Background:
University Overview
Founded in 1893, Southwestern Adventist University is a 501(c)(3) faith-based institution located in Johnson County, Texas. As the only four-year degree-granting university in the county, Southwestern Adventist University is an important community stakeholder that links education with action by building knowledge, increasing faith, and providing service.

University Vision
Southwestern Adventist University seeks to be a community that supports academic, spiritual, physical, and emotional wholeness encouraging all members to find their purpose and lead lives of service.

University Mission
The University’s Mission statement is “Inspiring knowledge, faith, and service through Christ-centered education.”

The Education and Psychology Department at Southwestern Adventist University invites applications to apply for a full-time, faculty position in Psychology beginning July 1, 2026. Instructional roles include:
• Develop relevant and engaging course content
• Teach undergraduate courses as assigned
• Advise psychology majors and minors
• Supervise internships and provide mentoring
• Provide proactive advising
• Engagement in service to the community
• Promotion of psychology program in and out of the campus community

Candidates should be members in good standing of the Seventh-day Adventist church and have a strong commitment to Christian higher education.

Responsibilities include but at not limited to:
• Prepare and teach undergraduate psychology and related courses (with potential to teach graduate courses)
• Candidates must exhibit:

Two years of experience in teaching in higher education or related experience – strongly preferred
A strong commitment to Seventh-day Adventist values
Current knowledge of the field
Ability to engage students in rigorous academic exploration
Ability to implement effective teaching strategies that promote student learning
Ability to connect with students and to track student progress in ways that promote success
Collaboration with department team members

• Ability to build community relationships and develop internship opportunities with community partners
• Department duties include but at not limited to:

Advise and Mentor students
Program Development in collaboration with department faculty
Research and ongoing academic pursuits

Community service:

Actively support the department on campus and outreach to community

• Committees
Psychology Department Admissions and Review in addition to other committees as deemed necessary by the Department Chair and/or the Academic Vice President
Courses: (Potential list of courses taught – subject to change)
• General Psychology
• Human Growth and Development
• Physiological Psychology
• Counseling Theories and Techniques
• Ethics
• Personality Theory
• Crisis Intervention and Counseling
• Supervision of Internship
• Potentially teach master’s level courses as per alternating summer schedule

Primary Requirement:
Must have strongly expressed a commitment to Jesus Christ, the teachings and mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, be a member of the Seventh-day Adventist church in good and regular standing, and have a desire to serve in a cooperative, spiritually redemptive, and soul-winning atmosphere.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Minimum Qualifications
• Undergraduate and master’s degree in psychology
• A demonstrated commitment to Seventh-day Adventist education and to community service.
• Demonstrated excellence or strong potential in teaching.
• Strong communication and technology skills, including proficiency with MS Office.
• Commitment to student engagement, mentorship, and professional preparation.

Preferred Qualifications
• PhD or PsyD in psychology or a related field strongly preferred.
• Licensure in professional counseling desired.
• Post-secondary teaching experience with diverse populations will be prioritized.

*Submit a cover letter and CV to Human Resources at humanresources@swau.edu

Work Conditions & Environment:
Occasional: Evening or weekend responsibilities for events, recruitment activities, or committee assignments. Limited travel may be required for professional development, conferences, or university-related functions.
Environment: Office and classroom setting with regular interaction with students, faculty, and staff.
Work Hours: Standard university business hours (Monday–Friday), with teaching assignments that may include daytime or evening classes. Additional hours may be required for meetings, grading, and service responsibilities.
Physical Requirements: Must be able to lift and carry up to 20 lbs. and perform routine tasks such as sitting, walking, typing, standing, and presenting for extended periods.
The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position’s essential functions.

This job description is not intended to be complete or limiting – the role will require a proactive and flexible approach to be successful. Southwestern Adventist University complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.