Texas Tech University is hiring : Asst Professor of Practice - Public Relations i

Position Description

The Department of Public Relations & Strategic Communication Management in the College of Media & Communication at Texas Tech University invites applications for a full-time, 9-month, Assistant Professor of Practice to begin September 1, 2026 (official on-duty date is mid-August 2026).

About the College

The College of Media & Communication (CoMC) at Texas Tech University serves approximately 2,400 students across its six undergraduate- and five graduate-degree programs. CoMC offers a student-centered learning environment with high standards for teaching and engaged learning, while benefiting from the resources of an R1 research university. The College’s building includes multiple multimedia production spaces and facilities, and the CCR (Center for Communication Research) is a premier academic research facility for studying communication, cognitive and affective processing of information, and media effects. The College has grown its external funding, and state support through the Texas University Fund (TUF) enhances faculty research support. Interdisciplinary research strengths include computational communication, sports communication / media, organizational / corporate communication, and crisis / risk / health communication. Research facilities and opportunities are described at the college website and related labs. The college also includes the Thomas Jay Harris Institute for Hispanic & International Communication focusing on Hispanic and international / intercultural communication. The College aligns with the University’s Strategic Plan and related initiatives toward AAU eligibility in the future.

Additional research strengths include strategic, science / health, gaming / AI, leadership, interpersonal / organizational, and political communication, along with social scientific research methods. The CCR offers laboratories for audience testing, content analysis, experimental surveys, eye-tracking, focus groups, psychophysiological measurements, and robotics / AI integration. The Thomas Jay Harris Institute fosters Hispanic and international / intercultural programs.

About the Department / School / Area

The Department of Public Relations & Strategic Communication Management (PRSC) is home to more than 440 undergraduate students and 16 full-time faculty members. The department trains students to manage integrated communication programs and campaigns, ethically advocating for organizations and causes they care about. The program combines professional and research faculty to develop skills in communication, leadership, media relations, global communication, ethics, data analysis, new technology, critical thinking, and strategic planning to prepare students for professional success.

Major / Essential Functions

At Texas Tech University, the Professor of Practice title is used to recruit individuals with exceptional backgrounds and achievements in professional practice. Primary responsibilities normally include teaching in an area of expertise, mentoring students in professional careers, and liaising with professional contacts. Applicants should have experience working with a breadth of student populations at undergraduate and / or graduate levels across teaching, research / creative activity, and service areas to align with TTU’s strategic priorities.

As a faculty member in PRSC, you will be expected to :

• Contribute to the teaching mission of the department's undergraduate program and the college's professional master's programs.
• Mentor undergraduate students.
• Advise student organizations.
• Develop a record of professional excellence.
• Maintain professional currency in public relations or a closely related strategic communication field.
• Provide service to the department, college, university, and profession.

Organization

Texas Tech University

Faculty Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

In addition to the required qualifications, individuals with the following preferred qualifications are strongly encouraged to apply :

Duty Point

TTU Lubbock, main campus and affiliated facilities

Does this position work in a research laboratory?

No

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please include the following documents in your application :

Questions about this position should be directed to Prof. Lisa Low, Search Committee Chair at Lisa.Low@ttu.edu.

The application deadline is October 13, 2025.

Job Details

Job Type : Full Time

Pay Basis : Monthly

Pay Statement : Compensation is commensurate with qualifications and budgetary guidelines; see institutional pay plan.

Travel Required : None

Grant Funded? : No

Job Group : Assistant Professor

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.

Salary Grade : 800

Applications must be received by : 10 / 13 / 2025

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