Description
Tenure-track faculty position in Community and Regional Planning
The Department of Geography and Planning at Appalachian State University invites applications for a nine-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Community and Regional Planning (CRP), beginning fall 2026. The CRP program emphasizes teaching, research, and community engagement that supports strong urban, small-town, and rural communities. Housed alongside Geography, the program offers students a solid foundation in GIScience and Planning, with many pursuing double majors or minors across the two fields. Students from other departments also frequently add Planning as a second major or minor.
We seek a candidate dedicated to student growth, active learning, and scholarly excellence. Tenure-track faculty should expect to teach 6 courses per year in Planning topics, including introductory courses (Town, City, and Regional Planning), General Education offerings, and intermediate and advanced undergraduate courses as well as graduate courses aligning with the faculty member’s expertise. We particularly welcome applicants with expertise in community and economic development or environmental planning. Current course topics include—but are not limited to—food systems, housing, community and economic development, transportation (including rural), environmental policy and planning, and climate ready-communities. Faculty help facilitate hands-on experience through faculty-supported research, community-based projects, and professional development opportunities such as conferences and publication. Strong student cohorts often maintain lasting professional connections after graduation. Non-major students enrolled in Planning courses often come from related programs such as Building Sciences or Public Administration.
Appalachian State University offers opportunities for exploring regional planning in a distinctive culture and landscape, partnering with towns and small cities in western North Carolina. We seek a colleague who can support our curriculum while contributing their own unique interests and talents.
Required credentials
- A Ph.D. in Planning (or in a closely related field, with formal training and experience in Planning) completed, or expected by July 1, 2026
- At least one semester of college-level teaching experience
Candidates are especially encouraged to apply if they:
- Can show evidence of teaching excellence at the university level
- Have a strong research agenda in Planning
- Bring expertise that complements department strengths. Community and economic development or environmental planning are particularly welcome; all areas will be considered
- Have experience as a practitioner and/or AICP certification (or the intention and ability to become certified within 3 years)
- Are committed to working in and contributing to a growing program in a lively collegial department
Review of complete applications will begin on November 10, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants should submit:
(1) One-page cover letter
(2) Curriculum Vitae
(3) List of three professional references with contact information included (no letters required at this time)
(4) Unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts (no password-protect files, please)
(5) One-page statement of teaching philosophy
(6) One-page statement of research interests
(7) Optional: AICP certification
Applicants should apply and submit all required documents electronically through Appalachian State University’s Employment Opportunities page https://appstate.peopleadmin.com/.
About Appalachian State University
As one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, Appalachian enrolls about 22,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio, and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors (http://www.appstate.edu). Appalachian State University emphasizes undergraduate instruction and the integration of students into research endeavors.
The Department of Geography and Planning currently enrolls about 170 undergraduate majors, including 35 pursuing the B.S. in Community and Regional Planning. Many Planning majors double-major or minor in Geography, and most earn a GIS certificate. The Department offers several Master of Geography degrees, including a Planning concentration.
Appalachian State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The University does not discriminate in access to its educational programs and activities, or with respect to hiring or the terms and conditions of employment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity and expression, political affiliation, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or sexual orientation.
Proper documentation of identity and employability will be required before the hiring process can be finalized. Any offer of employment to a successful candidate will be conditioned upon the University's receipt of a satisfactory criminal background report.
