University of Nebraska at Kearney

Position Summary:

The Sport Management Program at the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Sport Management, beginning January 2026 or August 2026, depending on candidate availability.

We seek a dynamic teacher-scholar who will contribute to our tradition of academic excellence, mentor future leaders in the sport industry, and engage in meaningful scholarship, service, and community partnership.

Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will:

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in sport management. Potential assignments include: Introduction to Sport Management; Research Methods; Management and Leadership in Coaching and Athletics; Sport Sociology; Sport Marketing; Programming for Sport, Recreation, & Events.
• Maintain an active research agenda as a teacher-scholar, producing peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and/or grant activity.
• Advise, mentor, and recruit undergraduate and graduate students.
• Support program development and curriculum innovation.
• Engage in service at the department, college, university, and professional levels.
• Develop and sustain partnerships with businesses and organizations in the sport management industry.

Required Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree (PhD, EdD, or other doctoral degree) in Sport Management or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated potential for excellence as a teacher-scholar, with promise in both teaching and scholarship.

Candidates who are ABD will be considered, provided there is clear evident that the doctotate will be completed withing a reasonable timeframe.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Three (3) or more years of college-level teaching experience, including both face-to-face and online formats.
• A record of scholarly activity (e.g., peer-reviewed publications, professional presentations, grant involvement).
• Evidence of innovative teaching practices and/or industry engagement.

Salary & Benefits:

• UNK offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, retirement, and tuition remission programs.
• Faculty success is supported through mentoring, research support, and professional development opportunities.

Application Instructions:

Please submit:

1. Cover letter addressing qualifications and interest in the position
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Statement of teaching philosophy
4. Statement of research agenda
5. Contact information for three professional references

About the University, College & Program:

The University of Nebraska at Kearney is a regional comprehensive institution committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service. UNK’s Sport Management Program prepares students for leadership roles across intercollegiate athletics, professional sports, recreation, and event management, integrating rigorous academics with applied experiences and strong industry engagement.

The program is housed in the College of Business & Technology (CBT), whose mission is: “To provide transformational career-focused programs dedicated to extraordinary student experiences and regional economic development in Nebraska.”

CBT’s business programs are AACSB accredited (Business & Accounting). Other accredited programs include Industrial Distributions (ATMAE), Interior and Product Design (CIDA), and Computer Science Comprehensive (ABET).

Something about Kearney, Nebraska:  About Kearney Nebraska