Assistant Professor of Communication Studies/Speaking Center director Job at Uni

Assistant Professor of Communication Studies / Speaking Center Director

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Communication Studies / Speaking Center director.

Location:
Hattiesburg
118 College Drive
Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001
United States

Division: School of Media and Communication

Position Type: Faculty

Employment Status: Full Time

Grant Funded: No

Pay Grade: Generic Grade

Posting Close Date: December 12, 2025

Special Instructions to Applicants Please include CV, cover letter addressing job requirements, and a statement of philosophy on running the speaking center.

Job Summary The University of Southern Mississippi invites applications for a position at the level of assistant professor specializing in communication studies in the School of Media & Communication within the College of Arts and Sciences to begin August 2026. The successful candidate will serve as director of the USM Speaking Center. Applications are welcome from those with experience teaching a wide range of communication topics, including public speaking, interpersonal, small group, crisis, organizational, and health. A core value of the school and the university is creating a faculty with multi backgrounds and skillsets. Those who can articulate such traits are particularly welcome to apply.

The School of Media & Communication is a vibrant intellectual community of 22 full‑time faculty members on both the Hattiesburg and Gulf Park campuses and over 375 undergraduate and graduate students. Academic programs include undergraduate majors in Communication Studies, Digital Journalism, Media and Entertainment Arts and Strategic Communication, as well as mass communication, communication study and public relations degrees at the master’s and doctoral levels. The School also has a significant presence on campus, housing the Student Media Center, the USM Speaking Center, a nationally competitive speech and debate team, and a variety of other student organizations. The school is fully accredited by the ACEJMC.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in communication studies, depending on qualifications, including public speaking, professional communication, group communication, and other topics.
• Oversee Speaking Center.
• Engage in student recruitment.
• Contribute to the mission of the school, college, university, and wider community through campus and professional service.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in communication, communication studies or related field, which must be completed by the time of appointment (August 2026).
• Evidence of effective teaching.
• Evidence of successfully organizing team work schedules and other administrative tasks.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Familiarity with learning management systems such as Canvas.
• Ability to effectively communicate in university settings.
• Demonstrated knowledge of communication studies content areas, such as public speaking and communication in a variety of forms.

Preferred Qualifications

• Evidence of effective teaching at a university and experience in leading tutoring programs in the communication field.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with faculty and administration to advance the program.
• The ability to teach courses in communication research, theory and writing.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and demonstration of familiarity with industry tools and software.
• Experience working on hands‑on experiential projects that engage students in community service.

About The University of Southern Mississippi Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community‑engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation’s leading research institutions. Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others. We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.