Dan Rather Endowed Visiting Assistant Professor in ...

Posting Details Come and join the Bearkat community! 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. Position Information 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 Dan Rather Endowed Visiting Assistant Professor in Journalism and Media Requisition 202500174F Rank Visiting Assistant Professor FLSA status Exempt Hiring Salary Commensurate with education and experience Position CategoryPosition Type Full-Time Non-Tenure Track College College of Arts & Media Department Dept of Mass Communication Open Date 01/12/2026 Quicklink Refer Applicants To Contact Name Marcus Funk Title Dan Rather Communication Building 1804 Avenue J Box 2207 Huntsville, TX 77341-2207 Contact Phone (936) 294-3553 Contact Email Position Details Duties Performed in the Usual Course of the Job The Department of Mass Communication at Sam Houston State University invites applications for the Dan Rather Endowed Visiting Assistant Professor in Journalism and Media, beginning Fall 2026. We seek accomplished professionals with a distinguished record in journalism and media. Areas of expertise may include, but are not limited to, emerging media ethics, sports journalism, and the evolving intersection of artificial intelligence and journalism. The ideal candidate will demonstrate proven leadership in newsrooms or broadcast journalism, possess a deep understanding of current and future media trends, and excel in producing, editing, and reporting across both traditional and emerging platforms. This role offers rich opportunities to collaborate with our award-winning student media outlets, such as The Houstonian, KSHU-FM, and Channel 7, while preparing students for success in today's competitive media landscape. The successful candidate will be well-connected within the industry and dedicated to building relationships that connect newsrooms and media leaders with students, faculty, and alumni at SHSU. Additionally, the role requires active engagement with the campus and Huntsville communities, along with contributions to program development and departmental initiatives. Key Responsibilities Include: Teach a 3/3 course load, including a media practicum within the candidate's area of expertise. Serve as a liaison to industry professionals, alumni, and community stakeholders. Organize guest speakers, workshops, and events that advance the department's mission. Serve on departmental, college, and university committees as needed. Collaborate with faculty to enhance the department's visibility and reputation. Develop and implement new courses that equip students with essential skills for workforce readiness. Educational Requirements for the Position Bachelor's degree in mass communication, journalism, or a closely related field with a record of distinguished professional experience in journalism or media production. Experience Required for the Position Maintain strong connections within the media industry and an active presence in academic or professional organizations related to journalism and mass communication. Possess a minimum of five years of professional achievement in the media industry, demonstrating a proven track record of excellence. Other Requirements for the PositionPreferred Qualifications Prior experience teaching in higher education, Prior experience supervising student organizations and media practicums, Active membership in professional organizations, National or international recognition as a journalist, scholar, or media innovator, with a robust portfolio of published work, creative achievements, or industry contributions. To ensure full consideration, applications must be submitted online and include: A cover letter detailing the applicant's qualifications, relevant experience, and interest in the position; a current CV; and contact information for three references addressed to Marcus Funk () Please note: References provided in the References section of the application will receive an automated email reference request at the time the application is submitted. For full consideration, apply by January 23, 2026; the position will remain open until filled. Special Instructions SummaryAbout 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 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. 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, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or protected veteran status. The University takes seriously the initiative to ensure equal opportunity in the workforce and to comply with Title VII as interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court. 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

Created: 2026-03-10