Tenure-Track Assistant Professor Position in Media Arts and Studies
University of Kentucky
SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM AND MEDIA
College of Communication and Information
Job Summary
The award-winning School of Journalism and Media at the University of Kentucky seeks to hire an outstanding faculty member in the Media Arts and Studies (MAS) sequence. An active research program in a media studies-related area is required. The successful candidate will teach the introductory course in communication technologies and society, and theoretical and practical courses in the candidate’s areas of expertise. The faculty member is also expected to contribute to the teaching of graduate courses at the master’s and doctoral levels.
The successful candidate must have a record of teaching excellence and scholarly work; professional media experience is a plus but not required. Applicants should hold a Ph.D. degree or terminal degree in communication, media, or a related field by the date of hire. This position is designed as an Assistant Professor Rank, Regular-Title Series, Tenure-track, 9-month assignment. Faculty in the Regular-Title Series have an active scholarly program and teach two courses per semester. Review of applications begins September 1, 2025. Contingent on the successful candidate’s availability, the anticipated start is January 5, 2026, otherwise the anticipated start date is August 17, 2026.
About the School:
The School of Journalism and Media is recognized for its accomplishments in academic scholarship and professional areas. The School offers B.A. and B.S. degrees in two areas of study: journalism (print/multimedia, broadcast/multimedia, sports/multimedia) and media arts and studies. The School is fully ACEJMC accredited and has served as the home for the Institute for Rural Journalism since 2004. The School also participates in the graduate program of the College that includes the M.A. and Ph.D. in communication.
Students learn first-hand working at the award-winning Kentucky Kernel newspaper, KRNL Lifestyle and Fashion magazine and the Kentucky Kernel Year in Photos. Also, there are great opportunities at WRFL, WUKY and Wildcat News, our award-winning student newscast. School alumni include Pulitzer, Emmy, Murrow, and Oscar winners and current media makers with ESPN, CBS, NBC, NPR, CNN, EA, The Washington Post, and local media outlets around the country.
About the College:
The College of Communication and Information comprises two schools (School of Information Science and School of Journalism and Media), two departments (Department of Communication and Department of Integrated Strategic Communication), and interdisciplinary master’s and PhD programs. Nearly 100 full-time faculty lead 2,300 undergraduate majors and 350 graduate students while also teaching in the university’s core curriculum and serving students pursuing minors and certificates in the college. The college also houses University of Kentucky’s independent student newspaper, The Kentucky Kernel, and the championship winning Intercollegiate Debate program.
About the University:
Located in the vibrant city of Lexington, the University of Kentucky is a public, land-grant institution that plays a critical leadership role in economic development and advancing human well-being. The campus is home to 35,000 students, more than 2,500 faculty members, and nearly 14,000 staff members. The university is one of just eight in the country with a major academic health center and a full spectrum of academic colleges and professional schools on one contiguous campus. As such, the University of Kentucky is an incubator for interdisciplinary research. These collaborations allow researchers to address the rapidly changing needs of a global society.
Employment at UK is subject to fund availability and includes benefits that focus on your total well-being and career development, with leadership striving to provide a strong work-life integration. The university generously contributes to employees’ retirement plans, medical coverage, and life insurance. In addition, UK offers optional benefits such as dental and vision insurance, additional retirement plans and much more. To learn more about these benefits, please visit:
www.uky.edu/HR/benefits.
About Lexington:
Lexington is a city that truly has something for everyone. In 2024, the City of Lexington was named as one of Conde Nast Traveler’s “Top 5 Best Small Cities in the U.S.” and was also ranked as a “Top 25 U.S. City with the Best Quality of Life” by Forbes, making Lexington a great place to not only live but also work and study. With a population of roughly 320,000, Lexington offers both the warmth and lower cost of living of a small city and the amenities you would enjoy in a larger city, including the arts, cultural events, and a thriving dining scene.
https://www.visitlex.com/
Application materials include:
1. Letter of application (attached as Cover Letter)
2. Curriculum vita
3. Evidence of teaching excellence (attached as Specific Request 1)
4. Contact information for three references when prompted in the application.
*Please note that references will not be contacted without prior consent.
Application review will begin September 1, 2025, and continue until the position is filled. Questions regarding the position may be directed to Search Committee Chair Dr. Zixue Tai at
ztai2@uky.edu.
