INTRODUCTION

The Department of History at the University of Connecticut seeks to appoint a new Connecticut State Historian based at the Hartford campus. This is an open rank, tenure-track position for a scholar with a strong profile in public history (or of public engagement as a historian), who will direct the Office of the State Historian, with part-time administrative support. Period and research focus are open, but might include such fields as Religious, Architectural, Urban, Indigenous, Immigration, Racial, Gender, Business, Labor, or Political history. The successful candidate will continue the recent work of the Office of the State Historian in developing a more diverse and inclusive view of the history of Connecticut.

The State Historian is an authority on and advocate for the study, teaching, research, and enjoyment of Connecticut history by the public, students, educators, government officials, and the media. The State Historian will maintain a broad program of research and public engagement. While the exact profile of this program is flexible and will vary according to the strengths and preferences of the successful candidate, it has recently included a substantial digital presence (through websites, social media, and a podcast), public lectures (in-person and online), service on several state committees, and membership on the boards of relevant magazines and journals. (See https://cthistory.org/)

The State Historian will have a reduced teaching load of one course per semester at the Hartford campus and may occasionally teach an upper-level or graduate course at the Storrs campus. The State Historian will play an important role in training undergraduate and graduate students in public history, working in connection with the department’s new initiative, EPOCH (Engaged, Public, Oral, and Community History) https://history.uconn.edu/epoch/, and the Digital Public History minor being jointly developed with the Department of Digital Media and Design. More generally, the State Historian will share a deep commitment to effective instruction and the development of innovative courses for a diverse student population.   

The Department of History has 40 tenure-stream faculty members, 40 graduate students, and 300 undergraduate majors (https://history.uconn.edu). In our commitment as a public institution to serve diverse populations, we particularly welcome colleagues from underrepresented or minoritized communities.

The UConn Hartford campus serves 1600 students, including large first-generation (49%) and minoritized (50%) cohorts. Centered on teaching, research, and service in and about the global city, UConn Hartford advances a vision of academic excellence focused on community-based, collaborative learning.

Founded in 1881, UConn is a Land Grant and Sea Grant institution and member of the Space Grant Consortium. It is the state’s flagship institution of higher education and includes a main campus in Storrs, CT, four regional campuses throughout the state, and 13 Schools and Colleges, including a Law School in Hartford, and Medical and Dental Schools at the UConn Health campus in Farmington. The University has approximately 10,000 faculty and staff and 32,000 students, including nearly 24,000 undergraduates and over 8,000 graduate and professional students. UConn is a Carnegie Foundation R1 (highest research activity) institution, among the top 25 public universities in the nation. Through research, teaching, service, and outreach, UConn embraces diversity and cultivates leadership, integrity, and engaged citizenship in its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. UConn promotes the health and well-being of citizens by enhancing the social, economic, cultural, and natural environments of the state and beyond. The University serves as a beacon of academic and research excellence as well as a center for innovation and social service to communities. UConn is a leader in many scholarly, research, and innovation areas. Today, the path forward includes exciting opportunities and notable challenges. Record numbers of undergraduate applications and support for student success have enabled the University to become extraordinarily selective.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in History or related field (or international equivalent) by August 2022
• Demonstrated interest in Connecticut history
• Strong record of publications, exhibitions, or other work in public history
• Demonstrated commitment to engagement with diverse populations

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong record of refereed publications
• Familiarity with social media and digital engagement tools
• Experience with digital humanities tools and approaches
• Success in grant-writing and fund-raising

APPOINTMENT TERMS 

This is a 10-month, tenure-track position at the level of Assistant Professor, Associate, or Full Professor, commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience, with an anticipated start date of August 22, 2022. The teaching load includes one course per semester. The successful candidate’s primary appointment will be at the Hartford campus. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment at the University of Connecticut is contingent upon the successful candidate’s compliance with the University’s Mandatory Workforce COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.  This Policy states that all workforce members are required to have or obtain a Covid-19 vaccination as a term and condition of employment at UConn, unless an exemption or deferral has been approved. 

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online to Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/19610 and submit the following application materials:

• Cover letter that addresses the criteria for the position, including experience in public engagement, research, and teaching;
• Curriculum vitae,
• Equity and Inclusion statement,
• Article-length writing sample, 
• Three (3) letters of reference.

Please include search number #495667 with all correspondence. The evaluation of applicants will begin on November 15, 2021, and will continue until the position is filled.

Candidates selected for interviews will be asked to submit a teaching statement (including teaching philosophy and experience) and sample syllabi.

For questions about this position, please contact the search chair, Manisha Sinha, Manisha.sinha@uconn.edu  

At the University of Connecticut, our commitment to excellence is complemented by our commitment to building a culturally diverse community.

This position will be filled subject to budgetary approval.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top research universities. UConn’s faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.