Lecturer in US History

Position Summary:

Job Description:

Lecturer in US History

POSITION: Western Colorado University invites applications for a Lecturer broadly trained in US History with potential to deliver and enhance our existing curriculum.

Teaching is the primary focus of this position, and the faculty member will be responsible for teaching 4 courses each semester. These will include the program’s U.S. history survey courses, upper-division U.S. history courses including Colorado History and History of the U.S. West, and courses in the Public History emphasis. Depending on qualifications and interests, the candidate may also have the opportunity to teach in Environmental Studies, Geography, Western Watershed, or Honors programs, and offer Adult Degree Completion or Concurrent Enrollment courses. While most classes are offered in-person, there is opportunity for teaching some online and hybrid courses.

The History program at Western Colorado University is part of the Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences. The program has 2 full-time faculty members and approximately 25 majors following three tracks: Standard History major, Secondary Licensure, and Public History.  We also support a number of accelerated master’s programs (Environmental Management and Education).

Western is unable to sponsor work authorization for this position.

QUALIFICATIONS: A Ph.D. in history is preferred, but candidates with doctorates in American studies, Indigenous/Native American studies, ethnic studies, or similar fields will be considered if their research is primarily historical in nature. Candidates who are ABD or with master’s degree in history and doctorate in a related field will also be considered. Evidence of creative, student-centered teaching is expected. Collegiality and professional flexibility are characteristic of the department and are expected in the successful candidate.

SALARY/BENEFITS: $50,000 - $52,000 annualized salary. Western offers an excellent benefits package including shared premiums for a comprehensive health insurance plan, dental insurance, retirement plan, life insurance, and other insurance options. After one year of employment, Western provides free tuition for dependents enrolled full time in undergraduate programs for up to four years. 

START DATE: August 2026

APPLICATION: Apply online at www.western.edu/jobs.  Required attachments to the application include: a letter of application demonstrating familiarity with, and potential to deliver and enhance, our existing U.S. History and Public History curriculum, including discussion of the applicant’s approaches to teaching, relevant transcripts, curriculum vitae, and contact information of three references. Teaching evaluations will be requested from finalists for the position.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Please direct questions to Dr. Phil Crossley, pcrossley@western.edu   

Application Deadline: April 10, 2026 at 11:59PM (MDT.)

Additional Information on Western and Gunnison/Crested Butte  

Western Colorado University is a public institution with an enrollment of ~3,700 students. 47% of students are undergraduates, 33% are graduate students, and 80% receive some form of financial aid. Western students represent 17 countries, 50 states, and almost every county in Colorado. With an average class size of 17, Western’s faculty and staff share a strong commitment to personalized, rigorous, and immersive education. Visit http://www.western.edu to learn more about the university.  

Western Colorado University is located in Gunnison, Colorado, about 200 miles southwest of Denver amidst over 2 million acres of public land and a vibrant ranching community. The Gunnison valley provides robust cultural programming and exceptional outdoor recreation. A network of dedicated community organizations enrich the lives of many in the tight-knit community. Living in the valley, one appreciates a vibrant cultur