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Requisition: 202400176F

Hiring Salary/Recruiting Range:

Commensurate with education and experience

Department: Dept of Mass Communication

General Requirements:

Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience teaching in higher education

Prior experience supervising student organizations and media practicums

Active membership in professional organizations

National or international recognition as a journalist, scholar, or media innovator, with a robust portfolio of published work, creative achievements, or industry contributions

Nature & Purpose of Position/Usual Duties:

The Department of Mass Communication at Sam Houston State University invites applications for the Dan Rather Endowed Visiting Assistant Professor in Journalism and Media. The appointment will begin in Fall 2025.

Applications are encouraged from a wide range of areas of study related to journalism and media, including but not limited to emerging media, digital media ethics, sports journalism, and the intersection of artificial intelligence and journalism. The ideal candidate will have industry experience and/or demonstrate a strong track record of scholarly research, along with an understanding of current and future media trends to ensure students are well-prepared for the competitive media landscape. The successful candidate will also engage with the greater campus and Huntsville communities and contribute to program development within the department.

Key Responsibilities Include:

Teach 3/3 course load, including the media practicum within the candidate’s specialty. Serve as a liaison to industry professionals, alumni, and community stakeholders. Organize guest speakers, workshops, and events that support the department’s mission. Serve on departmental, College, and University committees as needed. Collaborate with faculty to strengthen the department’s visibility and reputation. Develop and implement new courses that equip students with essential skills needed for workforce readiness.

Other Specifications/Instructions for the Position:

About the Mass Communication Department:

The Department of Mass Communication at Sam Houston State University serves more than 500 students studying journalism, broadcast production, public relations, advertising, and film. Located in the Dan Rather Communications Building, it is home to 90.5 The Kat, Channel 7, Bearkat Student Media, The Houstonian, and the annual Heatwave Media and Film Festival. The department blends research-focused and practice-oriented faculty of various backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

About Sam Houston State University:

Located 40 miles north of suburban Houston, Sam Houston State University provides high-quality education, scholarship, and service to qualified students for the benefit of regional, state, national and international constituencies. The university is classified as a High Research Activity university and a “Community Engaged” institution by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education. SHSU , a Hispanic Serving Institution, is a growing community serving over 21,000 students across three campuses in Huntsville, Conroe, and The Woodlands. For more information, visit https://www.shsu.edu.

This visiting position is a renewable term appointment, typically ranging from 1–3 years. Renewal beyond three years may be considered based on program needs, performance, and strategic alignment with the department’s goals.

The deadline to submit applications is March 3, 2025. The position will remain open until filled.

Educational Requirements for the Position (Faculty Positions Only):

A Ph.D. in Mass Communication, journalism (or a closely related field), or a distinguished record of professional achievement in journalism or media production

Experience Required for the Position (Faculty Positions Only):

Strong connections with the media industry, as well as an active presence in academic or professional organizations related to journalism and mass communication.