Western Michigan University Communication
The School of Communication at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan, invites applications for a tenure-track Faculty Specialist I in Communication. The position begins August 2012.
Qualifications
All candidates minimally must have a master’s degree in organizational or interpersonal communication, or have a reasonable expectation of completing all requirements for the degree prior to August 15, 2012. Evidence of teaching effectiveness in the online environment is required. Ideal candidates would be able to teach undergraduate courses in leadership. The ability to teach undergraduate courses in small groups, communication technology in organizations, or related topics is desirable. Experience mentoring students of color and/or diverse socio-economic backgrounds as well as mentoring nontraditional students is desirable.
The School, University, and Community
The School of Communication at Western Michigan University embraces the philosophy of engaged scholarship – a philosophy that grounds our theory and research in a practical effort to make an impact on our personal relationships, organizations, communities, society and the global community. We have a nationally-recognized masters program and 19 tenure-track faculty actively engaged in student mentoring, who have national and international research and creative activity records. Our graduate program exemplifies a program that engages students in public scholarship, providing transparent criteria for student success, and employs the best practices such as teamwork, interdisciplinary approaches, and mentoring. Our undergraduate curriculum serves approximately 1,100 students in seven majors, including Communication Studies; Film, Video, and Media Studies; Interpersonal Communication; Journalism; Organizational Communication; Public Relations; and Telecommunications and Information Management, and 300 students in three minors: Communication, Journalism, and Communication Education. We have a newly-renovated, state-of-the-art, multi-media facility.
The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching has placed WMU among the 76 public institutions in the nation designated as research universities with high research activity. WMU is a campus of 25,000 and continues to expand its research mission through the inclusion of students at all levels in research endeavors. It is an institution that attracts and retains leading scholars with national and international reputation for innovative research. Both the University and the School maintain a strong commitment to excellence in teaching undergraduate and graduate students, and to retaining the friendliness and personal attention that often are associated with smaller institutions.
Kalamazoo is located only two and half hours by car from Chicago and Detroit and only 45 minutes from the beaches of Lake Michigan. It is located in one of Michigan’s designated research corridors, maintaining a strong life sciences/biotech presence and supporting two leading medical centers. With 230,000 people in the greater Kalamazoo area, the community offers an array of cultural events, entertainment, and all-season recreation. The city supports a nationally-recognized symphony and has earned a reputation for a vibrant community theatre and visual arts scene. Kalamazoo is also the home of the Kalamazoo Promise, a scholarship program offered to all Kalamazoo Public School students that covers up to 100% of tuition and mandatory fees to any Michigan public institution of higher learning.
WMU is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer consistent with applicable Federal and State law. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. Candidates who bring diverse perspectives to the school through their research and teaching and have successful experience mentoring students of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
Applications
Review of applications will begin March 15, 2012, and will continue until filled. Applicants should visit http://www.wmich.edu/hr/careers-at-wmu.htm <http://www.wmich.edu/hr/careers-at-wmu.htm> to apply. Online applications should include: a) vita, and b) letter of application that addresses fulfillment of qualifications including summary of online teaching experience, and pedagogical philosophy. Graduate transcripts, summary of teaching evaluations, representative examples of research activity, and three letters of recommendation can be sent directly to: Dr. Kathleen Propp, Search Committee Chair, School of Communication, Western Michigan University, 1903 W. Michigan, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5318; Fax: (269)-387-3990; Tel: (269)-387-3130; kathleen.propp@wmich.edu; http://www.wmich.edu/communication <http://www.wmich.edu/communication> .
