or leadership practice beyond the terminal degree Knowledge of leadership development practices across multiple sectors (business, nonprofit, education, government, healthcare) Record of engaged scholarship such as conference presentations, professional publications, or applied leadership projects Experience with curriculum design, development, or assessment in online environments Experience advising or mentoring adult learners or graduate students Training or certification in online pedagogy (e.g., Quality Matters, OLC) Demonstrated ability to integrate emerging technologies, data analytics, or innovative tools in teaching Duty Point TTU Online (remote duty point) Safety Information Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees. Does this position work in a research laboratory? No Special Instructions to Applicants Please include the following documents in your application:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Cover Letter addressing qualifications and interest in the position
- Teaching Philosophy Statement
- Contract information for three professional references
Questions about this position should be directed to Raynie Gibbs, Associate School Director, Search Committee Chair at Raynie.Gibbs@ttu.edu. Pay Statement Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as the institutional pay plan. EEO Statement All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran. Applications must be received by 08/01/2026 |
Texas Tech University
Feb 12, 2026