Valparaiso University: College of Arts and Sciences: EnglishLocation
Valparaiso, IN
Open Date
Mar 25, 2026
Description
Valparaiso University invites applications for the position of Visiting Assistant Professor of English in Creative Writing and/or Literature, in the Department of English (https://www.valpo.edu/college-of-arts-an...). Valparaiso University (“Valpo”), a community of learning grounded in the Lutheran tradition of scholarship, freedom, and faith, prepares students to lead and serve both church and society. Located one hour southeast of Chicago on a 310-acre campus, Valpo is a comprehensive university with an enrollment of approximately 2,100 undergraduate and graduate students. Valpo is consistently recognized as one of the best private universities in the Midwest and has an increasingly diverse student body.
The Department of English seeks a versatile teacher-scholar able to teach a range of writing and literature courses. Preferred areas of specialization and teaching proficiency include: tabletop role-playing and/or video game writing, poetry writing, business and professional writing, health sciences writing, and modern/contemporary diverse American literatures. This is a one-year position, with the possibility of renewal. The successful candidate will teach courses in creative writing and/or literature, as well as general education writing intensive courses (WICs) in business and professional writing and/or health sciences writing, typically with a 24-credit teaching load for the year.
Candidates should have a Ph.D. (ABD considered) in Creative Writing or Literature or MFA in Creative Writing or a closely related field. The expected starting salary will be in the range of $53,00 to $55,000, depending on experience.
As a campus with an increasingly diverse student body, we encourage applicants with a commitment to, and experience in, mentoring students from an array of backgrounds.
Please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, teaching statement, and contact information for three references to Interfolio at https://apply.interfolio.com/183769. In your cover letter, please include brief statements of (a) how you might contribute to the university’s distinctive mission and (b) what experiences you have had which will enable you to mentor a diverse student body. Candidates who submit names of references should expect that the search committee will contact these references in confidence and that credentials will be confirmed prior to hire. Candidates should also expect that the search committee will review their LinkedIn profile. Employment will require a satisfactory criminal background check.
For questions about the department or university, please contact Professor Carter Hanson, Department Chair (Carter.Hanson@valpo.edu).
Applications will be considered until the position is filled; however, applicants are encouraged to apply by May 1st for timely consideration.
About the Community:
Valpo is located in Valparaiso Indiana, a county seat of 35,000 residents with high quality schools and an active social community located 50 miles from downtown Chicago and only 14 miles from the beautiful Indiana Dunes National Park. Valparaiso is home to 13 city parks, over 20 miles of bike trails, and award-winning downtown gathering spaces that house year-round community events including: the Popcorn Festival, music concerts, ice skating, farmer’s markets and more. The city was built to support neighborhood activities, with most neighborhoods being within walking distance of parks, schools, and communal spaces. With the university located less than one mile from downtown, its central location within the community makes it easy for employees to enjoy the growing amenities the city has to offer. Valparaiso has been recognized as one of the top communities in Indiana and is in one of the fastest growing counties in the state. It is an area that continues to show economic growth and diversification of its residents.
EOE and Nondiscrimination Policies:
Valparaiso University does not unlawfully discriminate and aims to employ persons of various backgrounds and experiences to develop and support a diverse community. Its EOE policy can be found at http://www.valpo.edu/general-counsel/pol.... Successful applicants will demonstrate a commitment to cultural diversity and the ability to work with individuals or groups from diverse backgrounds. In addition to strong academic qualifications and excellence in teaching, the University highly values experience in working across cultural and other significant differences. Employment at Valparaiso University will require a satisfactory criminal background check.
VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY’S DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION STATEMENT
Valparaiso University is a welcoming community, grounded in the Lutheran tradition, built on values of mutual respect, positive regard, freedom, and reliance on grace. We strive to boldly include all individuals and groups who contribute to the life of our campus in a mutually beneficial way. Difference is a strength and reason for celebration, and we affirm that we are most inclusive when we bring groups together to make decisions in collaborative, equitable ways. Our values do not support language or behavior that demeans members of our campus based on age, appearance, ethnicity, race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, biological sex, disabilities (mental and physical), ideological/political positions, intellectual perspective, socio-economic status, immigration status, veteran status, and national or regional origin. Actions and behaviors based on positions or perspectives that inherently marginalize, oppress, or deny full dignity to all are not tolerated. Nothing herein shall limit academic freedom or the freedom of expression pursuant to University policy related to either. As such, we will consistently and vigilantly assess our academic and co-curricular offerings and our admissions, hiring, and promotion policies in reflection of these values.