Western Kentucky University

Associate or Assistant Professor, Advertising and/or Public Relations

About Western Kentucky University:

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is a student-centered, applied-research institution committed to providing its students with a transformative academic and social experience and to elevating its surrounding communities. Founded in 1906, WKU is the second largest undergraduate institution in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with approximately 15,035 students (29% first generation, 18% underrepresented minority) and just over 2,500 faculty and staff employees.

Western Kentucky University is committed to empowering its campus community to embrace diversity by building equitable and inclusive learning, working, and living environments. At the heart of our mission, we seek to provide holistic education and employment experiences that prepare students, faculty, and staff to become effective scholars, contributors, and leaders in our diverse and evolving communities.

Located 65 miles north of Nashville, TN, and just over 100 miles south of Louisville, KY, WKU’s main campus is in Bowling Green, KY – a city with approximately 70,000 residents. Our population is ethnically diverse, with more than 85 languages spoken in and around Bowling Green, and people from 35 nationalities call our community home.

Western Kentucky University seeks to attract talented faculty and staff who are inspired individually to contribute to WKU’s strategic plans and ongoing success. We offer comprehensive wellness and health benefits to employees and their families, including domestic partners and other qualified dependents and take pride in providing a workplace culture that supports balancing the responsibilities of work and family life. Paid-time off for holidays, vacation and sick leave, and a tuition discount program for employees and dependents are also provided. Learn more about WKU and Bowling Green at wku.edu/about.

Job Description:

The School of Media & Communication at Western Kentucky University (WKU) invites applications for a tenure-eligible Assistant or Associate Professor in Advertising and/or Public Relations.

This position carries an expectation of excellence in teaching with a 3/4 teaching load along with research/creative and service obligations, with the potential to eventually lead the Advertising and/or Public Relations programs. We seek an individual with the ability to guide students through the process of unlocking and efficiently communicating insights from data, and how those insights drive innovation and business goals. The ideal candidate will be able to teach existing undergraduate classes such as: Advertising in a Digital World, Fundamentals of Public Relations, Advertising Media, Communication Analytics, Branding, Digital Tools, and Public Relations Writing & Production, as well as develop new courses and programs based on candidate’s expertise that respond to industry trends. The candidate will be expected to coordinate efforts with other programs in the School of Media & Communication and university partners to advance the profile of the School.

About the School of Media & Communication:

The Western Kentucky University School of Media & Communication’s reputation for excellence and tradition of success continue to attract outstanding faculty and top students from across the nation. We offer majors in Advertising, Broadcasting, Communication, Film, Journalism, Public Relations, and Visual Journalism & Photography as well as a graduate program in Organizational Communication. In addition, it houses undergraduate certificates in Digital Advertising, Personal Branding, Sport Media & Communication, Strategic Communications, and Workplace Communication as well as minors in Broadcasting and Journalism Writing.

The School features professional television and photography studios, boasts 26 Pulitzer Prize winners among its alumni and faculty, and s home to students that consistently win Hearst and Emmy awards. Faculty across the school have won numerous awards for their research and creative activity.

Students are afforded extracurricular opportunities including our award-winning student newspaper, yearbook, newscast, and the Emmy Award winning public television station and public radio network. The School also provides students with numerous internship, workshop, and international experiences. We are dedicated to making sure that our students have every opportunity to become leaders in their chosen professions. For more information, please visit our website at: https://www.wku.edu/smc/index.php.

Requirements:

• Master’s degree in advertising, public relations, marketing, communication or a related field of study.
• Industry and/or academic experience working with data analytics, digital storytelling, artificial intelligence (AI) or other relevant tools and technologies used in modern advertising or public relations campaigns.
• Teaching or professional experience in the areas of Advertising and/or Public Relations.

Additional Information:

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  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 .

Application Instructions:

The following items must be submitted through this electronic talent management system by Monday, January 20, 2025, although expressions of interest may be considered until the position is filled:

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vita
• Unofficial Transcripts
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy

Names and contact information of three reference providers will be collected during the application process. Reference letters will be requested by the Search Committee through an online process at a later date.

You will receive email confirmation once you have successfully completed the application process.

Quicklink to apply: https://wku.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=183097