Alaska Pacific University (APU) invites applications for an Assistant or Associate Professor of Liberal Studies with a focus on teaching ethics, critical thinking, logic and epistemology. There may be opportunities for teaching and course development in other Liberal Studies programs including writing, literature, communication and Indigenous studies.

THE UNIVERSITY: APU is a small, private liberal arts university, known for experiential and project-based learning. The university campus is in Anchorage, Alaska, a diverse city and home to more than 300,000 residents. APU offers a unique set of bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees, with emphasis on Alaska-critical and globally-relevant issues. APU embraces a competency-based curriculum, which fosters high-level intellectual and practical skills, wide-ranging knowledge of science, cultures, and society, and an active commitment to personal and social responsibility. Courses are offered in-person, online and in hybrid formats. APU is a Tribally-Governed Alaska Native University serving both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, with a specific mission to integrate Indigenous ways of knowing with innovative academic programs that reflect the dynamic needs of society, fostering meaningful engagement and ensuring that our students are prepared for a future of leadership, service, and positive change (Mission | Alaska Pacific University).

THE PROGRAM AREA: Liberal Studies programs include a BA with concentrations in literature, philosophy, religion and pre-law; a Creative & Professional Writing BA and MFA; a Master of Arts Program, and degrees in Environmental Studies and Indigenous Studies. Area faculty are dedicated to providing personalized, experiential, hands-on instruction to ignite personal passion, self-discovery, and deep learning.

DUTIES OF THE POSITION: The contract carries a 9-month teaching load of 24 credit hours per year (typically, 3 courses per semester). Course assignments are based upon expertise and needs of the degree programs. Responsibilities include mentorship and advising for students as well as serving on faculty committees. All faculty are encouraged to develop scholarship or creative work in their chosen field, and faculty are expected to participate in outcomes assessment, curriculum development, student activities, as well as other service to the university and broader community

RANK AND SALARY:  Assistant or Associate Professor. Salary is dependent upon educational preparation and experience, and is proscribed by a university-wide salary range. 

APU is a non-tenure college; faculty are eligible for multi-year appointments after initial contracts.

As a non-profit institution, APU aims to offer highly competitive compensation when considered wholistically, combining a positive work experience with a generous benefit package and fair salary compensation.

In living this philosophy, APU engages in evaluation and purposeful investments in:

 • Quality of work environment
 • Meaningful work, feedback, and valued contribution
 • Monetary compensation for time and effort
 • Benefits that add to quality of life
 
The right-fit employee for APU is someone who shares the APU values and mission, someone who desires to be part of a small team and work interdependently, someone who works hard but also values time off and a work-life balance, and someone who is looking for a meaningful work experience.

DATE OF APPOINTMENT:  Fall 2026. 

QUALIFICATIONS:  Earned graduate degree in a relevant field including philosophy, interdisciplinary studies, or Indigenous studies, and higher education teaching experience. Firsthand knowledge of the Alaskan context and experience working with Indigenous communities is preferred.

APPLICATION PROCESS & DEADLINE:   Please complete the Application for Employment – up through the “How did you hear about us?” section as well as the Background Check forms. The rest of the form may be skipped, as education and experience will be included in your Curriculum Vitae (CV). The Equal Opportunity Self Report is optional. Please upload your CV (in a .txt, .doc, .docx, or .pdf) at the end of the application form.  Additional documents, noted below, should be emailed to hr@alaskapacific.edu .  If your CV exceeds 4 MB, please include it with the other documents.

In addition to a CV, interested candidates should send (1) unofficial copies of all academic transcripts, (2) names of three references, and (3) a letter of interest describing how the applicant’s professional and pedagogical goals fit with APU’s dedication to experiential and project-based learning. Please discuss your teaching experience in your cover letter. Please submit materials to hr@alaskapacific.edu .

Please direct questions about the position to: Dr. Beth Leonard, Director, Liberal Studies, bleonard@alaskapacific.edu or 907-564-8800. Completed applications will be reviewed as received.

Alaska Pacific University is an EEO/ADA Employe