Lakeland University is hiring: Assistant Professor of Communication in Town of P

LAKELAND UNIVERSITY, an independent liberal arts institution located in east central Wisconsin, invites applications from a diverse group of qualified candidates for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor of Communication to begin August 2026.

Lakeland seeks a communication studies generalist to teach a variety of courses in the communication studies program with areas of expertise within research methods, mass communication, and public relations. The successful candidate will contribute to the oversight of the communication studies program and assessment. Additionally, they will advise students, serve on institutional and/or faculty committees, and participate in ongoing professional development.

Lakeland's communication studies program boasts three tracks for students to customize their degree (cooperative education, public relations, and traditional) and proudly produces The Mirror, a student-run news site.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest, current curriculum vitae, a statement of teaching philosophy, and three references, one of which could speak to the candidate's teaching ability. For additional information on Lakeland University, please visit our web site at www.lakeland.edu. Review of applications will begin January 5, 2026.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Teaching 24 credits of on-campus, undergraduate courses per academic year, primarily in communication studies. Opportunities to instruct courses in online and hybrid formats may be available on a limited basis;
• Supervising experiential learning for communication majors and minors;
• Contributing to Lakeland's interdisciplinary studies program based on successful candidate's expertise;
• Administering and/or developing coursework (assignments, projects, in-class learning activities, critiques, exams) that meets and assesses course learning objectives;
• Revising and advancing the communication curriculum and assessment plan as needed;
• Advising students regarding their academic and experiential learning endeavors;
• Participating in student recruitment efforts;
• Serving on faculty and/or institutional committees;
• Participating in professional development opportunities related to one's field as well as student success strategies;
• Using university technology as directed, including academic platforms such as Blackboard and SWIM to support student learning.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in Communication by the start of employment (ABD will be considered)
• Evidence of excellent teaching, in addition to demonstrated competence in online or hybrid learning environments
• Commitment to experiential learning both in and out of the classroom
• Experience working effectively with individuals of varying ages, backgrounds, and motivations
• Experience with curriculum and program assessment preferred

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS

All Lakeland employees are expected to

• Demonstrate in their words and actions an appreciation for the history of Lakeland University and a commitment to its stated mission;
• Represent unequivocally in their behavior the stated values of the University;
• Be good stewards of the University's resources, including its personnel and the goodwill of its friends, its alumni, and local community;
• Work collaboratively (as opposed to competitively) with their peers to meet objectives and achieve our goals;
• Keep their supervisor appropriately informed;
• Be forthright and honest in their communication with all members of the university community;
• Treat all members in a manner of teamwork and respect;
• Act in a manner that sets the standard for service in higher education and the core principals of Lakelanders Excelling at Professionalism (LEAP) – show respect, communicate, and be positive;
• Advise their supervisors with respect to all matters that require attention, including one's own performance.

OTHER DUTIES

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

This is a full-time, (9-month), renewable, tenure-track position. Compensation will be commensurate with background and experience, and a comprehensive benefit program is offered.

Lakeland University does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources.

Lakeland University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Educator.