Assistant Professor Of Journalism And Mass Communications And Africana Studies (2023)

The Department of Journalism and Mass Communications and the Africana Studies program invite applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor focusing on film studies and the U.S. South. Our understanding of film studies includes any combination of history, theory, criticism, and production. This faculty appointment will be affiliated with our Film Studies program and with W&L’s DeLaney Center, an interdisciplinary academic center for teaching and researching Southern race relations, culture, and politics. In addition to teaching a variety of courses exploring the cinema and its relation to Southern life, the ideal candidate would possess experience writing and teaching students in film technology, aesthetics, and criticism of the art form grounded in an understanding of the U.S. South. We encourage applicants with teaching and research interests related to these areas to apply. 

Washington and Lee University promotes a dynamic and inclusive environment that allows students and employees of multiple backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives to learn, work, and thrive together. Successful candidates will contribute to that environment and exhibit potential for excellence in teaching and for vigorous scholarship. In keeping with the University Strategic Plan, we welcome applications from underrepresented minority candidates and members of other communities that are traditionally underrepresented in academia.

Successful candidates must show a portfolio of work demonstrating excellence in engaging Southern culture and Film. Prior teaching experience is advantageous. Successful candidates will show a commitment to mentorship or development of young communicators. An MA or MS degree is required, an MFA or PhD is preferred.

Job Specific Qualifications: The successful candidate must show potential for conducting academic scholarship or industry-related creative work.  Responsibilities include teaching undergraduate courses covering film studies in the Journalism and Mass Communications Department, filmmaking, race, and Southern experience for the Africana Studies program, and relevant topics related to the Film and Visual Culture minor. Advising students and performing department and university service are also expected.

The Journalism and Mass Communications Department has a strong tradition of excellence and alumni placement at leading media organizations, across the country and abroad. The faculty prides itself on an innovative curriculum that prepares students to work in today’s journalism world and lead the one that comes next. As a department, we value collaboration and community building among students, staff, and faculty. The department offers two degrees in Journalism and Strategic Communications and a minor in Mass Communication. The successful applicant will join a warm, collegial, community of eight full time faculty who couples hands-on training in professional skills with a strong liberal arts education. We strive to create a community of scholars committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all our faculty, staff, students, and visitors.

Application Procedure: To be considered please submit an online faculty application at http://apply.interfolio.com/132013. Upload a cover letter with a description of current and future practice and teaching experience; CV or resume; and samples of professional work (i.e., writing samples and creative work). Three names of three professional references should be included.   Review of applications will begin on October 15, 2023, and will continue until the position is filled. Only complete applications will be considered.

 Please contact Dr.  Dayo Abah, search committee chair at  Abahd@wlu.edu with questions.

Washington and Lee is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  As such, we are interested in candidates who are committed to high standards of scholarship, performance and professionalism and to the development of a campus climate that supports equality and diversity in our faculty, staff and student body. Job description requirements are representative, but not all‐inclusive of the knowledge, skill, and abilities needed to successfully perform this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.