Looking forward to the next school year, the search is on for new professors. Positions are still open for psychology, history, art, international development, music industry, and music education.
“We have a number of faculty searches underway right now, and they are all at different stages of the process,” said Academic Dean Jack Connell. The current plan is to have all positions filled in time for the 2018-2019 school year. Already, the searches for the two open education and philosophy faculty positions have reached a successful conclusion.
When asked what Houghton looks for in candidates, Connell answered, “To be considered for a faculty role here, a person must of course be a committed Christian and have the appropriate academic credentials, typically the terminal degree in the field.” He went on to explain that, “Once those foundational requirements are met, we look for people who are effective teachers, active scholars, able to integrate their faith into their academic work, and eager to serve our students, the college, and the church.”
President Mullen added, “In this season, we are especially on the lookout for faculty who can sharpen the distinctives of Houghton’s academic programs and the connections between a Houghton education and post-college opportunities.”
Among the openings is one for a new psychology professor. The new faculty member will take up the classes of Dr. Van Wicklin, who “plans to retire at the end of this academic year after teaching at Houghton for 35 years,” according to Paul Young, Psychology Department Chair. The courses affected include “Developmental Psychology,” “Adolescence & Emerging Adulthood,”
“Lifespan Development of the Family,” and “Introduction to Psychology.” The new professor would be taking up teaching both on campus and online courses.
Both President Mullen and Dean Connell actively recognized the importance of the decisions Houghton faces when choosing its professors. Mullen commented that “Each new faculty member brings an original set of experiences, new perspectives on a discipline, and a fresh set of insights on how we can more effectively prepare graduates for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century world.”
“I view the selection of faculty as among the most important decisions a college ever makes, and so we have high standards throughout the entire process,” said Connell. He detailed the procedure for selecting new faculty.
A specifically formed search committee, normally headed by the relevant department chair, considers all applications submitted before choosing which candidates will receive an interview. One or two final candidates successful in their interview go on to visit Houghton for a more practical evaluation. During their visit, the potential professor interacts with a variety of people on campus, including students, faculty, and administrators. The visit also provides an opportunity to teach a sample class. “The committee then recommends one of the candidates to me,” Connell explained, “and I in turn make a recommendation to the president.”
The president makes the final decision for hiring new faculty members, according to Connell. President Mullen appreciated the importance of selecting the right candidate, saying, “Part of the richness of an academic community is the way it is renewed annually by the arrival of new faculty.”