Assistant Professor, Occupational Therapy
Location: Hickory, North Carolina
Faculty Position: Full-time, nine-month, non-tenure track position
Position Summary
The College of Health Sciences at Lenoir-Rhyne University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy or non-tenure-track teaching assistant professor of occupational therapy, as determined by the provost based on qualifications per the Lenoir-Rhyne Faculty Handbook, with an anticipated start date of August 2026. This nine-month position supports the University’s Master of Science in occupational therapy program.
This role is based in the College of Health Sciences and requires regular on-campus engagement at the Hickory, North Carolina campus to support student learning, collaboration, and program needs.
Faculty at Lenoir-Rhyne University typically carry a 24-credit annual teaching load. Opportunities for reassigned time may be available based on programmatic needs and administrative responsibilities. For this position, up to 6 credit hours of reassigned time may be provided to serve as the Level I Fieldwork Coordinator, working in collaboration with the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Teach graduate-level courses and labs in the M.S. in Occupational Therapy program.
- Coordinate Level I Fieldwork, collaborating with the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator.
- Assist with curriculum development, program assessment, and continuous improvement aligned with professional standards set by ACOTE.
- Maintain regular in-person office hours on the Hickory campus.
- Contribute to program, college, and university service.
- Collaborate with LR’s Graduate Admissions Office to support student recruitment and enrollment initiatives.
- Engage in scholarly and professional activities consistent with faculty expectations.
All position requirements outlined above reflect the minimum knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the role competently. This description is not intended to be exhaustive. Faculty may be assigned additional responsibilities and are expected to acquire new skills as needed. Lenoir-Rhyne University reserves the right to modify position responsibilities as appropriate.
Required Qualifications
- Terminal degree in Occupational Therapy.
- Board-certified occupational therapist in good standing.
- Demonstrated ability to teach graduate courses.
- Ability to maintain regular on-campus presence at the Hickory campus.
- Commitment to maintaining regular office hours and fulfilling service responsibilities on site.
- For fall 2026 hire eligibility, official confirmation of successful dissertation defense must be submitted by July 31, 2026 (if ABD).
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience teaching occupational therapy courses at the university level.
- Clinical experience providing occupational therapy services in educational, clinical, or community settings.
- Evidence of scholarly or professional engagement in the field of occupational therapy.
- Commitment to fostering a supportive, student-centered learning environment.
Compensation
Lenoir-Rhyne University offers a competitive salary and benefits package. Salary transparency is a priority; detailed information will be provided to candidates during the interview process.
Application Process
While completing the application, candidates will be prompted to submit a:
- Letter of Application, specifically discussing how the candidate meets the needs of the position
- Curriculum Vitae, including the names and addresses of three references
- Statement of Teaching Philosophy as it relates to LR’s Teaching Scholar Model
The university’s mission, vision, and values statements may be reviewed using About LR.
Questions regarding the position or search process may be directed electronically to Dr. Michael McGee, at mcgee@lr.edu.
Lenoir-Rhyne University promotes a welcoming campus environment that is integral to the university's commitment to excellence in engagement and education. We are particularly interested in candidates who have demonstrated experience nurturing a welcoming community, working with faculty, staff and/or students from all walks of life and/or incorporating varied perspectives and traditions in their current or previous positions. This commitment is rooted in our Lutheran tradition of fostering wisdom, nurturing vocation and preparing students for lives of purpose while serving the common good.
About College of Health Sciences
The College of Health Sciences provides current and practical knowledge and skills that prepare students for success in differing health science careers. The college offers four undergraduate degrees in exercise science, nursing, public health, and sports management. At the graduate level, the college offers a Master of Science in Exercise Science, Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, Master of Public Health, Master of Science in Occupational Therapy and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP/FNP).
About Lenoir-Rhyne University
Lenoir-Rhyne University is a co-educational, private, comprehensive institution founded in 1891, with its traditional campus located in Hickory, North Carolina, a city of more than 40,000. The university has additional graduate centers in Asheville, N.C., and Columbia, S.C. Situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lenoir- Rhyne is less than an hour’s drive from Charlotte, and the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton Metropolitan Statistical Area has a population of about 365,000. The university now offers more than 45 undergraduate and 20 graduate degree programs to approximately 2,400 students. Lenoir-Rhyne University seeks to liberate mind and spirit, clarify personal faith, foster physical wholeness, build community, and promote responsible leadership for service to the world. Affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Lenoir-Rhyne is open to people from all religious and non-religious backgrounds.
Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity Policy
Lenoir-Rhyne University is committed to providing a workplace and educational environment, as well as other benefits, programs, and activities that are free from discrimination, harassment and retaliation.
LR is committed to creating a safe campus environment for all members of the LR community, including, but not limited to, those who identify as transgender and gender non-conforming. To that end, LR does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex (including sex stereotypes and sex characteristics), ethnicity, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran or military status or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable law.
To ensure compliance with federal and state civil rights laws and regulations and to affirm its commitment to promoting the goals of fairness and equity in all aspects of the educational program, activity and employment, LR has developed internal policies and procedures that provide a prompt, fair and impartial process for those involved in an allegation of discrimination or harassment, and for allegations of retaliation.
LR values and upholds the equal dignity of all members of its community and strives to balance the rights of the parties in the grievance process during what is often a difficult time for all those involved.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.