Southern Methodist University

Assistant/Associate Professor of Journalism (#6271)

SMU’s Division of Journalism seeks candidates for a tenure-track position beginning August 2025. The successful candidate will join the division at an exciting period of expansion and innovation with our two core majors — Journalism and Fashion Media. Our new colleague will be an engaged teacher and mentor and will play a key role in strengthening the division’s curricular offerings. The successful candidate also must have a strong research agenda and/or ongoing creative work suitable for a tenure-track position. The typical teaching load for this position is 2/3.

Specifically, we seek candidates with a strong track record or demonstrate promise for becoming a nationally and/or internationally recognized scholar and effective educator in the one (or more) of the following areas:

• Media law and ethics
• Journalism, democracy and civic engagement
• Journalism, social media and analytics
• Engaged journalism
• Sports journalism
• Media, culture and society
• Media for/representations of marginalized communities
• Visual journalism (i.e., video, photography, graphic design)

Candidates who can contribute both theoretical and practical courses are highly desirable. While an appointment at the rank of assistant or associate professor is anticipated, extraordinary candidates at all levels will be considered.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in a media- or journalism-related field or J.D.; a terminal degree (MFA/Ph.D.) preferred but not required.
• Ability to conduct research or creative endeavors at a nationally or internationally recognized level;
• Ability to teach journalism, communication and media-related classes.

We’re especially interested in hearing from applicants who have:

• Prior collegiate-level teaching experience;
• Current and/or previous involvement in scholarly organizations like, AEJMC, ICA or NCA;
• A background in or knowledge of media production; and/or
• A background or interest in media from marginalized or underrepresented groups.

Application Instructions:

Applicants should submit the following materials via Interfolio (http://apply.interfolio.com/150676):

1. A formal letter of application addressing teaching philosophy and interests;
2. A C.V.;
3. A statement of research or/and creative interests; and,
4. A list of three references with contact information (references will not be contacted without the applicant’s knowledge).

For priority consideration, applications should be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on October 25, 2024, but the committee will continue to accept applications until the position is filled. Hiring is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background check.

Questions may be directed to the search chair, Ethan Lascity, .

The Division of Journalism, housed within Meadows School of the Arts, is home to nearly 200 majors across degree programs in Journalism and Fashion Media, and concentrations in sports journalism and business journalism.

Founded in 1969, the Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University is one of the foremost arts education institutions in the United States. The Meadows School offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in advertising, art, art history, arts management and arts entrepreneurship, creative computation, music, theatre, dance, film and media arts, public affairs & corporate communication, journalism and fashion journalism. The goal of the Meadows School of the Arts, as a comprehensive educational institution, is to prepare students to meet the demands of professional careers. The Meadows School is a leader in developing innovative outreach and community engagement programs, challenging its students to make a difference locally and globally by developing vital connections between art, entrepreneurship and change. The Meadows School of the Arts is also a convener for the arts in North Texas, serving as a catalyst for new collaborations and providing critical industry research.

SMU, a private nonsectarian university of roughly 12,000 students, is an inclusive and intellectually diverse community of teachers and scholars that values diverse research and creative agendas and is dedicated to academic excellence. The Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex is a culturally rich arts and global business center and home to over eight million people, offering exceptional museums, diverse cultural attractions and a vibrant economy.

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, .