Adjunct Professor — Creative Writing / Narrative Arts

Reports to: Dean, College of Arts and Humanities

Job Status: Exempt

Introducing Houston Christian University

At Houston Christian University, our Christian liberal arts, professional, and graduate programs have equipped students to lead, collaborate, and discover out of a deep sense of purpose for more than 60 years. We are driven forward by our central confession, “Jesus Christ is Lord,” and defined by our “Ten Pillars” core convictions. From this foundation we guide students confidently into discerning discovery, preparing them to think biblically, critically, and holistically about how to engage the world. We aspire to care for every student by meeting their academic, spiritual, and social needs with mentorship and support. At HCU, we are cultivating a culture of excellence that will mold a new generation of leaders in their communities, standard-setters in their professions, and fruitful disciples in their churches.

HCU is set in the heart of one of the most diverse and fastest-growing cities in the nation—and our growth and diversity match the dynamism of the city we call home. We continue to enroll strong freshmen classes, our graduate programs have more than doubled in the past decade, and we are significantly expanding our online programs as well.

The College of Arts & Humanities

The Mission of the College of Arts & Humanities is to provide for all university students robust, cross-disciplinary curricula that cultivate intellectual, moral, and aesthetic virtues within a Christian community.

The Department of Narrative Arts

HCU’s Department of Narrative Arts is dedicated to training the next generation of storytellers working in film and animation, video games, fiction and poetry, graphic design, and emerging mediums. We provide a challenging, personalized creative environment for each student to develop their artistic abilities and instincts. Unified by the transformative power of narrative across these artistic mediums, our graduates are equipped to flourish with a wide range of creative, technical, and professional skills.

At the heart of the Narrative Arts department’s success is the School of Fine Art’s commitment to mentor and educate students towards excellence in artistic creation for the glory of God. We prioritize hands-on field experience, apprenticeship and mentorship, strong understanding of tradition and theory, a clear focus on emerging opportunities, and an essential spiritual foundation for every student.

Position Summary

Houston Christian University seeks an Adjunct Professor to join the Department of Narrative Arts with expertise in Creative Writing, Narrative Arts, and related fields. Adjunct needs change from semester to semester.

Job Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate or graduate courses in appropriate field(s) within the Department of Narrative Arts’ Creative Writing and Narrative Arts programs.
• Creative Writing courses may include: Poetry Workshop, Fiction Workshop, Creative Non-Fiction Workshop, Professional & Technical Writing, Advanced Grammar & Rhetoric, Art of Storytelling, Topics & Genres, and Special Topics.
• Narrative Arts courses may include: Art of Storytelling; Collaboration & Communication; Media & Careers Survey; Portfolio, Pitching, & Networking; and Faith, Culture, & the Arts.
• Perform related duties as needed.

Qualifications:

• Applicants should have a terminal degree in a relevant creative field or substantial professional experience.
• Applicants must also be able to clearly express how their Christian faith enriches, guides, and undergirds their understanding of creative art and storytelling.
• Finally, applicants should be able to articulate a vision for the role of his or her discipline at HCU that is supportive of the Ten Pillars Core Convictions; the Ten Pillars Core Convictions may be found at https://hc.edu/about-hcu/ten-pillars/.

Additional Information

Direct questions about this position to Dr. Matt Boyleston, Associate Director of Creative Writing & Narrative Arts Programs (mboyleston@hc.edu).

Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, as adjunct needs change from semester to semester. Interested candidates should complete the online application, which includes three letters of recommendation, a letter of interest, and curriculum vita. Additional materials may be requested at a later date.

Houston Christian University is an independent, private Christian liberal arts university dedicated to the development of moral character, the enrichment of spiritual lives, and perpetuation of growth in Christian ideals. HCU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Houston Christian University is committed to maintaining a teaching faculty and staff who share an active Christian faith. The Preamble to the By-Laws of the University, “Scripture and a Christian Worldview,” and the “Ten Pillars Core Convictions of HCU”set forth a statement of belief which each University employee is expected to support and personify as an essential function of their employment at the University. Your submittal of an application for employment indicates your acceptance and affirmation of these statements.

As one of the most diverse universities in the nation, Houston Christian University also strives to build a faculty and staff team that provides role models who embody biblical orthodoxy and ethics for all our students, whatever their background or life experience.

As with all open positions at the University, a contract or employment offer will only be extended when the budget for the position has been confirmed.