Instructor – Culinary Nutrition, Hospitality, and Tourism

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is a prestigious statewide institution dedicated to advancing knowledge and fostering innovation in agriculture, hospitality, and community development throughout Arkansas. Established in 1959, the Division operates as a vibrant, multifaceted entity encompassing the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station and the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. With a workforce exceeding 1400 employees, the Division maintains a robust presence across University campuses, Research and Extension Centers, and each county in Arkansas. Headquartered in Little Rock alongside the University of Arkansas System Administration, the Division of Agriculture prides itself on a dynamic and inclusive workplace culture that champions a healthy work-life balance and professional growth.

Employment with the Division offers a supportive environment that promotes diversity, equity, and collaboration across its numerous programs and initiatives. As part of its commitment to educational excellence, the Division provides extensive outreach and workforce development programs aimed at enhancing local economies, health, and cultural awareness. This emphasis on community engagement ensures that faculty members have the resources and institutional backing to make a significant impact within their areas of expertise.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is currently seeking a full-time Instructor in Culinary Arts, Hospitality, and Tourism. This role is 100 percent funded by the Cooperative Extension Service, a critical branch of the Division that delivers targeted educational programs and services to Arkansans statewide. This 12-month, non-tenure-track faculty position holds a starting rank of Instructor and includes a work assignment allocation of 95 percent Extension work and 5 percent service duties.

The Instructor for Hospitality, Tourism, and Culinary programs will operate under the direct guidance of the Assistant Vice President for Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS). They will serve as a cornerstone of the Extension team by providing expert leadership and specialized knowledge in hospitality, tourism, and culinary nutrition education. The position is designed to foster program development, workforce training, and community engagement that collectively promote health, economic growth, and cultural enrichment in Arkansas communities.

Key responsibilities involve the creation, delivery, and evaluation of educational initiatives and resources tailored to the hospitality, tourism, and culinary nutrition fields. The Instructor will mentor and support County Extension Agents, ensuring program quality and relevance while assisting in securing external funding to underpin Extension outreach efforts. Collaboration with faculty, stakeholders, and community partners is critical to this role, which encourages innovative program design and continuous improvement.

Educational delivery duties include independently developing training for county agents on food demonstrations and healthy cooking classes, guiding curriculum revisions, and serving as an Instructor and Exam Proctor for food safety certifications such as ServSafe. The Instructor's expertise will help shape hands-on workshops, certification programs, and evidence-based support for Extension personnel.

The role also encompasses extensive community outreach and partnership building by maintaining strategic relationships with industry leaders, community officials, and departmental colleagues. The Instructor will contribute to interdisciplinary programming and public service activities, enhancing the visibility and effectiveness of Extension programs in Arkansas.

Evaluation and reporting are integral to this position, requiring the Instructor to advocate for high-quality program evaluation across multiple campuses and counties. They will oversee program outcome analysis and ensure compliance with relevant health regulations, such as those governing restaurant handler certification.

Applicants must hold a master's degree or higher in hospitality management, tourism, culinary arts, nutrition, or a closely related field. They should demonstrate excellent communication skills, a commitment to diversity and collaboration, and physical ability to perform job tasks and travel as required. Preferred qualifications include experience in Cooperative Extension and relevant credentials such as ServSafe Manager or Registered Dietitian licensure.

Salary is commensurate with education and experience, reflecting the importance of this role within the University of Arkansas System. The position is Benefits eligible, underscoring the institution's commitment to employee welfare.