Endowed Visiting Professor of Christian Thought

Seaver College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences at Pepperdine University invites applications for a full-time, one-year Visiting Professor of Christian Thought appointment beginning January 1, 2027, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding.

About the Role

The successful candidate will teach a 4/4 load of undergraduate courses, with a focus on REL 100 (The Way of Jesus) and REL 300 (Christianity and Culture), taught in the spirit of 1 Peter 3:15. The position involves contributing to the intellectual life of the Religion and Philosophy Division and engaging in service to the Division, College, and University.

Responsibilities

• Teach a 4/4 load of undergraduate courses, including REL 100 and REL 300.
• Contribute to the intellectual life of the Religion and Philosophy Division.
• Engage in service to the Division, College, and University as appropriate for a Visiting position.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in philosophy or theology completed by December 1, 2026.
• Evidence of effective teaching in courses related to Christian thought.
• An active research agenda.
• Commitment to the Christian mission of Pepperdine University and Seaver College.
• Ability to show respect for workplace differences and work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Application Materials

• A letter of application.
• A curriculum vitae.
• Three current letters of reference specific to the position, completed within five years prior to submission.
• Transcripts of all graduate work (unofficial copies acceptable for application).
• A teaching statement (2-3 pages) reflecting on values, beliefs, goals, and pedagogical practices.
• A scholarly agenda (2-3 pages) outlining short- and long-term research objectives.
• A response to the University’s Christian mission, addressing:
  • Support for Christian values and Pepperdine’s mission.
  • Active participation in a Christian community of faith.
  • A vision for integrating faith and learning in the classroom.

About Pepperdine University

Pepperdine is a Christian university committed to the highest standards of academic excellence and Christian values. Seaver College, the undergraduate liberal arts college of Pepperdine University, enrolls approximately 3,500 students at its residential campus in Malibu, California. The Religion and Philosophy Division offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in Religion and Philosophy, as well as three Master’s programs in Religion.

Pay

Expected pay rate: $100,000 per year. The pay range reflects what Pepperdine University reasonably expects to pay for this faculty appointment at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on relevant factors such as work experience, market conditions, education/training, and skill level.

Benefits

Pepperdine offers a robust and highly competitive benefits package.

Schedule

Full-time, exempt, 40 hours per week position.

Application review will begin on August 1, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. For more information, contact Dyron B. Daughrity, PhD, Divisional Dean of Religion and Philosophy, at dyron.daughrity@pepperdine.edu.