Virginius Dabney Distinguished Professorship

Posting Details

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Position Number F67210 Position Type Teaching and Research Faculty Rank Open Working Title Virginius Dabney Distinguished Professorship School/Unit College of Humanities and Sciences Department Robertson School Number of Months 9 Tenure Status Non-Tenure Eligible Grant funded position? No
Mission or Goal of Unit

The Virginia Commonwealth University Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture prepares effective communicators through quality instruction, advising and student services based on real world applications. Through research, professional service and scholarship in applied communications, the School advances the knowledge and practice of a multi-disciplinary and evolving media environment. The School values truth, ethics, creativity, innovation, collaboration, cultural diversity, shared governance and community engagement.

The Virginius Dabney Distinguished Professorship was established in 1988 through an endowment from Richmond Newspapers and Media General Inc. Virginius Dabney, who died in 1995, was a longtime editor of the Richmond Times-Dispatch and won a Pulitzer Prize for his editorials against racial segregation and the poll tax. The professorship offers VCU students, faculty and media professionals the opportunity to interact with and learn from journalists with national prominence.

Former Dabney recipients include Bob Levey, a longtime Washington Post daily columnist; David Shribman, a Pulitzer-winning reporter at The Boston Globe; Leonard Pitts, Pulitzer Prize columnist for the Miami Herald; Dorothy Gilliam, the first female African-American reporter at The Washington Post; and Lee Ivory, former reporter and editor at USA Today.

This is an exciting time to be at VCU and a great opportunity to join our forward-thinking school. VCU is one of the nation’s premier urban, public research universities. With more than 31,000 students, it is one of the largest universities in Virginia. The Robertson School is accredited by ACEJMC and has approximately 900 students.

Chief purpose of this position in support of above mission or goal

This position will contribute to helping the Robertson School of Media and Culture meet its Quest goals by increasing its teaching power in journalism (Quest 1) and contributing to the School’s community engagement (Theme IV).

Position Responsibilities

This part-time position includes teaching two classes per semester along with other opportunities to interact with students, faculty and professionals.

Required Qualifications

The successful candidate will have achieved a national record of distinction in journalism, including with innovative media platforms, and have a desire to share that distinction with students and faculty in the Robertson School.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred candidates will have a successful record of working with diverse and underserved populations and a demonstrated potential to do so at Virginia Commonwealth University.


Date Posted 01/06/2021 Open Until Filled Yes Application Deadline Date Proposed Hire Date 08/10/2021 Type of Search National Application Process/Additional Information

As a preeminent national, urban, public research university and academic health center, Virginia Commonwealth University is committed to organizational diversity, equity and inclusion – an environment where all can thrive in their pursuit of excellence.

Applicants are requested to submit a Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (typically between 150-300 words) providing your career aspirations and contributions toward promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through this statement, you can share how your lived experiences, and academic and professional activities will impact your contribute to VCU’s mission of promoting equity and inclusion.

Note: Examples include working with others to further the goals of equity and inclusion; leading in any capacity that tangibly promotes an environment where diversity is welcomed, fostered, and celebrated; creative activity, research and scholarship that promotes equity and parity; teaching and mentoring students, and/or engaging with faculty and/or staff from traditionally underrepresented groups to create a positive and successful organizational experience.

Please submit the following application materials at VCUJOBS .com: (1) A letter of application addressed to Professor Veronica Garabelli, Chair of the Search Committee; (2) a current curriculum vitae (including the names and contact information of three references); and (3) a Diversity Statement using the guidelines above. Review of applicants will begin on February 10, 2021.

Posted Salary Quick Link https://www.vcujobs.com/postings/102553 Diversity Statement Information For more information on diversity statements, including guidelines, please click here . Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Cover Letter/Letter of Application
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3. Diversity Statement (Required for all Faculty)

Optional Documents

1. Other Document