As the second-largest Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. More than 10,000 students attend the University’s eight colleges and schools: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Computer Science & Engineering; College of Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart, a Laudato Si’ campus, stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. The contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts, and at the same time cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 390 Colleges: 2025 Edition, and Best Business Schools: 2024 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio, a Division I athletics program, and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance, and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu 

 Job Title:
Assistant Professor (Tenure Track)

Department:
Communication Disorders | Speech-Language Pathology Program

Reports To:
Chair, Department of Communication Disorders

Anticipated Start Date:
August, 2026

Contract Length:

10 months

About the College of Health Professions:

The College of Health Professions (CHP) at Sacred Heart University prepares students for meaningful careers in today’s dynamic healthcare environment through inclusive, collaborative, and experiential learning. With state-of-the-art facilities and a strong emphasis on interprofessional education, CHP offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in the clinical and health sciences. Students gain hands-on experience through advanced simulation, clinical placements, and global service-learning. Guided by the University's mission, the College fosters excellence, compassion, and a commitment to social justice, community, and the common good.

 About the Department of Communication Disorders:

Established in 2014, the Department of Communication Disorders provides a supportive, state-of-the-art learning environment to prepare undergraduate and graduate students to serve the unique needs of individuals and families with communication and swallowing problems across the lifespan, with competence and compassion. Guided by eleven expert faculty, and a team of over 30 talented and dedicated adjunct faculty, 130 undergraduate and 100 graduate students hone foundational academic and clinical knowledge and skills through innovative problem-based and simulation learning experiences; mentored research; guided on-site and off-campus community clinical experiences; and compelling educational domestic and international service opportunities.

 Position Summary:

The College of Health Professions invites applications for a full-time, 10-month, tenure track Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Disorders. In accordance with Faculty Handbook expectations for tenure-track faculty, this role includes a 24 credit/year teaching load, student advising, service, and engagement in scholarly activities. This position supports the department’s mission while fostering an inclusive and collaborative learning environment.

 Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide high-quality instruction in undergraduate courses in communication disorders and graduate courses in speech-language pathology, utilizing effective and inclusive pedagogical approaches.
• Advise and mentor undergraduate and/or graduate students in academic planning, career preparation, and professional development.
• Participate in student recruitment, retention, and engagement initiatives.
• Establish and maintain an active research agenda in an area aligned with individual expertise and the discipline.
• Supervise and mentor student research and scholarly projects.
• Engage in service to the department, college, university and profession through committee work, faculty governance, and other service-related activities.
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and collaborative academic and clinical environment that fosters mutual respect and professionalism.

 Required Qualifications:

• Earned Ph.D. or imminent ABD with expected completion by August 2026  in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences or related field.

 Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience teaching at the college or university level particularly in the area of speech-language pathology.
• Demonstrated research expertise and productivity in an area related to speech-language pathology and/ or hearing sciences.
• Certificate of Clinical Competence in SLP (CCC-SLP) or Audiology (CCC-A) from the American Speech-Language & Hearing Association (ASHA).
• Currently hold or be eligible for licensure as an SLP or Audiologist by the Connecticut Department of Public Health.

 Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

This position requires on-campus presence, with occasional evening or weekend responsibilities. The work may involve standing for extended periods, use of standard classroom technologies and tools, operating standard lab or clinical equipment, and engaging with students and/or clients.

 Application Instructions:

Interested applicants, please submit the following materials via this online portal:

• Cover letter addressing the applicant’s specific qualifications for this position
• Curriculum vitae
• A teaching philosophy statement
• Statement of research outlining the candidate’s current and future scholarly interests and potential for contribution to the field.
  • Candidates are encouraged to highlight any alignment with the College’s mission or opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Contact information for three professional references
  • References will only be contacted if the candidate is invited for an on-campus interview.

Applications must be complete in order to be considered.

Note: Finalist candidates will be asked to submit a written statement (maximum of two pages) that describes their teaching philosophy and approach, with particular emphasis on how they can honor the University’s Mission.

 Only complete applications will be considered. All applications must be submitted through the University’s online application portal; materials submitted via email or other means will not be accepted or reviewed.

For questions about the position, please contact Stephanie Clines, PhD, LAT, ATC, Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs for the College of Health Professions, at cliness@sacredheart.edu.

Review of applications will begin on or around September 15^th and continue until the position is filled.