The nationally recognized School of Media & Communication at Western Kentucky University is seeking a full-time, nine-month, tenure-eligible appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor of Journalism. The successful candidate will be a reporter adept at storytelling with both traditional and cutting-edge technologies, will have experience in reporting for print and/or digital platforms, and will teach a variety of courses within the journalism major and core courses in the School of Media & Communication.

The school's reputation for excellence and tradition of success continue to attract outstanding faculty and top students from throughout the nation.

We seek a professional writer/reporter who understands the importance of cross-platform storytelling and who is excited to work with our faculty, students and staff to fulfill the School of Media & Communication's mission of preparing students for careers in a changing media environment. Employment begins in August 2025.

The journalism major is a diverse degree with writing and editing at its core. Students also take foundational courses in visual news presentation and software applications. It develops students well-versed in technical, editorial and professional functions of traditional news reporting as well as its modern successors. The major produces an award-winning website that features work produced by students in the major's upper-division courses.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Serve as department coordinator for the journalism program, scheduling classes and managing workloads
• Teach courses in introductory news writing, intermediate and advanced reporting, feature writing and multiplatform news editing
• Teach one or two of the school's core courses per year, such as SMC 101 Understanding Media, SMC 102 Media Collaboration and SMC 310 Media Diversity
• Develop and update curriculum to reflect current industry trends and emerging technologies
• Maintain an active agenda of research or professional work, contributing to the field through publications, presentations or creative projects
• Advise and mentor students on academic and career-related issues
• Participate in departmental activities, including curriculum planning, student recruitment and community outreach
• Contribute service to the school, college, university and discipline

• Master's degree or a terminal degree (MA/MFA/PhD) appropriate to the appointment
• Minimum of five years of professional reporting media experience
• Record of exceptional teaching and service in a professional and/or university setting
• Ability to foster an inclusive teaching, learning, mentoring, departmental and research environment where all can thrive

Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices.

Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify the office of Institutional Equity. To request an accommodation, report a complaint, or ask questions regarding WKU's Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040), please contact Ms. Ena Demir, Executive Director/Title IX Coordinator via email at ena.demir@wku.edu or by phone at (270) 745-6867. Ms. Demir is also responsible for coordinating the University's response to complaints related to sex and gender harassment. Additional information regarding Title IX is accessible via WKU's https://www.wku.edu/titleix/ website.

Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at: http://www.wku.edu/atwku/academics.php

For information related to job postings, please email employment@wku.edu.

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About Western Kentucky University

Western Kentucky University (WKU) prepares students of all backgrounds to be productive, engaged, and socially responsible citizen-leaders of a global society. The University provides research, service and lifelong learning opportunities for its students, faculty, and other constituents. WKU enriches the quality of life for those within its reach.

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