Assistant/Associate Professor of Equestrian Studies

Description

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 initiatives—including partnerships with biology, psychology, animal behavior, and veterinary faculty—while 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 candidate’s 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 member’s 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

Requirements

Essential:

• Master’s 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 Women’s 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 horse’s 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 priorities—particularly in community outreach, education, and student engagement grounded in welfare-focused horsemanship.

Founded in 1833, Stephens College is the second-oldest women's 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 women's education, fostering a community where students are empowered to lead, innovate, and excel. The college also provides flexible, co-educational master’s 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 36,000+ college students and 118,000 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 Children’s 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.