What are the responsibilities and job description for the Visiting Assistant Professor of English and Creative Writing position at The University of Mississippi?
Note for Current UM Employees
Current employees must apply internally via connectU >
connectu.olemiss.edu
Position Description
The Department of English at the University of Mississippi seeks to hire a Visiting Assistant Professor in Creative Writing with Specialty in Poetry beginning Fall 2025. This is a 9-month, full-time temporary position with full benefits and the possibility of renewal for one year.
The Department invites applications especially from candidates with publication and teaching expertise in poetry and at least one other genre and / or field of literary studies. A successful candidate is expected to teach a 2 : 2 load, including lower- and upper-division creative writing courses. Depending on experience and qualifications, a successful candidate may also teach graduate courses and assist with thesis direction.
About the Department :
The University of Mississippi is a flagship, R1 state university. The VAP in Creative Writing will teach in the Department of English, which has thriving literary studies and top-ranked creative writing programs. We are well aware of our responsibility to recruit faculty who can bring diverse and inclusive approaches to research and teaching. As a department, we recognize that an inclusive environment facilitates research and teaching excellence, job satisfaction, sharing of ideas, and impactful community engagement.
Faculty in the Department of English have the opportunity to work and teach interdisciplinarily with the Isom Center for Women’s and Gender Studies, the Prison-to-College Pipeline, the Sally Barksdale Honors College, the Center for the Study of Southern Literature, the university’s program in African American Studies, and a variety of other programs.
Position Details
Appointment : 9 month
Assignment Type : Non-Tenure Track
Minimum Qualifications
Completed MFA or PhD in Creative Writing or related discipline in hand by time of employment. We seek candidates with a record or clear promise of publication. Also required are a record of strong teaching and of a commitment to teaching a diverse student body.
Interview Requirements : Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity / Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.
Application Procedures
To apply, submit a cover letter, cv, contact information for three references, and a writing sample of up to 5 pages. Some candidates may be asked at a later date to submit additional materials. Review of applications will begin immediately, and the search will remain open until the position is filled or an adequate candidate pool is reached.
About the University of MS & Oxford, MS
Founded in 1848, the University of Mississippi (UM), affectionately known to alumni, students and friends as Ole Miss, is Mississippi's flagship university. Included in the elite group of R-1 : Doctoral Universities - Highest Research Activity by the Carnegie Classification, it has a long history of producing leaders in public service, academics and business. The University of Mississippi, consistently named by The Chronicle of Higher Education as a “Great College to Work For,” is located in Oxford, MS, which is ranked one of the “Top 10 Best College Towns.” With more than 24,000 students, UM is the state's largest university and is ranked among the nation's fastest-growing institutions. The University of Mississippi, which has aggressively implemented many health and wellness initiatives for its more than 2,900 employees, has consistently been named one of Mississippi’s Healthiest Workplaces.
Touted as the “Cultural Mecca of the South”, creativity abounds in Oxford as musicians, artists and writers alike find inspiration in Oxford’s rich history, small town charm and creative community. Oxford is a one-hour drive south of Memphis, TN and is known as the home of Nobel Prize winning author William Faulkner. Over the years Oxford has also been known for offering exceptional culinary experiences and as the home of the University of Mississippi and the Ole Miss Rebels, there is always something here to immerse yourself in. Oxford has also been featured as a literary and arts destination in such publications as The New York Times, Southern Living, Condé Nast Traveler, and GQ. Among other cultural activities, annual events include the Oxford Film Festival, a thriving local music scene, and the Ford Center Performing Arts Series. Oxford is a vibrant university town, filled with unique shops and galleries, eclectic restaurants and clubs, historic landmarks, and comfortable inns.
Background Check Statement
The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.
EEO Statement
The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.
