Assistant Professor of African American History

F0134 Assistant Professor of African American History

Job Description

The Department of History & Interdisciplinary Studies at Norfolk State University seeks applications for a tenure-track assistant professor of African American History beginning August 2027. The Department offers five curricula in History, four curricula in Interdisciplinary Studies, three minors (Interdisciplinary Studies, History, and Africana Studies), a certificate in African and African Diaspora Studies, and fully online programs in both History and Interdisciplinary Studies. This is a history position, and the person who fills this position must be in residence to teach history classes in person at Norfolk State University’s main campus in Norfolk, VA.

The successful candidate is expected to be a highly capable instructor. The individual filling this tenure-track position will teach African American and US History courses, and should have graduate coursework, research, and/or teaching experience in themes connected to African American History. Candidates for this position should have active research agendas that complement the research foci of faculty members who are currently serving in the department. The Department is particularly interested in applications from scholars exploring themes of African Americans in a global context. Review of applications will begin on October 25, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Please note that this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Minimum Qualifications

A doctoral degree in History with significant coursework in African American History and a non-US region of the world. Evidence of potential for excellence in teaching. Evidence of potential for excellence in research.

Additional Considerations

Research and Analysis: Examining historical records, social policies, and cultural data to evaluate systemic impacts on Black communities. Education and Outreach: Designing curricula, teaching courses, or leading community programs that foster cultural competency and historical awareness. Advocacy and Support: Assisting individuals or groups through social services, policy recommendations, and diversity initiatives (through our internship class option) Experience in teaching in public school The potential of obtaining external grant support Experience in curriculum revision & improvement.

How to Apply

Candidates should submit:

State of Virginia application. A cover letter of interest outlining research agenda and teaching interests. Current Curriculum Vitae. Philosophy of Teaching. Transcripts of highest degree conferred (unofficial transcripts are accepted; however, official transcripts are required of finalists). Three letters of reference.

Some requirements must be saved into one file and attached as other to the state application.

NSU Teaching Philosophy for Underrepresented Populations

Norfolk State University is particularly interested in candidates who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and a demonstrated commitment to improving access to higher education for all students regardless of background. Candidates must include a statement that reflects their philosophy and experience working with initiatives or with students and communities from underrepresented populations.

Norfolk State University

Norfolk State University is a comprehensive urban public, doctoral granting institution committed to transforming students’ lives through exemplary teaching, research and service. The University is a top ranked and largest in the Commonwealth of Virginia, Historically Black College and University (HBCU) with nationally recognized STEM programs and enrolls 6,000 students in over thirty undergraduate and nineteen on-line & in-person graduate programs. Norfolk State University garners over $20M in annual grant acquisitions, has as an NCAA Division I athletic program with fifteen sports that boasts three regular season MEAC conference championships in men’s basketball, and a coveted marching band as winners of the 2024 Circle City Classic Battle of the Bands.

About the City of Norfolk

Norfolk is one of seven cities that make up the Hampton Roads Region. With a population of about two million, Hampton Roads is the 33rd largest Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) in the nation, the 8th largest metro area in the Southeast, and the 2nd largest between Atlanta and Washington, DC. It is home to the world's largest naval base, the Port of Virginia, one of the world's leading maritime gateways, and NATO’s only North American headquarters (NATO Supreme Allied Commander Transformation). By virtue of its strategic location, it is a cosmopolitan area with many minority groups from every corner of the world. Norfolk has big city amenities and attractions of arts and culture, as well as cuisines of the Eastern Seaboard and is a home port for Carnival Cruise Lines year-round with other cruise lines using Norfolk as a port-of-call. In addition, the region boasts accessible parks, riverfronts, beaches, and numerous festivals, all favorable for weekend getaways.

Salary Range: $72,000 - $78,000

Special Instructions:

You will be provided with confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Candidates may show interest by submitting via online, the following:

1. A letter of interest (via cover letter).
2. A current resume (via resume).
3. Completed Application via Workday
4. Transcripts of highest degree conferred (unofficial transcripts accepted, however, official transcripts are required of finalist) (via transcripts).
5. Names and contact information for three job references (include with resume).

Application and/or résumé for this position must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. on the closing date through the Workday Human Capital Management System (HCM). Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and/or résumés will not be accepted. Applicants who possess an Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Form) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Form) as issued under the Department of Human Resources Management (DHRM) Policy 1.30 Layoff (Commonwealth of Virginia Employees Only), must attach these forms when submitting their state application and/or résumé. The decision to interview an applicant is based solely on the information received for this position from either the electronic application and/or résumé. RMS provides a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your RMS account to check the status of your application for this position.

Norfolk State University conducts background checks on all candidates identified as a finalist for employment consideration. The type of background check(s) performed are dependent upon the type of position for which you have been identified as a finalist and may include criminal history, including sexual offender registry checks, reference checks, degree validation, DMV (driving) records, license verification, and credit report reviews. The results of background checks are made available to University employing officials. As a finalist, you will be required to sign an Authorization to Release form. Norfolk State University utilizes Form I-9 and E-verify in the verification of eligibility for employment. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without employer sponsorship.

Contact Information:

Name: Office of Human Resources

Phone: 757-823-8160

Email: NO EMAILED DOCUMENTS ACCEPTED

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: Career Pathways for Individuals with Disabilities, or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer

Contact Pathways