Sam Houston State University
The Dan Rather Endowed Visiting Assistant Professor of Journalism and Media
and
The Phillip G. Warner Endowed Visiting Assistant Professor in Journalism
The Department of Mass Communication at Sam Houston State University invites applications for two endowed faculty positions: the Dan Rather Endowed Visiting Assistant Professor of Journalism and Media and Phillip G. Warner Endowed Visiting Assistant Professor in Journalism.
The Dan Rather Endowed Visiting Assistant Professor of Journalism and Media
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 teaching a 3/3 course load, including a hands-on media practicum within the candidate’s specialty, and serving as a liaison to industry professionals, alumni and community stakeholders. The successful candidate will organize guest speakers, workshops and events that support the department’s mission while collaborating with faculty to strengthen the department’s visibility and reputation. They will develop and implement new courses that equip students with essential skills and workforce readiness and serve on departmental, college and university committees as needed.
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 position will begin in Fall 2025.
Educational Requirements for the Position:
- 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:
- Strong connections with the media industry
- An active presence in academic or professional organizations related to journalism and mass communication
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
Application Deadline:
The deadline to submit applications is March 3, 2025. The position will remain open until filled.
Application Procedure:
Applications must be submitted online here.
To ensure full consideration, applications must be submitted online and include a cover letter detailing the applicant’s qualifications, relevant experience and interest in the position, a current CV, and contact information for three references. Applications should be submitted online and addressed to Dr. Marcus Funk. Questions may be directed to .
The Phillip G. Warner Endowed Visiting Assistant Professor of Journalism
We are seeking a highly motivated and dynamic individual who can inspire and mentor the next generation of media professionals. The ideal candidate for the position should have a robust background in journalism and/or public relations, teaching and service specialization in media relations, strategic communications, and/or journalism, and the desire and ability to contribute to developing the department’s new major and minor programs.
Key responsibilities include teaching a 3/3 course load, including a hands-on media practicum focused on Priority One, the department’s on-campus student PR agency. The successful candidate will teach two or more different courses, such as mass media writing, social media, PR campaigns, sports communication, sports PR, or other related fields in PR and/or journalism. They will also develop and implement new courses that equip students with essential workforce readiness skills aligned with the emerging media landscape.
The successful candidate will also organize guest speakers, workshops and events that support the department’s mission while participating in departmental, college and university service work as needed and upholding their engagement in the field.
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 position will begin in Fall 2025.
Educational Requirements for the Position:
- A Ph.D. in journalism or a closely related field
Experience Required for the Position:
- A distinguished record of professional experience in the field of journalism or public relations
Preferred Qualifications:
- Prior experience teaching in higher education
- Prior experience supervising student organizations and media practicums
- Experience developing and teaching undergraduate courses
- Active membership in a professional organization (PRSA, NAB, etc)
Application Deadline:
The deadline to submit applications is March 3, 2025. The position will remain open until filled.
Application Procedure:
Applications must be submitted online here.
To ensure full consideration, applications must be submitted online and include a cover letter detailing the applicant’s qualifications, relevant experience and interest in the position, a current CV, and contact information for three references. Applications should be submitted online and addressed to Prof. Wojciech Lorenc. Questions may be directed to .
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 with distinct backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
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 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.
Sam Houston State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and Smoke/Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or gender identity or expression. Sam Houston State University is an “at will” employer. Employees with a contract will have additional terms and conditions. Security sensitive positions at SHSU require background checks in accordance with Education Code § 51.215.
