The Africana Studies Program at Hobart and William Smith Colleges invites applications for a Visiting Assistant Professor to begin August 1, 2026. This is a full-time, one-year position with a teaching load of five courses over two semesters. Candidates with a Ph.D. in an appropriate field are preferred, though advanced ABD will be considered. The ability to teach the introductory course, Foundations of Africana Studies, is required. The primary field within Africana Studies is Francophone Africa and/or the Francophone African Diaspora The successful candidate will contribute to the French, Francophone, and Italian Studies curriculum, playing a key role in strengthening the department’s cultural offerings. The candidate will be expected to teach advanced courses in their field of expertise, a course on Africana Studies methodology, as well as a senior capstone course within African/Africana Studies. Their work should be informed by theoretical and historical perspectives on race, reflecting the experiences of African Americans, Africans, and those living in the African Diaspora.
The Program values intellectual diversity and supports a wide range of critical and theoretical approaches that help bring people together across disciplines as they address questions of race in its historic and structural forms. We desire candidates with experience with and/or interest in working in a multicultural environment and encouraging excellence from students with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
About HWS
A liberal arts and sciences institution, Hobart and William Smith is known for consistent success in preparing students for meaningful lives and fulfilling careers through an outcomes-based focus on their futures. Our nationally ranked faculty are accessible teachers and scholars known for the impact of their research and distinguished by the depth of their mentorship. World challenges are studied in the classroom where critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills are honed. In the field, knowledge turns into discovery. In office hours, plans are carefully crafted to tie interests and talents to an academic path that motivates beyond graduation.
Our location in the heart of the Finger Lakes allows faculty, staff and students to live and work collaboratively on the banks of a resource-rich lake. Student-athletes play for 30 varsity teams boasting 24 national titles, including the 2023 and 2024 NCAA DIII Men’s Ice Hockey Championships. With three graduate programs, students can build on their undergraduate degree with a Master of Arts in Higher Education Leadership, Master of Arts in Teaching, or a Master of Science in Management. Together, the experiences and mentorship at HWS prepare students to lead lives of consequence.
Applicants should submit the following required materials via Interfolio: cover letter; CV; a statement of teaching philosophy with evidence of teaching effectiveness and attention to inclusivity in the classroom; and the names, titles, and contact information for three confidential professional references. Review of applications will begin March 27, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. Specific inquiries about the position can be addressed to Professor Chris Annear of the Africana Studies Program ( annear@hws.edu). The salary range for this position is $49,300-$56,666.
Questions regarding Interfolio or visa status should be directed to Human Resources ( hr@hws.edu).
The Colleges are an equal employment opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination and harassment in their programs and activities against employees or applicants based on race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, citizenship, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, familial status, domestic violence victim status, caregiver status, military status, including past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, social class, or any other category or characteristic protected by applicable law.
