Graton Rancheria Chair in Native American Studies

Full Professor or Associate

 

Starting August 2023

 

The University is seeking applicants to lead the Department of Native American Studies (NAMS) in an Endowed Chair position made possible by a generous donation from the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. We welcome scholars who focus on Western North America and preferably in communities in California. The purpose of the Endowed Chair is to foster understanding of the Native American cultures and communities in various disciplines with a special emphasis on Native American Studies and to engage and commit to working collaboratively with Indigenous communities.

 

Our Commitment

 

Guided by our core values of diversity, sustainability, community engagement, and adaptability, Sonoma State University offers an exceptional educational experience that fosters intellectual, social, and personal growth. Sonoma State University is a public liberal arts and sciences university with professional programs and commitment to active, experiential learning. As the only member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC) in the state of California, we are focused on preparing students for a life of active citizenship and public service. Sonoma State University has a vibrant campus life characterized by a strong residential housing program and a lively co-curriculum that fosters broad based intellectual and artistic opportunities in which students are actively engaged. Faculty members provide mentorship and a deep and sustained student-teacher interaction, incorporate High Impact Practices, and explore a breadth of knowledge by fostering creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, experimentation, empathy, and communication. We strive to create a diverse, equity-minded, and inclusive campus environment. Members of the University community are expected to work effectively with faculty, staff, and students from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. We are fully committed to the rights of students, staff and faculty with disabilities in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. SSU is especially interested in candidates who make contributions to equity and inclusion in the pursuit of excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service.

 

The University

 

Sonoma State University’s beautiful 274-acre campus, including the Green Music Center, is located in Sonoma County wine country, an hour north of San Francisco. The university also has three environmental and cultural preserves: the Fairfield-Osborn Preserve on Sonoma Mountain, the Los Guillicos Preserve outside of Santa Rosa, and the Galbreath Wildlands Preserve in near Yorkville in Mendocino County. The campus offers the ideal setting for teaching and learning and access to a community of rich cultural, environmental, and recreational opportunities. Founded in 1960, Sonoma State University is one of the 23 campuses of the California State University System. As members of the largest public higher educational system in the nation, we provide accessible, high-quality education to our students. Sonoma State University is proud to be a Hispanic Serving Institution committed to achieving the goals of equal opportunity and endeavors to employ faculty and staff reflecting the ethnic and cultural diversity of the region and state.

 

 

 

Faculty Responsibilities

 

 

 

Sonoma State is committed to the Teacher/Scholar model and places an emphasis on faculty support of undergraduate research. Faculty are also encouraged to participate in our distinctive, high-impact Freshman and Sophomore year programs and to foster our commitment to the CSU Graduation Initiative 2025 through excellent teaching, advising, and mentoring. Faculty are also expected to engage in service to the department, school, and community. Potential applicants are encouraged to review the University’s Reappointment, Tenure and Promotion Policy. All faculty are required to have the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.

 

 

 

The Department

 

The newly-created Native American Studies Department started as a program in 1970 and has regularly offered four to five upper and lower division courses per semester, enrolling over 200 students. The department currently offers a minor and this position will establish the department and curriculum to expand to a major. Prospective applicants are encouraged to peruse the department’s web page at: https://nams.sonoma.edu/.

 

 

 

Duties of the Position

 

The Endowed Chair will have the responsibility of establishing and developing the NAMS department and its major curriculum. The appointee will typically teach two classes in Native American Studies and/or related disciplines each semester. In addition to teaching, the faculty member will provide advising and mentoring to students, conduct program assessment and development, and participate in administrative and/or committee work associated with campus-wide service. The faculty member is expected to establish and maintain involvement with the local Native American communities, and to engage in scholarly and professional activities, including research, publication, and participation in conferences.

 

 

 

Professional Qualifications

 

The Endowed Chair position requires that the candidate holds a doctorate and distinguished record of teaching, publication or related creative works, and service in one or more areas of Native American Studies, including but not limited to the following: environmental studies, sovereignty, Indigeneity, gender and sexuality, literature, culture and language reclamation and revitalization, art and visual culture. Candidates must already have been awarded tenure or its equivalent. Geographic area of expertise is open but we specially encourage applicants who have demonstrated record of expertise in Native American cultures and communities, histories, and belief systems from Western North America with an emphasis in California Indigenous communities and inter-/trans-/multi-disciplinary work. University level teaching experience of 6 years is a minimum requirement. All candidates who meet the minimum qualifications are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to candidates who have experience with multi-cultural teaching and service in Native American communities.

 

 

 

Rank, Salary, and Benefits

 

The rank for the position will be at the Full Professor rank. Candidates who currently either at the full or associate professor rank are welcome to apply. The salary for the Full Professor Rank is $108,000. The President may award tenure upon appointment for this position after an evaluation and recommendation by the appropriate department committee. View Benefits Summary

 

 

 

Required Application Materials

 

 

 

• Cover Letter Curriculum Vitae Statement of Research Interest Diversity Statement Teaching Philosophy The name and email addresses of three (3) references required (contact information only)

 

 

Official transcripts will be required at the time of hire. Sonoma State University hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States. All offers of employment are contingent upon presentation of documents demonstrating the appointee’s identity and eligibility to work, in accordance with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU.

 

 

 

Application Deadline

 

 

 

Applications received by December 9, 2022 will be given full consideration. The position will remain open until filled.

 

 

 

Questions concerning this position may be directed to:

 

Dr. Silvia Soto, Search Committee Chair

 

Email: sotosi@sonoma.edu

 

 

 

Questions concerning the application process may be directed to:

 

Academic Personnel Department

 

facultysearch@sonoma.edu

 

 

 

The ADA Coordinator is also available (hrleaves@sonoma.edu) to assist individuals with disabilities in need of accommodation during the hiring process.

 

 

 

Other Information

 

 

 

The university is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, or protected veteran status.

 

 

 

This position is considered a “mandated reporter” under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.