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Tenure-Track ASSISTANT PROFESSOR in Sport Communication

The Department of Communication in the College of Communication and Information at the University of Kentucky seeks applications for an Assistant Professor position with an emphasis in Sport Communication. This is a regular title series, tenure-eligible, 9-month position, with appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor. Tenure-eligible means candidates must first meet the prescribed criteria per Administrative Regulation 2:2-1 and statements of evidence to be granted tenure. The anticipated start date is August 15th, 2025. We are looking for someone who is passionate about sport communication and ready to join our dynamic and collaborative team.

About the Department (who we are!):
The Department of Communication offers a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Communication with undergraduate major options in business and organizational communication, digital and mass communication, healthcare communication, human communication, and sport communication, as well as a minor in communication and an Undergraduate Certificate in health communication. Our department prides itself on a supportive atmosphere where we aim to provide assistant professors the resources to become successful and well-rounded academics. We are located in the heart of horse and bourbon country: Lexington, KY.

What We are Looking For: Summary of Qualifications & Responsibilities
The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. in communication by Aug. 15, 2025. The candidate’s primary focus will be on Sport Communication. We are looking for someone who has a strong research portfolio and a record (or potential) of publication activity that matches a major R1 university. The ideal candidate should also be a great teacher who can connect with and inspire students. Although not required, we view it as a bonus if you possess research areas that intersect with or extend our department’s strengths in health, interpersonal/intergroup, organizational, and media. Also, if your research program has been funded or has the potential for extramural funding, this is a bonus.

You will be expected to actively engage in theory-driven, social scientific empirical research (quantitative or qualitative), teach two courses per academic semester, serve on program and student committees, and grow with / enhance our department.

The initial distribution of effort for the first academic year will be as follows: 50% Research,
45% Instruction, 5% Service/Professional Development

About the College:
The College of Communication and Information is composed of 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. More than 80 full-time faculty lead nearly 2,000 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 Team.

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 promoting economic development, and human well-being. The campus is home to more than 33,000 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.

The University of Kentucky offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes a 403(b) retirement package with a generous match (5% employee contribution, 10% UK contribution).
For full benefit details, please visit https://hr.uky.edu/employment/our-benefits

About Lexington:
Featured on the U.S. News & World Report’s list of best places to live in 2023, the City of Lexington is 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 should include:
1. A letter of application that briefly summarizes, background, qualifications, and interest in the position (attach as Cover Letter)
2. Curriculum Vita
3. A brief research statement reviewing focus, expertise, accomplishments, and goals (attach as Specific Request 1)
4. A brief teaching statement including philosophy of teaching and evidence of teaching excellence (attach as Specific Request 2)
5. Contact information for three references when prompted in the application.

Application review will begin September 12th, 2024, and continue until the position is filled. Questions regarding the position may be directed to comm@uky.edu or the Search Committee Chair, Alan Desantis at desantis@uky.edu.