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Job Description
Western Michigan University invites applications for the position of Faculty Specialist I or II in French in the Department of World Languages and Literatures at its main campus in Kalamazoo, Michigan. This is a full-time, one-year term (renewable) position. We seek a specialist of French and Francophone Studies in literature and culture. Expertise in Old French would be a plus. The teaching load will be 4-3. The successful candidate will have a genuine commitment to teaching, to the promotion of the discipline, to active collaboration with Department and College colleagues, and to fostering an environment in which all members of the university community feel welcome, valued, supported, and engaged.
Major Duties:
Teaching French language at all levels as well as undergraduate courses in French and Francophone literature and culture. Contribution to the French program through active collaboration with colleagues, curricular review, and other activities. Advising, participation in student recruiting and retention activities, and service for the department and for the College and University.
Minimum Qualifications:
PhD in French or Francophone studies or related field from an accredited institution by the start date of August 15, 2026. At least two years of college or university teaching experience in the United States. Evidence of teaching excellence. Native or near-native fluency in French.
Desired Additional Qualifications:
Interest in directing study abroad programs. Expertise in Old French. To apply, applicants should visit https://www.wmujobs.org/ .
Materials submitted must include:
1. Curriculum vitae; 2. Cover letter describing qualifications, accomplishments, and professional experiences related to the position; 3. 2-3 syllabi of courses taught; 4. A 15-minute class video of a literature or culture lesson; 5. Contact information for three references. Applicants must also arrange for three current letters of recommendation to be sent to: Search Committee, c/o Matthew Alonso (matthew.alonso@wmich.edu). All questions should be directed to Dr. Viviane Ruellot, Chair of the Search Committee, at viviane.ruellot@wmich.edu
Expected Start Date :
August 15, 2026
Application Deadline :
Preference will be given to applications submitted by June 22, 2026 Chair of Search committee:
Viviane Ruellot The University:
Western Michigan University (WMU), located in Southwest Michigan, is a vibrant, nationally recognized student-centered research institution with an enrollment of nearly 18,000. WMU delivers high-quality undergraduate instruction, has a strong graduate division, and fosters significant research activities. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching has placed WMU among the 76 public institutions in the nation designated as research universities with high research activities. WMU also recently received a $550 million endowed, multi-year Empowering Futures Gift, the largest gift for a public institution of higher education in U.S. history, which will fund many projects and initiatives that aim to break down the barriers created by historic inequities. In addition, in recent years the university has invested in efforts to promote a welcoming, inclusive, equitable, and diverse community via our Native American Affairs Council, Campus Climate Survey, President Montgomery's Mountaintop Initiative, participation in the ASPIRE IChange Network, and as an
NSF ADVANCE
campus.
The College:
The mission of the College of Arts and Sciences at Western Michigan University is to ignite and sustain a passion for learning and discovery in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences, to help students, staff, and faculty succeed in life and contribute to the betterment of our communities, from local to global. Our vision is to achieve excellence in all aspects of learning and discovery across the humanities, social sciences and sciences while fostering a climate of intellectual freedom. As articulated in the College of Arts and Sciences strategic plan, we are committed to fostering a community of diverse, inclusive, equitable, and globally engaged scholars, learners, and leaders. With 22 departments and interdisciplinary schools and institutes, WMU's largest college offers a broad range of learning opportunities and career paths for our students. CAS students are among the very top students in the country, having received awards including Goldwater Fellowships, Udall Scholarships, Boren Fellowships, and Fulbright awards, among others. For more information, see http://www.wmich.edu/cas/ .
Department:
The Department of World Languages and Literatures offers majors and minors in French, German, Japanese and Latin, and minors in Arabic, Chinese and Classics. The Department promotes and sustains an intellectually challenging, dynamic community, with nationally and internationally recognized scholars in the fields of translation, linguistics, pedagogy, and literature and culture.
Community :
Kalamazoo is located only two and a half hours by car from Chicago and Detroit and only 45 minutes from the beaches of Lake Michigan. The city supports a nationally recognized symphony and has earned a reputation for a vibrant community theatre and visual arts scene. Through its Shared Prosperity Kalamazoo initiative, Kalamazoo is strongly committed to social justice, community development, and eliminating generational poverty. Kalamazoo is the home of the Kalamazoo Promise, a scholarship program offered to all Kalamazoo Public School students that covers up to 100% of tuition and mandatory fees to any Michigan public (and many private) institution of higher learning. WMU is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Protected veterans, individuals with disabilities and all other qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.
