Middle Tennessee State University is hiring : Chair, Communication Studies, Tenur

For individuals requiring a reasonable accommodation to apply :

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with MTSU, please call 615-898-2929 or email emp@mtsu.edu.

University Expectation

MTSU seeks candidates committed to innovative teaching, robust research / creative activity, and meaningful service. We also seek to attract culturally and academically diverse faculty who value working with diverse students.

The salary and rank are commensurate with education and experience.

Job Summary / Basic Function

The Department of Communication Studies at Middle Tennessee State University invites applicants for a full-time, tenure-track faculty position (#631005) at the rank of associate or full professor to serve as department chair. Expedited tenure upon appointment is possible. The start date for the position is August 1, 2026.

The successful candidate will lead a department that offers a B.A. and B.S. in Communication, with concentrations in Culture and Social Influence, Health Communication, and Organizational Communication, participates in several interdisciplinary minors, and has a vibrant debate program. The department seeks candidates who emphasize collaborative leadership and the ability to manage quotidian operations while focusing on long-range plans to foster growth and sustain quality programs.

The successful candidate will prioritize excellence in teaching, have a distinguished scholarship record, and be committed to success for all students. In addition, the successful candidate will have demonstrated leadership abilities, strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills, and provide advocacy for multi‑faced student and faculty concerns.

Required Education

A terminal degree in communication studies or a closely related field is required by the appointment date.

Other Desirables

Applicants with prior administrative experience, including management of budgets, assessment for learning improvement, and an interest in recruitment and fundraising, may receive special consideration.

Documents Needed to Apply

To successfully apply, applicants must include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy, statement of research or creative activities (as appropriate to the discipline), and a statement of leadership philosophy as separate attachments at the time of online application.

Special Instruction to Applicants

For more information about serving as a faculty member at Middle Tennessee State University, please visit our faculty recruitment webpage.

If you need help applying, please contact Mitzi Dunkley, Faculty Recruitment Specialist, at (615) 898-5128. If you have position‑specific questions, please contact Karla Barnes at Karla.Barnes@mtsu.edu.

Benefits

MTSU offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to the following :

• Vacation Leave for Administrative / Classified Staff / 12-month Faculty
• 13 paid University holidays
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Optional 401K and 403B Deferred Compensation Plans
• Educational benefits for the employee and their spouse and dependents

MTSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligibility for U.S. employment is required before employment (Immigration Control Act of 1986). Clery Act crime statistics for MTSU are available at https : / / police.mtsu.edu / annual-security-report / or by contacting MTSU Public Safety at (615) 898-2424.

MTSU is a Tobacco & Drug-Free campus.

This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you will be required to provide information about your criminal history to be considered.

Application Review Date : 11 / 06 / 2025

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