Assistant, Associate or Full Professor of Native American Studies - Indigenous Sovereignty and Governance

University of Oklahoma Norman Campus: Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences: Native American Studies

Location

Norman, OK

Open Date

Sep 25, 2023

Description

Native American Studies in the Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Oklahoma—a dynamic and growing academic department—is pleased to announce that we are seeking applications for a professorship faculty position at the rank of Assistant, Associate, or Full to begin Fall 2024.

The search committee is looking for an open-rank professor with expertise in Indigenous sovereignty and governance and whose research is grounded in Native American politics, law and policy, ethics, and/or community and economic development. This new colleague will support one of the department’s core areas of emphasis, Tribal Governance and Policy, which delves into the intricate political systems of Native Nations that exercise their governmental and cultural sovereignty on both domestic and global scales.

The successful candidate will also be dedicated to preparing and mentoring students, especially undergraduate majors and minors and graduate students in the Native American Studies programs, in this track that underscores the foundational principles and practical skills required to structure Indigenous political systems and programs in alignment with a Native Nation’s unique values and traditions. The ideal candidate will be expected to collaborate with the Native Nations Center and other affiliates of the university, drawing on their experiences working with tribal nations and communities.<

The teaching load for this position is 2/2 (two courses each semester) and includes the ability to create and teach specialized upper-division courses and graduate seminars in addition to core requirements and existing courses such as Tribal Governance and Leadership and Introduction to Tribal Economic Development that are part of Tribal Governance and Policy courses.

Native American Studies at The University of Oklahoma:

Native American Studies places tribal sovereignty, community, and futurity at the center of academic study and prioritizes meaningful engagement with and service to Native Nations and communities. Our curriculum is anchored by our commitment to Indigenous methodologies, ways of knowing and relational accountability. Native American Studies offers an undergraduate minor, B.A., and M.A. Our curriculum is organized around core courses in critical Indigenous theory and research methods and includes four areas of emphasis: (1) Tribal Governance and Policy; (2) Cultural Knowledges and Language; (3) Indigenous Media and Arts; and (4) Indigenous Community Planning. Our curriculum is designed to be responsive to the needs of Native Nations and communities as they articulate them, particularly the 39 sovereigns in Oklahoma.

Native American Studies at the University of Oklahoma has a strong foundation from which to grow. In the past ten years, Native American Studies has moved from a program to a fully-fledged department with six tenured/tenure-track faculty and numerous affiliated faculty. We now offer four Indigenous languages, a Tribal Service-Learning course and Internship program. Notably, Native American Studies recently became home to the Andrew Mellon Impact Fellowship program, which provides unique opportunities for students and post-doctoral fellows. We have established and renovated dedicated faculty offices, classrooms, and event space, providing a home for Native faculty and students and are at work on a physical building study.

As part of the University of Oklahoma's commitment to Indigenous peoples and their substantial presence, the University established the Native Nations Center to support and respond to tribal research and policy needs, as well as the office for the Associate Vice President for Tribal Relations. The University of Oklahoma Press is working with the Native Nations Center and affiliates to support a variety of publications in Native American and Indigenous studies. Critical support for students is provided by American Indian Programs & Services in the Office of Student Life, and faculty find campus community through the Indigenous Circle Faculty/Staff Resource Group. The University of Oklahoma is also home to unparalleled Native American museums, collections, and archives, including the Western History Collection, the Fred Jones Museum of Art, and the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History. Signature campus events include the Oklahoma Native American Youth Language Fair, the Native Crossroads Film Festival, Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebration, and the Spring Powwow, now in its 109th year.

Qualifications

Applicants must have a Ph.D. in hand by the position start date in Native American Studies or in a relevant discipline. Effective classroom teaching is essential for this position. Preferred candidates will have research rooted in Indigenous sovereignty and governance.

Application Instructions

Please submit the following materials electronically at http://apply.interfolio.com/132820: Cover letter, CV, and name and contact information for three references. Candidate may elaborate on their research and teaching.

Position will remain open until filled. We will begin reviewing applications on November 28th, 2023. Additional materials may be requested at a later date.

Direct inquiries to Dr. Farina King, Interim Chair, at [email protected].

Application Process

This institution is using Interfolio's Faculty Search to conduct this search. Applicants to this position receive a free Dossier account and can send all application materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, free of charge.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to:  admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, or health care services that the University operates or provides.

Diversity Statement 

The University of Oklahoma is committed to achieving a diverse, equitable and inclusive university community by recognizing each person's unique contributions, background, and perspectives. The University of Oklahoma strives to cultivate a sense of belonging and emotional support for all, recognizing that fostering an inclusive environment for all is vital in the pursuit of academic and inclusive excellence in all aspects of our institutional mission.

Mission of the University of Oklahoma

The Mission of the University of Oklahoma is to provide the best possible educational experience for our students through excellence in teaching, research and creative activity, and service to the state and society.