Lecturer, Communication Studies
- College of Arts & Sciences
- Faculty Lecturer
Position Title: Lecturer, Communication Studies
Department: Communication Studies
Campus Location: Washburn University
The screening committee will review all eligible applications submitted by February 1, 2024
Position Summary: Washburn University invites applications for the position of Lecturer in Communication Studies to begin August 2024. This is a full-time 9-month position and may be renewed.
Each selected candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to students from diverse backgrounds and a dedication to the development of inclusive pedagogies that support equity and student success.
Washburn University is a teaching-focused, student-centered, public institution located in the metropolitan setting of Topeka that has earned national recognition for its high-impact programs for first-generation students. Washburn has a student body of over 5,800 undergraduate, graduate, and law students, a significant and growing number of whom are first-generation and Pell-Grant eligible. The University has created educational pathways for all students to be successful and achieve their educational goals.
The Communication Studies Department offers a University Core required course, a popular minor and major (BA in Communication Studies and B.Ed. in Speech and Theatre), and an inter-disciplinary MA in Communication and Leadership in conjunction with our renowned Leadership Institute. Our department also features a nationally-ranked Lincoln-Douglas debate team and a regionally-competitive Mock Trial program. Faculty members are collaborative, interdisciplinary, and friendly, and emphasize the importance of both campus and community involvement in the forms of community service, original student research projects, and internships at various organizations throughout the Topeka area.
Washburn is dedicated to recruiting and retaining a diverse faculty, staff, and student body and cultivating a vibrant and inclusive working environment and curriculum. We offer competitive wages, an excellent benefits program, a supportive leadership team, and a healthy work/life balance. At Washburn, we strive to ensure a campus climate that supports the success of every employee and appreciates the unique skills and expertise each contributes to serving our students.
Essential Functions:
● Teach 12 credit hours per semester or a full workload as defined by the faculty handbook.
● Teach undergraduate courses such as Intro. to Communication Studies, Public Speaking, and Interpersonal Communication.
● Teach upper-division elective courses in line with the chosen individuals’ expertise such as Health Communication, Interviewing, Conflict and Negotiation, or other courses assigned by department and College leadership.
● Advise students and engage in service activities in the department and for the university, profession, and/or community.
● Perform additional job-related functions as assigned or as appropriate.
Required Qualifications:
● M.A. in Communication Studies or a closely related field (i.e., Speech Communication, Communication, Rhetoric, etc.).
● Experience teaching introductory Communication Studies courses.
● Evidence of excellence in teaching at the university level (as demonstrated by student perception scores and comments and/or peer evaluations of teaching).
● Demonstrated commitment to developing inclusive teaching practices that engage students from diverse backgrounds.
Official transcripts required upon hire.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
• Please upload the following items as a pdf to the “additional document” field via the electronic application: letter of interest, a statement of teaching philosophy, evidence of teaching effectiveness (as demonstrated by student perception scores and comments and/or peer evaluations of teaching). NOTE: Please specifically discuss your use of inclusive pedagogies and plans for advancing diversity and inclusion in your teaching philosophy.
• Contact information for three current professional references will be collected as part of the application form.
• If you have questions about the position, please email Dr. Adebanke Adebayo, Assistant Professor and Chair of the search committee, at adebanke.adebayo@washburn.edu.
Background Check Required
Washburn is an EOE and is dedicated to providing a student-centered and teaching-focused academic and work environment. We seek candidates who are committed to Washburn’s efforts to create a campus climate that fosters the growth and development of a diverse student body, and we encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically underrepresented and/or marginalized in higher education.
Washburn University provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or marital or parental status.
Washburn University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants for employment. If you are an applicant who needs a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please email benefits@washburn.edu or call 785-670-1538 at least five (5) business days in advance of the date you need the requested accommodation.
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