AssistantAssociate Professor of Equestrian Studies

Stephens College invites applications for a full-time 9-month non-tenure track position in Equine Studies (salary and rank commensurate with experience). We welcome applications from candidates with diverse professional backgrounds in the equine and animal sciences. This may include expertise in equine business strategy stable operations facility management event management marketing entrepreneurship equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) equine behavior or animal science research.

We are seeking a collaborative educator who can contribute to our interdisciplinary initiativesincluding partnerships with biology psychology animal behavior and veterinary facultywhile also connecting with our Women in STEM Research (WiSR) program and our growing collaborations with the University of Missouri and surrounding community of animal welfare organizations.

We are also eager to consider applicants with professional experience such as veterinary medicine equine behavior consultation equine welfare/advocacy or equine-focused research especially when combined with a passion for teaching and mentoring students.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Teach courses within the equine curriculum with specific assignments determined by the candidates expertise and departmental needs. Potential courses include but are not limited to:

EQS 301 Equine Nutrition

EQS 310 Stable Management

EQS 340 Equine Anatomy

EQS 318 Equine Marketing and Sales

EQS 401 Management of Equestrian Events

EQS 405 Equine Business

EQS 415 Equine Practicum

• We are committed to building on each faculty members strengths so teaching assignments will reflect areas where the candidate can have the greatest impact.
• Deliver hands-on student-centered learning grounded in ethical horsemanship and evidence-based care
• Provide academic advising and career mentorship to undergraduate students
• Participate in curriculum development and program planning
• Support departmental service and interdisciplinary collaboration
• Represent the program through professional involvement outreach and industry partnerships

Essential:

• Masters degree in Equine Science Equine Studies Business or a related field
• Demonstrated teaching experience at the collegiate or university level
• Passion for working with beginner riders/handlers and a proven ability to teach foundational horsemanship with an emphasis on equine welfare
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Commitment to innovative and experiential teaching practices

Highly Desired:

• Ph.D. DVM or other terminal degree
• Leadership in equine facility management or business operations
• Expertise in equine behavior welfare-focused training or applied research
• Professional experience in fields such as veterinary medicine animal science or related disciplines
• Experience mentoring undergraduate research or applied projects
• Certification or involvement in Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies (EAAT) is welcome but not required
• Active engagement in professional equine animal science or welfare networks
• A record of community outreach public education or program development

Stephens College is a dynamic Womens College invested in immersive and experiential learning. We are proud of our long-standing tradition and excellence in equine studies. Our equine program has continuously led the way in equine science management and education. As we look toward the future we seek a forward-thinking individual who can honor our legacy while driving innovation and growth within our program.

At the heart of our program is a deep and ongoing commitment to equine welfare. We believe the horses well-being must come first in all aspects of instruction care training and facility management. We are seeking an individual who embraces this philosophy and integrates it meaningfully into their teaching practices particularly with beginner handlers/riders where safety clarity and empathy are foundational to long-term success.

Our equine program is a key academic and experiential pillar on campus contributing to majors across disciplines and supporting a collaborative research track through WiSR (Women in STEM Research). We maintain strong local regional and national partnerships with equine organizations and the incoming faculty member will play a critical role in helping shape future prioritiesparticularly in community outreach education and student engagement grounded in welfare-focused horsemanship.

Founded in 1833 Stephens College is the second-oldest womens college in the United States dedicated to providing innovative experiential and career-focused education across various disciplines. Located in Columbia Missouri Stephens College continues to be a leader in womens education fostering a community where students are empowered to lead innovate and excel. The college also provides flexible co-educational masters degrees and certificates for working professionals and is home to the co-educational Conservatory for the Performing Arts at Stephens College.

Ranked (over and over again) as one of the best college towns in America Columbia Missouri is home to 36000 college students and 118000 residents. Columbia conveniently located approximately 100 miles from both Kansas City and St. Louis has it all: big-time college sports film music and arts festivals a high-energy arts community amazing recreation and a great downtown with lots of places to eat shop snack and check out the latest bands. The Columbia community offers outstanding health care options as well as excellent educational opportunities for every level of student (including our own Childrens School).

Stephens offers an attractive benefits package that includes health insurance an Employee Assistance Program Supplemental Retirement Annuity Faculty/Staff Grants tuition waivers and tuition paid undergraduate classes for dependents.

Be a part of this amazing community of innovative thinkers doers and dreamers.

Stephens is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will recruit and employ qualified personnel without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation national origin age disability or status as a veteran.