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

Overview

Assistant Professor of Communication – Interpersonal emphasis, tenure-track, 4/4 teaching load. Start July 1, 2026. The Department of Communication at Utah Tech University (UT) in St. George, Utah, seeks a qualified candidate with a focus on Interpersonal Communication, especially related to conflict and/or family communication. UT supports active learning and faculty scholarship that involves student researchers and informs teaching. For more information about the department, visit https://communication.utahtech.edu/.

Responsibilities

• Teach 24 credit hours per academic year in lower and/or upper division Communication Studies courses. Course topics may include interpersonal communication, conflict, family communication, the dark side of interpersonal communication, as well as core courses in communication theory and research methods.
• Potential to teach online; candidates may become certified in online instruction. Preference given to those with online teaching experience.
• Contribute to the growth of Communication programs and adapt courses to utilize existing and developing instructional technology.
• Fulfill campus-wide duties, including holding office hours, attending department and division meetings, and serving on committees in accordance with policies.
• Engage in scholarship and/or creative activity appropriate to a teaching university; UT supports both scholarship of discovery and scholarship of pedagogy.
• Mentor, supervise, and assist part-time instructors (adjunct faculty).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Communication or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution required. ABD will be considered if degree will be completed by July 1, 2026.
• Background in interpersonal communication required, with emphasis on experience teaching conflict and family communication courses considered a plus.
• Evidence of successful, student-centered teaching and proficiency in instructional technology (a teaching demonstration may be required for finalists).
• Ability to develop innovative curriculum and appropriate course content for face-to-face and online instruction.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to maintaining a scholarly or creative agenda alongside teaching duties; the university supports diverse scholarly and creative pursuits.

Compensation, Benefits, and Application Details

Full-time (9-month) tenure-track faculty position. Start of pay and benefits: July 1, 2026. Annual salary: $58,000, with additional compensation available for optional summer/overload teaching. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, employee assistance and wellness programs, retirement contributions, and undergraduate tuition waivers for employees and eligible dependents. See the university benefits page for details.

Electronic application procedures: Review begins October 13, 2025; position open until filled. Applicants must submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, contact information for three professional references (with emails), transcripts, and a Student Success Statement (1–2 pages describing teaching experience with diverse student preparedness). Upload all requested documents at submission. Employment is contingent upon degree verification and background check. If you need disability accommodations to apply, contact Human Resources at 435-652-7520.

About Utah Tech University

Utah Tech University is an open, comprehensive, polytechnic institution committed to active, applied, and student-centered learning. Established in 1911 as a community college and in 2013 as a state university, the campus is in southwestern Utah with easy access to outdoor recreation. Utah Tech aims to be a premier open, comprehensive, polytechnic university and is an Equal Opportunity employer. The university does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status. See Title IX and non-discrimination resources linked below for inquiries and further information.

Title IX and Non-Discrimination Resources

Director of Equal Opportunity Compliance / Title IX Coordinator: Hazel Sainsbury – titleix@utahtech.edu. Deputy Title IX Coordinator: Brenda Medrano – titleix@utahtech.edu. For non-discrimination information: titleix.utahtech.edu and related ED resources provided by the U.S. Department of Education. The university provides required consumer information at utahtech.edu/right-to-know/ and polices at police.utahtech.edu/clery-act/.

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