Assistant/Associate Professor of Exercise Science

Expectations for all Employees

Oklahoma Baptist University achieves its mission through a shared commitment to the following expectations. All employees must embrace these expectations and model them in their behavior.

• Demonstrate commitment to the essentials of the Christian faith.
• Commit to the mission and vision of Oklahoma Baptist University.
• Treat people with dignity and respect.
• Build relationships on honesty, integrity, and trust.
• Strive for excellence through teamwork, leadership, and a strong work ethic.
• Manage human and financial resources wisely and efficiently.

Purpose

The Assistant/Associate Professor of Exercise Science at Oklahoma Baptist University will play a pivotal role in advancing the mission of a distinguished Christian, liberal arts institution dedicated to the integration of faith and learning. This position is designed to foster excellence in teaching, scholarship, and mentorship within the Exercise Science area, preparing students for impactful careers in health, wellness, and allied health professions. The successful candidate will inspire students to pursue intellectual growth, spiritual development, and a commitment to service, equipping them to become leaders who embody Christian values in their professional and personal lives. Through innovative instruction, collaborative engagement, and a dedication to student success, the Assistant/Associate Professor will contribute to the ongoing development and reputation of the Division of Exercise Science, Sports and Recreation at OBU.

Essential Functions

• Teach up to 12 credit hours per semester, as assigned, with a primary focus on Exercise Science curriculum.
• Prepare and distribute course syllabi in accordance with University policy, ensuring alignment with program objectives and accreditation standards.
• Organize and direct learning experiences for assigned classes, utilizing evidence-based instructional strategies and fostering an environment that integrates faith and learning.
• Meet all scheduled classes and fulfill instructional responsibilities as outlined in the Faculty Handbook.
• Maintain accurate class records and submit required reports and grades promptly in accordance with University deadlines.
• Hold regular office hours to advise and mentor Exercise Science majors and minors, supporting their academic progress and timely graduation.
• Provide guidance to students regarding career pathways in exercise science and related fields, as well as preparation for graduate and professional programs.
• Engage in ongoing professional development and scholarly activity to remain current in the field of Exercise Science and contribute to the academic community.
• Participate in division, university, and community service activities, supporting the mission and values of Oklahoma Baptist University.

Other Duties

• Remain professionally active by attending regional, national, or international conferences, presenting research or program materials, and submitting scholarly articles for publication as appropriate.
• Participate actively within the campus community by attending campus events, student activities, and supporting university initiatives.
• Engage in faculty development opportunities, including workshops, seminars, and training sessions, to enhance teaching effectiveness and professional growth.
• Supervise student interns or practicum experiences in Exercise Science or related fields, as assigned by the department.
• Serve on university or departmental committees and participate in service assignments as designated by the administration.
• Assist with student recruitment and retention activities, including open houses, campus tours, or outreach to prospective students.
• Contribute to program assessment and accreditation processes by providing data, completing reports, and participating in program reviews as needed.
• Support departmental projects and initiatives that enhance the student learning experience or advance the mission of the university.

Required Qualifications

• Teaching Expertise: Demonstrated ability to effectively teach undergraduate and/or graduate-level courses in Exercise Science, including but not limited to:
  • Introduction to Nutrition
  • Functional Human Anatomy
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Sport and Exercise Nutrition
  • Exercise Testing and Prescription
  • Motor Learning
  • Biomechanics
• Subject Matter Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of foundational and advanced concepts in exercise science, movement analysis, nutrition, anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics.
• Instructional Skills: Ability to design, deliver, and assess engaging classroom and laboratory instruction using a variety of teaching methods and technologies.
• Ability to design and deliver engaging instruction; proficiency in Canvas or similar LMS is essential.
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication abilities, including the capacity to present complex material clearly to diverse audiences.
• Student Engagement: Skills in mentoring, advising, and supporting students from diverse backgrounds and with varying levels of academic preparation.
• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team and contribute to departmental and university initiatives.
• Professionalism: Commitment to ongoing professional development, active participation in relevant professional organizations, and engagement in scholarly activities.
• Organizational Abilities: Strong organizational, time-management, and record-keeping skills to manage multiple responsibilities and deadlines.

Education

• Required: Master’s degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Human Physiology, Nutrition, or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
• Preferred: Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Human Physiology, Nutrition, or a closely related discipline.

Experience

• Required: Teaching experience is required. A minimum of 1 year of teaching experience at the college or university level is required.
• Preferred: Practical experience in an exercise science or related health profession is preferred. Experience with curriculum development or instructional design in higher education is also desirable.

Equipment

• Required: Should be proficient in PowerPoint and other classroom presentation software. Regular use of computers and standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, email platforms) is expected.
• Preferred: Experience with exercise science laboratory equipment is preferred.
  • Examples of lab equipment include:
    • Metabolic Cart
    • BODPOD
    • Spirometry
    • EKG
    • Body Composition Assessment tools
    • Functional Movement Analysis equipment (various methods)

Physical Requirements

• Ability to conduct lectures and facilitate student learning using educational technologies, as appropriate.
• Capable of standing for extended periods during classroom or laboratory instruction.
• Ability to demonstrate and assist with exercise science laboratory activities, which may include lifting, bending, or moving equipment.
• Sufficient mobility and dexterity to operate laboratory instruments and classroom technology.
• Clear and effective verbal communication skills for instruction and engagement with students.

Special Requirements

• Must be a member of a local evangelical* Christian church.

*Evangelical is a broad term referring to segment within Christianity which maintains the authority of the Bible and the belief in salvation by faith in Jesus alone.

Please apply using the link for “Faculty Applications” on the OBU website at: https://www.okbu.edu/hr/jobs.html

OBU Benefits Summary

OBU understands that our employees are our most valuable assets when fulfilling our mission. We strive to offer an extensive array of benefits and opportunities for employees to choose from. Full-time employees benefit from the generous OBU provision of premium contributions for nationwide family-friendly Health and Dental coverages along with free life insurance that includes accidental death and dismemberment equal to an employee’s base salary. OBU provides access to optional employee-paid ancillary benefits like vision, hospitalization, critical illness, accident, additional employee-paid family life insurance coverages, and education benefits at OBU and other institutions of higher education. There is generous paid time off that includes annual granted vacation time, accrued sick leave, six annual holidays, and week-long breaks for Thanksgiving and Christmas that include energy conservation days. For all employees working at least half-time, there is an employer matching opportunity for retirement investments in a 403(b)(9) plan administered by Guide Stone. There are numerous other perks and opportunities for OBU employees including FREE family membership to the OBU Recreation and Wellness Center or RAWC, Global outreach university mission trips, cafeteria discounts, and parking privileges to name a few. For more information about the current OBU employee benefits and opportunities, please contact the Human Resources staff at HR@okbu.edu.

Application

Please apply using the link for “Faculty Applications” on the OBU website at: https://www.okbu.edu/hr/jobs.html