Named after Texas' legendary hero, General Sam Houston, the university boasts a rich historical legacy that resonates with the spirit of Texas, which provides a balance between a peaceful, natural setting and proximity to urban amenities. With a student population of over 21,000, SHSU offers a vibrant and dynamic community. SHSU has a small town feel with large scale opportunities. Located in the Piney Woods region of East Texas and just an hour drive north of Houston, Huntsville provides area residents with a sense of community and belonging.
SHSU offers compelling options for individuals seeking a fulfilling and impactful career including a superior benefit package, competitive salaries and a flexible work environment fostering work/life balance. SHSU offers programs that support a healthy work-life balance, contributing to employee well-being and job satisfaction, as well as, professional development opportunities with our educational assistance and dependent assistance programs.
This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information.
Position Title Warner Endowed Visiting Assistant Professor of Journalism Requisition 202400175F Rank Visiting Assistant Professor FLSA status Exempt Hiring Salary Commensurate with education and experience. Position Category Position Type Full-Time Non-Tenure Track College College of Arts & Media Department Dept of Mass Communication Open Date 02/12/2025 Quicklink https://shsu.peopleadmin.com/postings/41524 Refer Applicants To Contact Name Wojciech Lorenc Title Dan Rather Communications Building1804 Avenue J
Box 2207
Huntsville, TX 77341-2207 Contact Phone (936) 294-4419 Contact Email wlorenc@shsu.edu Position Details Duties Performed in the Usual Course of the Job The Department of Mass Communication at Sam Houston State University invites applications to the prestigious Phillip G. Warner Endowed Visiting Assistant Professor in Journalism position. We are seeking a highly motivated and dynamic individual who can inspire and mentor the next generation of media professionals. The ideal candidate for the position should have a robust background in journalism and/or public relations, teaching and service specialization in media relations, strategic communications, and/or journalism, and the desire and ability to contribute to developing the department’s new major and minor programs. The position begins Fall 2025.
Key responsibilities include: Teach a 3/3 course load, including the media practicum, such as Priority One, the department’s on-campus student PR agency. Teach two or more different courses, such as mass media writing, social media, PR campaigns, sports communication, sports PR, or other related fields in PR and/or journalism. Develop and implement new courses that equip students with essential workforce readiness skills aligned with the emerging media landscape. Organize guest speakers, workshops, and events that support the department’s mission. Participate in departmental, College, and University service while upholding their engagement in the field Educational Requirements for the Position A Ph.D. in journalism or a closely related field. A distinguished record of professional experience in the field of journalism or public relations Experience Required for the Position Preferred QualificationsPrior experience teaching in higher education. Prior experience supervising student organizations and media practicums. Experience developing and teaching undergraduate courses. Active in a professional organization (e.g. PRSA, NAB, etc.) Other Requirements for the Position Special Instructions Summary About the Mass Communication Department:The Department of Mass Communication at Sam Houston State University serves more than 500 students studying journalism, broadcast production, public relations, advertising, and film. Located in the Dan Rather Communications Building, it is home to 90.5 The Kat, Channel 7, Bearkat Student Media, The Houstonian, and the annual Heatwave Media and Film Festival. The department blends research-focused and practice-oriented faculty of various backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
About Sam Houston State University:Located 40 miles north of suburban Houston, Sam Houston State University provides high-quality education, scholarship, and service to qualified students for the benefit of regional, state, national and international constituencies. The university is classified as a High Research Activity university and a “Community Engaged” institution by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education. SHSU, a Hispanic Serving Institution, is a growing community serving over 21,000 students across three campuses in Huntsville, Conroe, and The Woodlands. For more information, visit https://www.shsu.edu.
This visiting position is a renewable term appointment, typically ranging from 1–3 years. Renewal beyond three years may be considered based on program needs, performance, and strategic alignment with the department’s goals.
The deadline to submit applications is March 3, 2025. The position will remain open until filled. Open Until Filled Yes EEO Statement EEO Statement Sam Houston State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and Smoke/Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or gender identity or expression. Sam Houston State University is an “at will” employer. Employees with a contract will have additional terms and conditions. Security sensitive positions at SHSU require background checks in accordance with Education Code § 51.215.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report