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Job Title

Assistant Professor Tenure-Track & Director of the Texan Therapeutic Riding Program

Agency

Tarleton State University

Department

Animal Science

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Stephenville, Texas

Job Type

Faculty

Job Description

Join our rapidly growing team in the Department of Animal Science (http://www.tarleton.edu/animalsciences/) as an Assistant Professor and Director of Texan Therapeutic Riding. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead and expand our equine-assisted services program while engaging in innovative teaching and impactful research. The successful candidate will oversee program operations, mentor students, and contribute to the university’s academic and service initiatives. If you have a passion for equine-assisted services, a commitment to student success, and a drive for research excellence, we invite you to apply.

This is a 9-month tenure-track position located on Tarleton’s main campus in Stephenville, Texas. Summer appointment is dependent upon need and funding availability. Work hours: Mon-Fri; 8 AM-5 PM or as work and teaching requirements indicate. May be required to teach at other campuses or online at the institution’s discretion. Must have the ability to work remotely at the request of the university in times of inclement weather or other special circumstances.

The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate excellence and innovation in teaching, maintain an impactful research program, mentor undergraduate and graduate students, actively engage in mentoring and guiding doctoral students through their academic and research endeavors, fostering a supportive and enriching environment within our PhD program, and participate in the necessary operation of the institution.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

50% Administration – Director of Texan Therapeutic Riding:

+ Oversee daily operations of the equine therapy program.

+ Lead, manage, and develop a team of student workers and volunteers.

+ Collaborate with the Equine Center Director to coordinate facility and space scheduling for program needs.

+ Establish clear goals and objectives for program growth and development.

+ Work with an advisory group to create and implement long-term strategic plans.

+ Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and ethical practices in equine-assisted services.

+ Oversee the welfare, health, and training of therapy horses in collaboration with the Tarleton Equine Center Director, TTR staff, and veterinary support.

+ Develop protocols for horse selection, conditioning, and regular evaluations to meet clients' needs.

+ Manage budgets for equine care, feed, and facility maintenance to support sustainable operations.

+ Develop and manage the program budget, including financial planning, grant writing, and fundraising activities.

+ Identify funding opportunities and cultivate partnerships with local organizations and donors.

+ Plan and attend events to promote equine-assisted activities and raise awareness of program services.

+ Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, families, caregivers, and stakeholders to foster community engagement and trust.

30% Teaching and Service:

+ Plan, prepare, and deliver lectures, seminars, and/or laboratory offerings to undergraduate and/or graduate students, which may include general education core curriculum.

+ Develop course syllabi, select instructional materials, and design assessments such as exams, quizzes, papers, etc.

+ Assess student performance, provide timely feedback, and evaluate student learning outcomes to inform teaching practices and curriculum improvements.

+ Engage students in active learning, foster critical thinking skills, and provide opportunities for discussion, collaboration, and hands-on learning.

+ Provide academic support and guidance to students through office hours, feedback on assignments, and mentoring.

+ Adhere to university policies, academic integrity standards, and accreditation requirements related to teaching responsibilities.

+ Incorporate innovative teaching methods, technologies, and pedagogical approaches to enhance student learning and engagement.

+ Engage in ongoing professional development activities to stay current in the field, improve teaching skills, and explore new instructional strategies.

+ Collaborate with colleagues, departmental faculty, and university staff to coordinate course offerings, share resources, and contribute to program development and improvement.

+ Participate in institutional service roles including but not limited to, college committees, advisory committees, student/faculty recruitment, and mentoring of new and part-time faculty.

20% Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity:

+ Maintain an active agenda for research, scholarship, or creative activity appropriate to the applicant’s academic discipline.

+ Make original contributions to the advancement of knowledge/creative expression in the applicant’s discipline through scholarly publication, presentation, or exhibition.

+ Demonstrate potential for external funding, national impact, or professional recognition.

Minimum Requirements:

+ Earned PhD degree in a relevant field from an accredited university

+ PATH Intl. certification or equivalent in equine-assisted services

+ Previous experience in a leadership role at an equine-assisted services facility

+ Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

Preferred Qualifications:

+ Master Riding Instructor level

+ Previous employment as a Director of an equine-assisted services facility

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :Knowledge and understanding of disciplinary subject matter at a level adequate for graduate-level instruction; written and oral communication skills sufficient to conduct effective teaching and research activities; ability to interact with students, staff, and faculty in a professional, collegial, and collaborative manner.

*Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience*

Application Procedure:

During the application process applicants have one opportunity to enter the requested information, upload documents, and Submit the application. Applicants will not be able to make changes or add additional documents once the application materials have been submitted via the "Submit" action.

Employment applications must include (required):

+ Completed online application

+ Cover Letter / Letter of Interest addressing qualifications

+ Curriculum Vitae or Resume

+ At least 3 current professional references and their full contact information

+ Unofficial transcripts

+ Applicants with degrees earned outside the United States must submit transcripts translated into English, along with an official credential evaluation from a recognized service.

+ Philosophy Statement related to Teaching, and Research - no more than 1500 words.

Applications received by Tarleton State University must have all job application data entered. Failure to provide all job application data could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. “See resume” is not an acceptable entry in the job application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Anticipated start date Fall 2025.

Official transcripts must be received directly from each degree‐granting institution prior to a letter of appointment being issued.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.

Founded in 1899, Tarleton State University a founding member of The Texas A&M University System, has a rich history and tradition through generations that have inspired educational excellence. Tarleton maintains a commitment to transformational student experiences and career readiness supported by engaged faculty, staff, and alumni mentors. Tarleton State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), earned the prestigious designation of Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, and is a member of the NCAA Division I, Western Athletic Conference.

Strategic Planning for the Next Decade - Tarleton Forward 2030 (https://web.tarleton.edu/tarletonforward/)

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+ Employee Services (https://www.tarleton.edu/hr/index.html)

+ Benefits

+ University Leadership (https://web.tarleton.edu/president/)

+ Research and Economic Development

+ Traditions and History (https://www.tarleton.edu/traditions/index.html)

Tarleton State University is an Equal Opportunity/ Veterans/ Disability Employer. If you have questions about submitting your application, please contact [email protected] .