Utah Tech University is hiring: Assistant Professor of Communication - Communica

Overview

The Department of Communication at Utah Tech University (UT) in St. George, Utah, is seeking an enthusiastic and well-qualified individual for the tenure-track position of Assistant Professor of Communication. This 4/4 teaching-load position will start July 1, 2026. The successful candidate will teach a variety of courses in the communication studies program and join a growing department that emphasizes active learning, student-centered scholarship, and teaching-informed research. More information about the department and its programs can be found online at https://communication.utahtech.edu/.

Responsibilities

• Teach 24 credits per academic year in Communication Studies. Course assignments may include communication theory, research methods, negotiations and bargaining, professional communication, ethics, rhetorical communication, and introductory communication courses within the department curriculum.
• Assist in the continuing growth of communication programs, with the ability and willingness to adapt courses to effectively utilize existing and developing instructional technology.
• Willing to become certified in online instruction and teach one or more courses online. Special preference will be given to candidates with experience in online teaching.
• Perform defined campus-wide faculty duties, including holding office hours, attendance at department and division meetings, and service on committees, with adherence to department, college, and university policies and procedures.
• Engage in scholarship and/or creative activity appropriate to a teaching university. UT values both scholarship of discovery and scholarship of pedagogy within the context of our teaching mission.
• Assist in mentoring, supervising, and assisting part-time instructors (adjunct faculty).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in communication or related discipline from an accredited college or university required. ABD will be considered if completion of degree will occur by July 1, 2026.
• Experience teaching and/or designing courses related to media theory, research methods and, preferably, rhetorical communication.
• Evidence of successful, student-centered teaching and with proficiency in instructional technology. Finalists will complete a teaching demonstration to showcase competence.
• Ability to develop innovative curriculum and appropriate course content for face-to-face and online instruction.
• Eagerness and ability to engage with colleagues, staff and administrators to develop ways to improve the educational experience of Utah Tech students, both within communication and interdisciplinarily.
• Commitment to academic excellence, including utilizing computer-related technologies to enhance education methodology, and proficiency in curriculum design, program development, program evaluation, instruction, student guidance, and academic mentoring.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills.
• While teaching is the priority at UT, all tenure-track faculty are expected to maintain a scholarly or creative agenda. The university supports diverse scholarly and creative pursuits across multiple methodologies and topics.

Position Details, Compensation and Benefits

Full-time (9-month) tenure-track faculty position. Faculty service begins August 2026, with pay and benefits starting July 1, 2026. Annual salary of $58,000, with additional compensation available for optional summer/overload teaching. Benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, employee assistance and wellness programs, retirement plan contributions, and undergraduate tuition waivers for employees and eligible dependents. See the Benefits Summary for more details: https://humanresources.utahtech.edu/employee-benefits/.

Electronic Application Procedures

Application review begins October 13, 2025; position open until filled. Candidates must submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, contact information for three professional references (including email addresses), transcripts, and a Student Success Statement (1-2 pages about the candidate’s teaching or other professional experience working with a wide range of student academic preparedness). Please upload all requested documents when you submit your application. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and certification of required degrees and upon successfully passing a background check. If you need special services or facilities to apply for this opening due to a disability, please call the Human Resources Office at 435-652-7520.

About the University

Utah Tech University is an open, comprehensive, polytechnic institution committed to exceptional student learning and success, with an instructional approach of active learning and a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. The university emphasizes an active, applied, and career-oriented learning environment that is student-centered. Established in 1911 as a community college and in 2013 as a state university, the university is located in southwestern Utah, about 120 miles north of Las Vegas, with abundant outdoor recreation nearby.

Utah Tech University is an Equal Opportunity employer; the university is committed to equal opportunity in its employment programs and activities and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

• Director of Equal Opportunity Compliance / Title IX Coordinator: Hazel Sainsbury - titleix@utahtech.edu, HCC 579, 435-652-7747.
• Deputy Title IX Coordinator: Brenda Medrano - titleix@utahtech.edu, BROWN 102, 435-879-4769.

For more information regarding non-discrimination, visit the Title IX office page or contact the U.S. Department of Education Civil Rights Office at ocr@ed.gov or 800-421-3481.

The University provides information regarding Academics, Campus Safety, Student Services, Employment Laws, and other requirements per the Higher Education Act at the documents online at the links: https://utahtech.edu/right-to-know/ and https://police.utahtech.edu/clery-act/.

In compliance with federal law, all hires must verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment eligibility verification.