Instructor/Assistant Professor of Practice - MEPN

Instructor/Assistant Professor of Practice - MEPN - #261082


Please see Special Instructions for more details.
To be considered, you must apply online. Hard copy materials will not be accepted for consideration.

Please attach the following: A letter of interest, curriculum vitae, a list of three (3) references with contact information, and copies of transcripts from the highest degree earned.

For questions or additional information, please contact Terri Durbin, Director of the School of Nursing, at View email address on click.appcast.io

Posting Details

Posting Information
Posting Number
FAC920P

Quick Link for Internal Postings

Classification Title
Assistant Professor - Practice

Working Title
Instructor/Assistant Professor of Practice - MEPN - #261082

Department
School of Nursing

About WCU
Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes 'Best Employers' lists each year. Including:
* 2025 - Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.
* 2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
* 2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
* 2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC system's westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.
Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

Position Summary
The primary location of this position is on the main Cullowhee, NC campus.

The School of Nursing (SON) invites applications for the position of Instructor or Assistant Professor of Practice in its MEPN program (rank to be determined at hire). This is a 12-month fixed-term position. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire. The anticipated begin work date is August 2026.

Faculty in the Master's Entry into Nursing Practice (MEPN) program contribute to the education of prelicensure master's students through teaching, scholarship, service, and clinical engagement. Faculty support student success through rigorous, inclusive instruction and contribute to the development of a strong, practice-ready workforce equipped to meet the needs of diverse and rural populations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Teach courses within the MEPN curriculum based on area of expertise.
• Provide academic and professional advising to students.
• Collaborate on curriculum design, course development, and evaluation.
• Maintain active involvement in clinical practice, scholarship, or service, as appropriate to the faculty line.
• Contribute to School of Nursing committees and initiatives, including student recruitment and outreach.
• Support integration of simulation, interprofessional education, and evidence-based teaching strategies.
• Engage in professional development and mentorship activities.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position

Minimum Qualifications

• Instructor: Master's degree in Nursing
• Assistant Professor of Practice: Terminal degree in Nursing (DNP, EdD, PhD)

• Unencumbered RN license in North Carolina or eligibility to obtain.
• Recent clinical experience in relevant practice areas (e.g., adult health, public health, psychiatric-mental health).
• Demonstrated effectiveness in teaching or clinical instruction.
• Demonstrated commitment to providing respectful, patient-centered care across varied populations, and contributing to a well-rounded, skilled healthcare workforce.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior teaching experience in graduate or prelicensure nursing programs.
• Familiarity with simulation-based education, distance learning, or high-impact practices.
• Experience working with diverse student populations and/or rural healthcare systems.

Position Type
Permanent Full-Time

Number of Hours Per Week

Number of Months Per Year
12

Posting Text
Open Date
05/28/2026

Close Date

Open Until Filled
Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants
To be considered, you must apply online. Hard copy materials will not be accepted for consideration.

Please attach the following: A letter of interest, curriculum vitae, a list of three (3) references with contact information, and copies of transcripts from the highest degree earned.

For questions or additional information, please contact Terri Durbin, Director of the School of Nursing, at View email address on click.appcast.io

Background/E-Verify
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.


Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit . Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

Credential Verification
All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

EOE
Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call View phone number on click.appcast.io or email at View email address on click.appcast.io.

University Safety
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 View phone number on click.appcast.io) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 View phone number on click.appcast.io). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.

Applicant Documents



Required Documents

1. Cover Letter/Letter of Application
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Unofficial Transcripts
4. List of references

Optional Documents




Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).