Activist/Scholar in Residence for Publicly Engaged Humanities

Description

Southwestern University is seeking an Activist or Scholar in Residence for publicly engaged humanities (PEH). This in-person residency is funded by a grant from the Mellon Foundation to support, enhance, and inspire publicly engaged work across campus and in the broader community, with a focus on social justice. The Activist or Scholar in Residence will work collaboratively with the grant PIs (Dean of the Faculty and Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs) as well as a faculty leadership team.

The Activist or Scholar in Residence will:

• Be resident on our campus for the 2025-26 academic year (note that we are willing to consider proposals for a semester-long, 4-month, residency, but that only 9-month positions are benefits eligible);
• Pursue a project of their own design during the residency that connects to social justice themes, topics, or initiatives;
• Collaborate with a diverse set of students, faculty, staff, and community members on activities related to that project and/or other ongoing campus initiatives;
• Organize at least five workshops during the residency that offer concrete skills, methods, and models of publicly engaged work;
• Mentor faculty, staff, and students involved in publicly engaged work;
• Present, perform, or exhibit work developed during the residency;
• Document their work on campus and in the community; and
• Further Southwestern’s commitment to its core purpose and values, particularly “fostering a liberal arts community whose values and actions encourage contributions toward the well-being of humanity” and “encouraging activism in the pursuit of justice and the common good.”

Residents who have a terminal degree in their field (MFA or PhD) may also propose a course to teach during their period of residency.

In addition to full-time salary and benefits (for nine-month appointments), this position includes office space on campus, a budget to support project activities, and other material and programmatic support.

Qualifications

While we are open to any candidate and project that fits the goals and priorities of Southwestern and the Mellon PEH grant, we are particularly interested in candidates who have some familiarity with any of the following:

• Digital archives;
• Oral histories;
• Audio and/or visual production;
• Working with community partners;
• Institutional support for publicly engaged scholarship;
• Advocacy and organization for social justice;
• Racial justice;
• Diversity, inclusion, belonging, and equity;
• Border studies;
• Migration and refugee studies;
• Indigenous studies;
• Labor rights and organization;
• Food security;
• Other relevant areas of publicly engaged scholarship that align with the goals and priorities of Southwestern and the Mellon PEH grant.

Application Instructions

Candidates should submit the following application materials through Interfolio by December 13. 

• A brief description of the proposed project, emphasizing its connection to social justice and suggesting at least two collaborative opportunities related to its goals;
• A draft project budget (up to $5,000);
• A draft timeline for the academic year or semester (for all major residency requirements);
• Ideas for at least one workshop for students or faculty/staff that focuses on public engagement skills, methods, or models;
• A resume; and
• Names and contact information for three professional references.

Email and paper applications will not be accepted.  Only completed applications will be reviewed by the Search Committee.  The Committee will review all completed applications until the position is filled.  All offers of employment are contingent on successful completion of the University’s Background Check Policy process. Southwestern University is an E-Verify employer.  EOE/M/F

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