Beverage and Brewery Operations Affiliate Instructor, School of Hospitality

Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) is a distinguished public university established in 1965 with a mission to serve students who are often underrepresented in higher education. Situated in the vibrant city of Denver, Colorado, MSU Denver has grown over the past six decades to become the third largest public institution of higher education in the state. The university serves over 16,000 diverse students, many of whom are first-generation college attendees and Hispanic students, reflecting its proud federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and the only Seal of Excelencia certified institution in Colorado. MSU Denver is committed to providing an affordable, flexible, and holistic education that integrates multicultural and global perspectives, preparing students not only for academic success but also for meaningful career paths and lifelong achievements.

The School of Hospitality at MSU Denver is a leader in hospitality education, offering a comprehensive array of programs including four majors, one minor, and six certificates. Uniquely, it houses industry-leading facilities such as a LEED Gold certified SpringHill Suites hotel, a commercial conference space, a state-of-the-art beverage testing laboratory, a commercial restaurant, the Day Leadership Academy, and the Charlie Papazian Brewing Education Lab. These resources enable the School to provide immersive, hands-on learning experiences unmatched in the United States.

The School of Hospitality is currently inviting applications for temporary, part-time affiliate faculty teaching positions. These roles are vital in advancing the School’s mission of educating future hospitality professionals by delivering high-quality instruction in core subject areas such as Wine Fundamentals, Beer and Spirits, Enology: The Making of Wine, Wines of the Old World, Wines of the New World, and Wine and Food Pairing. Affiliate faculty members play an essential role in creating engaging and inclusive learning environments, interacting with a diverse student body, and incorporating technology effectively in their course delivery.

This part-time, non-tenure track academic appointment allows qualified professionals with substantial industry experience or relevant academic credentials to contribute to student success on a semester-by-semester basis. Affiliate faculty members are expected to teach a minimum of 3 credit hours, prepare course materials, grade students' work, provide timely feedback, and be accessible for student consultations. This role demands adaptability to both in-person and online instructional modalities, sensitivity to the needs of a diverse student body, and compliance with university, college, and departmental policies.

Applicants must hold at least a Master’s degree in the relevant teaching field or, alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree combined with at least ten years of progressive, professional industry experience featuring supervisory responsibilities. Preference is given to candidates holding nationally recognized certificates such as various levels of Sommelier or Cicerone certifications. While affiliate faculty appointments do not include eligibility for university benefits and are contingent on budget and enrollment factors, MSU Denver offers a competitive rate of pay per credit hour ranging from $1,209 to $1,482, reflective of the assigned credit load and university policies.

This position is an excellent opportunity for seasoned hospitality professionals and educators to share their expertise within a dynamic and highly regarded academic environment dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion. MSU Denver fosters a culture of belonging and scholarly excellence, making it an ideal place to help train the next generation of hospitality leaders.