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[squiggy]

Can anyone give me some info on TLU?  I'm interviewing for a tenure-track position in the humanities there, and the school's website doesn't really tell me much that a prospective faculty member would want to know.  (In fact, there is no "Faculty" section on the website at all -- should this be viewed as a possible red flag?)  I'm aware of the school's religious connection, of course, and there's nothing about signing a statement of faith in the job posting.  But I see that many faculty members in my general area are pastors or otherwise heavily involved in the Lutheran Church (though the chair doesn't appear to be), while I myself have no interest in any particular church.  Could this be a problem?  Any sense of what campus politics are like, or how relations between faculty and administration are?  What are the students like?

I know the position is expected to be a 4/4, with 2-3 preps each semester, so I assume research isn't the most important criterion for tenure, but is it important at all? 

Finally, what is Seguin and the surrounding area like?  More pointedly, as a 50-year-old divorced man, would I have any chance of meeting a reasonably well-educated, unattached woman somewhere close to my age?

[sibyl]

I interviewed for a job at TLU earlier this decade, so this information is based on two days in Seguin, for what it's worth. 

Most of the people I met were not formally affiliated with the ELCA, although most had the humility and warmth that is typical of Lutherans.  There is no faith statement.  If you care about students and are kind to others and don't deride people who belong to a church (that is, don't go around saying things like "no truly intelligent person believes in God"), you should be fine.

The students I met were nice - no future Rhodes scholars, but appreciative of the sacrifices needed to get through college (including their own), respectful, and willing to work hard.

Most people agreed that few faculty had the energy to do a lot of scholarship on top of a 4-4 load.

I am not from Texas, but Seguin seemed to me to be a lot like most Texas towns I've visited: a small oasis in the middle of vast plains, with some great restaurants, nearly as many Spanish-language radio stations as English-language stations, some schools that are considered better than others, and some very modest cultural life.  I have a family so I was prepared to give it a try, but I think if I were a divorced 50-year-old man, I'd think my chances would be better in San Antonio (less than an hour away) or Austin (more than an hour away).

Hope this is helpful.  Good luck.

[systeme_d_]

My SO knows the New Braunfels/Seguin area well, so here's SO's take:

It's right off of I-35, and near the Guadelupe River, so if you are interested in rafting, tubing, kayaking, or canoeing, you're in luck.  Go to Whitewater Sports for camping and water sporting rentals.

For cultural events, there's not much in the immediate area, with one exception: Gruene.

If you're a dancer, check out Gruene Hall.  If you like wine, go to The Grapevine. Gruene (pronounced Green) is quite near to Seguin, and it's a quaint little town with lots of shops (antiques, an amazing old general store, pottery and craft shops, etc.).  

Folks in that area of Texas are used to driving a lot, so San Antonio or Austin will be likely weekend destinations for you.  San Antonio is vibrant, with lots to do and see, and Austin is a fantastic city, with all kinds of amenities and cultural events.   San Antonio is closer to Texas Lutheran (about 35 miles), but Austin is not too much further (50 miles in the other direction).  If you are a blues or jazz fan, Sixth Street in Austin is definitely the place to go.  Also, if you're into bats, go to Town Lake in Austin in the spring and summer and watch them fly!