Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes 'Best Employers' lists each year. Including:
*2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes 'America's 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 'America's 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 'America's Best Employers by State' list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC system's 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. Paid vacation and sick leave accrual begin after first month of employment. 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 School of Health Sciences invites applications for a nine-month, fixed term position in the Athletic Training Program with expertise and interest in anatomy and/or orthopedic assessment. This is a full-time appointment with the rank of Teaching Assistant Professor. Responsibilities of the position include: (1) teaching graduate courses within the Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) curriculum and undergraduate and pre-professional courses that support the School of Health Sciences and MSAT; (2) advising and mentoring graduate students in collaboration with the Advising Center; and (3) providing meaningful service to the university, profession, and community.

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 University's commitment to . The Athletic Training program is committed to building a community whose members have diverse cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences. Salary and rank are commensurate with academic qualifications and experience for a regional comprehensive university. Opportunities for summer teaching are available. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Start date is August 1, 2024, earlier start can be negotiated (January 2024 or June 2024). Faculty will be compensated above their base salary for summer teaching.

The Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program is housed in the 160,000 square foot, state-of-the-art Health and Human Sciences Building and is part of the robust and engaged School of Health Sciences. The MSAT program is a 64-credit hour, residential program designed to prepare students to be professionally engaged while delivering high quality patient-centered care as athletic trainers. The MSAT is a 2-year, 12-month, 6-semester program. Through a comprehensive and innovative experience, the Western Carolina University Athletic Training Program aspires to be a recognized leader in preparing highly skilled and professionally progressive leaders in the field of athletic training. The MSAT program received 10-year reaccreditation from the CAATE in 2022.

The School of Health Sciences offers undergraduate programs in Emergency Medical Care, Environmental Health, Integrated Health Sciences, Nutrition & Dietetics, and Recreational Therapy. Graduate programs include the Master of Science in Athletic Training and the Master of Health Sciences. Additional programs within the College of Health and Human Sciences include Communication Sciences and Disorders, Nursing, Physical Therapy, and Social Work. A collaborative environment conducive to interdisciplinary teaching, scholarship and service exists within the School and College of Health and Human Sciences. Western North Carolina's 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 school can be found on the website: and information on the College can be found on the website: .

Western Carolina University holds inclusive excellence as a core value, and we work together to foster a welcoming community, where all are respected and know they belong.

WCU embraces its role as a regionally engaged university and is designated by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as a community engaged university. Preference will be given to candidates who can demonstrate a commitment to public engagement through their teaching, service, and scholarship

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position has been filled.

Submission Materials include:

For questions or additional information, please contact Dr. Ashley Thrasher at abthrasher@wcu.edu

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.

Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; religion; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Additionally, the University promotes the realization of equal employment opportunity for minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans through its affirmative action program.
Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.

The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.