Associate/Professor ENFL Chair-African American Literature or African American Sociolinguistics

Title: F0375, Associate/Professor ENFL Chair-African American Literature or African American SociolinguisticsState Role Title: Associate Professor

Hiring Range:

Pay Band: UG

Agency: Norfolk State University

Location: Norfolk State University

Agency Website: www.nsu.edu

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Norfolk State University's Department of English and Foreign Languages invites applicants for a tenure-track/tenured appointment as Department Chair, a 12-month position at the rank of Associate or Full Professor of English, African American Literature/Sociolinguistics, beginning July 1, 2026. Application review begins March 15, 2026, position remains open until filled.

Overview of the Department:

The Department of English and Foreign Languages at Norfolk State University offers programs leading to a Bachelor of Arts in English, a Bachelor of Arts in English with a Secondary Education Endorsement, and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a Creative Writing Concentration. Department members have recently published works of creative writing and literary analysis and have accompanied students on a study abroad program to London. English faculty also maintain a local chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, and host a creative writing festival, the William Carroll Writers' Festival, as well as collaborate with other departments such as Fine Arts on presentations. The Department also offers courses in French, Spanish, and Public Speaking as part of the general education requirement. The department is particularly interested in candidates who have a demonstrated commitment to improving access to higher education for all students regardless of their background.

Job Duties
• Administer the business and academic processes that serve a large, vibrant department composed of dedicated full time and part time faculty who teach in the English major and in the General Education core.
• Active engagement in the College of Liberal Arts' academic, creative, and strategic initiatives, to align the department with the university mission to serve whole student learning and growth. Contributions to program and curriculum development inside and outside the department.
• Advise and mentor students and participate in recruitment activities. Development of, and participation in, ongoing program review, assessment, and accreditation activities, including the alignment of the English BA and the department General Education offerings with institutional retention, graduation, and workforce placement goals. Perform other duties as assigned by the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts.

Minimum Qualifications

1. An earned Ph.D. degree in English with a specialization in African American Literature and/or Linguistics; Ed.Ds will not be considered for this position.
2. Experience in administration and teaching at the higher education level.
3. Demonstrated record of scholarly research and/or publications in relevant subfields, as well as demonstrated record of participation in curriculum design and implementation.
4. Demonstrated commitment to serving diverse and/or underrepresented student populations.

Additional Considerations

1. Considerable facility with digitally integrated systems for higher education management and administration.
2. Experience and commitment to fostering excellence in teaching and scholarly activity at the university level with knowledge across the breadth of the discipline as well as interest in opportunities to collaborate with other disciplines.
3. Demonstrated ability to communicate to a diverse student body, both verbally and in writing.
4. Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Candidates should submit:

1. State of Virginia application.
2. A cover letter of interest outlining research agenda and teaching interests.
3. Current Curriculum Vitae.
4. Philosophy of Teaching.
5. Transcripts of highest degree conferred (unofficial transcripts are accepted; however, official transcripts are required of finalists).
6. Three letters of reference.

Some requirements must be saved into one file and attached as other to the state application.

NSU Teaching Philosophy for Underrepresented Populations
Norfolk State University is particularly interested in candidates who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and a demonstrated commitment to improving access to higher education for all students regardless of background. Candidates must include a statement that reflects their philosophy and experience working with initiatives or with students and communities from underrepresented populations.
Norfolk State University
Norfolk State University is a comprehensive urban public, doctoral granting institution committed to transforming students' lives through exemplary teaching, research and service. The University is a top ranked and largest in the Commonwealth of Virginia, Historically Black College and University (HBCU) with nationally recognized STEM programs and enrolls 6,000 students in over thirty undergraduate and nineteen on-line & in-person graduate programs. Norfolk State University garners over $20M in annual grant acquisitions, has as an NCAA Division I athletic program with fifteen sports that boasts three regular season MEAC conference championships in men's basketball, and a coveted marching band as winners of the 2024 Circle City Classic Battle of the Bands.

Contact Information

Name: Norfolk State University

Phone: 757-823-8160

Email: No email address is needed.

In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer