Faculty - Apologetics

Job DetailsJob Location: FL - Main Campus - Lakeland, FL 33801Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: Doctoral DegreeTravel Percentage: NoneJob Shift: DayJob Category: EducationJOB SUMMARY  Southeastern University's Barnett College of Ministry and Theology invites applications for a Professor of Apologetics. This full-time faculty position is designed for an accomplished scholar and educator with a distinguished record of teaching, scholarship, publication, and leadership in the fields of apologetics, theology, and/or biblical studies. Salary and Rank: Commensurate with experience.   Starting Date: January 6th, 2027.    ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS   Reports to: Dean, BCMT   Supervisory Responsibility: May supervise some graduate assistants, teaching assistants or other student employees.   ESSENTIAL DUTIES - May include, but is not limited to the following: Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in apologetics, theology, biblical studies, and related disciplines according to the needs of the Barnett College of Ministry and Theology. Provide exemplary instruction through rigorous, innovative, and engaging teaching practices that promote critical thinking, theological reflection, and the integration of faith and learning. Develop, revise, and assess curriculum in support of existing and emerging undergraduate and graduate programs. Provide academic leadership in strengthening and advancing SEU's apologetics curriculum and program offerings. Advise and mentor undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students in their academic, professional, ministerial, and scholarly development. Supervise doctoral students and contribute to doctoral research, dissertation work, and other advanced academic responsibilities as assigned. Maintain an active program of scholarship through research, publication, presentations, and other appropriate academic and professional contributions. Participate in the recruitment, retention, and development of students, particularly those pursuing ministry and theology-related programs. Collaborate with faculty colleagues and academic leadership in program development, accreditation efforts, assessment, and other initiatives supporting academic excellence. Engage in departmental, college, and University service, including committee participation, faculty activities, University events, and other institutional responsibilities. Support the mission, vision, Statement of Faith, and values of Southeastern University through teaching, scholarship, service, collaboration, and engagement with the University community.   ADDITIONAL/NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES All remaining duties are considered "nonessential" within the context of the ADA, which means that the function could be reassigned to another employee in order to allow a disabled individual to hold the position.  Alternatively, the manager could try to provide a reasonable accommodation so that the disabled individual could perform the function.   LOCATION On Campus – Lakeland, Florida.   QualificationsEDUCATION     Required Education: Earned terminal degree (Ph.D.) in Apologetics, Theology, Biblical Studies, Philosophy of Religion, or a closely related discipline. A minimum of two years of relevant teaching experience at the collegiate or graduate level following completion of the terminal degree.   EXPERIENCE (Teaching or Industry)   Required:   A notable record of scholarly publication and academic contribution appropriate to appointment at the rank of Professor. Demonstrated excellence and effectiveness in engaging students in the undergraduate and graduate classroom. A demonstrated commitment to Christian higher education and alignment with the mission, values, and Statement of Faith of Southeastern University. Ability and willingness to work on campus in Lakeland, Florida. Demonstrated expertise in apologetics and related theological or biblical disciplines. Experience mentoring and advising students in academic, professional, ministry, or scholarly contexts.   Preferred: Significant experience teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Experience supervising doctoral students, dissertations, or other advanced research projects. Demonstrated leadership in academic program development, curriculum design, accreditation, or other higher education initiatives. A nationally or internationally recognized record of scholarship, publication, speaking, or academic leadership. Experience contributing to the development or advancement of an apologetics program or related academic initiative. A demonstrated ability to connect scholarly expertise with the needs of the church, ministry leaders, and contemporary culture.   KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Required: Knowledge English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. Academic Processes - Knowledge of university guidelines, course descriptions, and academic terminology. Clerical - Knowledge of office administrative procedures including word processing, managing files and records, typing, and other office procedures. Computer - Knowledge of basic computer processes including word processing, web browsing, Google enterprise software (Google docs, Google sheets, etc.), and Microsoft Office including Basic Microsoft Excel. Advanced Knowledge of Apologetics - Demonstrated expertise in apologetics and related disciplines such as theology, biblical studies, philosophy, or Christian thought, including contemporary scholarly conversations in the field. Teaching and Learning Practices - Knowledge of effective teaching and learning practices in higher education, including course and curriculum design. Research and Publication - Knowledge of academic research methodologies, scholarly writing, and the publication process. Skills Critical Thinking - Uses logic and reasoning to look at different types of information in order to make conclusions and work through problems. Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents. Research - Locates key facts and information in order to learn more about different types of information. Interpersonal Skills - Communicates and interacts with people effectively while being aware of social perceptions. Time Management - Manages one’s own time to accomplish assigned tasks. Attention to Detail - Thoroughness and accuracy when accomplishing a task ensuring all aspects are reviewed. Teaching and Classroom Facilitation - Exceptional teaching and classroom facilitation skills, with the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly to students at varying academic levels. Mentorship - Ability to mentor, advise, and develop students academically, professionally, and vocationally. Abilities Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand. Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. Academic Leadership - Ability to provide academic leadership and contribute to the continued growth and distinction of the apologetics program. Collaboration - Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, administrators, students, and external academic or ministry partners.  Preferred: None specified beyond the required knowledge, skills, and abilities listed above. WORK ENVIRONMENT   All employees are responsible for maintaining an environment that is free from discrimination, intimidation, harassment, including sexual harassment. This position is considered non-essential for the purposes of Emergency Response. Physical Requirements:  Must be able to communicate and operate a computer and other standard office or classroom equipment for extended periods of time. Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable law. Must be able to sit, stand and operate a computer for extended periods of time. Travel: Occasional travel may be required for academic conferences, scholarly presentations, University events, recruitment activities, or other responsibilities related to the position. Schedule: The schedule will vary according to teaching assignments, student advising and mentoring responsibilities, faculty and committee meetings, University events, and other academic responsibilities. Evening and occasional weekend commitments may be required. TRAINING All new hires and employees transferring into a new position will have a 90-day probationary period within which to learn the functions of the job and to be evaluated. Following the probationary period, the employee can transition to regular status, have the probationary period extended in order to receive more training, or employment can be terminated. Required compliance training is as follows: FERPA MyFire Other academic-specific software training, as assigned Other safety-related training, as assigned   SAFETY  SEU promotes a safe working environment. Employees are responsible for completing assigned tasks safely and efficiently, and supervisors are responsible for creating and maintaining a safe work environment.  Employees must report any unsafe work conditions or practices, as well as any near-miss incidents, to their supervisor and Risk Management.  Work-related injuries must be immediately reported to Security and Human Resources. When life or limb are at risk, please dial 911. Supervisors and employees should ensure that injury/accident reports are submitted to the Office of Human Resources within 24 hours of the incident.  Emergency Employees report for or must remain at work in emergency situations.  Dismissal or closure announcements do not apply to this position, unless instructed otherwise by your direct supervisor or a member of the Leadership Team.     SCREENING All full-time positions at SEU are deemed security-sensitive and require background checks. Employees required to drive their own personal vehicle, a rental car or an SEU vehicle in performance of their duties must pass an MVR records check and meet the requirements of the University’s insurance carrier in order to meet the requirements of the position.   DISCLAIMER SEU is an at-will employer.  This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.   The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.   SEU is committed to providing a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. All forms of discrimination against or harassment of a person because of his or her identification within a protected category are strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. This prohibition applies equally to conduct by and against employees, vendors, visitors, and students.   Southeastern University is committed to equal opportunity in employment and education and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex (including pregnancy), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors. The equal opportunity policy will apply in University programs and activities, and all aspects of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, and other compensation, termination and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment. All employees of Southeastern University, by continued employment, agree to abide by the policies contained in the Employee Handbook and in the SEU Mission, Vision, Statement of Faith and Community Covenant.