Assistant or Associate Professor

Lakeland's academic sector, especially in economics, has moderate competition due to limited institutions like Florida Southern College. Candidates with strong research portfolios and teaching versatility tend to stand out, given the region's growing demand for quality educators in higher education within Florida.

While a Ph.D. in economics is fundamental, having AACSB accreditation familiarity or certifications in entrepreneurial education can boost candidacy locally. These credentials align with Florida Southern College's emphasis on free enterprise and engaged learning, resonating well within Lakeland's academic environment.

This role balances delivering undergraduate and graduate lectures in areas like microeconomics and finance, producing publishable research, and contributing to academic service. Professors often engage students through dynamic teaching methods while maintaining active scholarly activity to meet tenure standards.

'Or Professor' is a cleansed variant possibly indicating flexibility between assistant and associate ranks. Typically, associate professors have more research experience and service commitments, while assistants focus more on establishing their academic portfolio and teaching foundation.

Starting as an assistant professor, individuals concentrate on research output and teaching excellence. Progression leads to associate rank, where leadership roles and broader service to the institution become vital. Continued scholarly contributions and pedagogical innovation are crucial for advancement.

The AEA often facilitates networking, research dissemination, and professional development opportunities, enhancing professors’ visibility and scholarly impact. Their job postings reflect a commitment to fostering academic excellence and community engagement within economics faculties.

AEA supports members through exclusive conferences, research grants, and publication platforms, enabling professors to elevate their research and teaching portfolios. This association also offers mentorship programs that are invaluable for early to mid-career economists.

Salaries typically range from $65,000 to $90,000 annually in Lakeland, influenced by rank, research profile, and teaching load. Economic faculty at private colleges like Florida Southern often receive competitive compensation aligned with regional cost-of-living and academic standards.

In this role, teaching three four-hour courses per semester is standard, demanding substantial preparation and student engagement. Simultaneously, maintaining a steady research output suitable for peer-reviewed journals is essential, requiring efficient time management and prioritization.

Yes, emphasis lies on foundational economics subjects like microeconomics, macroeconomics, money and banking, and managerial finance. Candidates with expertise in these areas and an interest in integrating free enterprise principles align well with the college’s academic mission.