Associate or Full Professor of Communication Studies

University of Southern Mississippi•Hattiesburg, MS

64d•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Southern Mississippi invites applicants for a nine-month tenure-track faculty position as Associate or Full Professor of Communication Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences' School of Media and Communication to begin fall 2026. Those with established track records of research and teaching in crisis and/or health communication are particularly welcome to apply. The successful candidate will possess a record of research and teaching that meets school and university standards for associate or full professor. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to graduate education, including chairing and serving on dissertation and thesis committees. The candidate will teach three courses each semester, have a vibrant research agenda, and serve as an academic adviser as well as perform other school or university service as needed. Candidates will have the opportunity to develop new courses in their areas of expertise, as well as influence the current curriculum. About the School of Media & Communication The School of Media & Communication is a vibrant intellectual community of 22 full-time faculty members on both the Hattiesburg and Gulf Park campuses and over 375 undergraduate and graduate students. Academic programs include undergraduate majors in Communication Studies, Digital Journalism, Media and Entertainment Arts and Strategic Communication, as well as communication degrees at the master's and doctoral levels. The School also has a significant presence on campus, housing the Student Media Center, the USM Speaking Center, a nationally competitive speech and debate team, and a variety of other student organizations. The School is fully accredited by the ACEJMC. About The University of Southern Mississippi Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions. Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others. We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We're developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu. The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.

Requirements

Terminal degree (Ph.D.) in Communication Studies or closely related field
Evidence of effective teaching at a university
Evidence of an established and productive research agenda
Evidence of successfully mentoring graduate students
The ability to work with diverse groups/populations
Knowledge of both quantitative and qualitative research methods.
Ability to articulate significant communication theories and their applications.
Ability to mentor masters and Ph.D. students.
Familiarity with online learning platforms, such as Canvas.

Nice To Haves

10 or more years' experience mentoring graduate students to successful completion of their Ph.D. programs
10 or more years' experience of effective teaching at the university level
Demonstrated ability to bring in outside funding
Demonstrated ability to build programs through rising enrollment, retention, placement and other factors

Responsibilities

Teach undergraduate courses in Communication Studies
Teach graduate courses at the master's and doctoral levels
Build and maintain an active, nationally recognized research agenda
Engage in student recruitment and advisement
Contribute to the mission of the school, college, university, and wider community through campus and professional service
Seek external and campus funding when needed and appropriate
Other duties as assigned

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