Knight Professor of Journalism and Media Ethics

Washington and Lee University’s Department of Journalism and Mass Communications is seeking a senior colleague to hold the John S. and James L. Knight Chair in journalism and media ethics, beginning in Fall 2025.

Teaching applied ethics has been a fundamental component of the department’s curriculum for several decades. We seek a colleague who can adapt and grow our ethics program to meet the challenges of new media and technology.

In addition to courses in applied ethics, the new chair holder will teach existing courses in our curriculum or other courses related to their professional or academic expertise. The professor is also expected to organize and hold ethics conferences twice a year for students to engage with professionals in journalism and strategic communication about ethical dilemmas confronting the industry. In carrying out the duties of the Knight Chair of Ethics, the professor will promote and advance critical discussion of ethical issues across both the academy and the journalism and mass communications professions.

The Department of Journalism and Mass Communications is the nation’s only accredited journalism program in a highly competitive liberal arts university. Detailed information about the University is available at jobs.wlu.edu and about the department at https://my.wlu.edu/journalism-and-mass-communications-department

W&L is ranked among the top 25 liberal arts institutions. We are committed to the development of an inclusive environment and strive to advance diverse perspectives and approaches within the department and its curriculum. In keeping with the University Strategic Plan, we welcome applications from candidates belonging to communities traditionally underrepresented in academia.

An extensive academic or professional background in applied ethics or adjacent discipline, an advanced degree and leadership in the journalism profession are required. A Ph.D. is desirable but not required.

The ideal candidate will have professional experience in a journalism or communication field at an advanced level and experience with applied ethics or adjacent fields such as inclusion and belonging. Must be able to be hired as a full professor.

To apply, please submit a CV and a cover letter addressing your professional and academic background and your interests in journalism and media ethics. Please include names and contact information for three professional references.

Review of applications will begin on Oct. 1, 2024.

For further information about the position, please contact Dr. Dayo Abah at Abahd@wlu.edu To apply, please visit http://apply.interfolio.com/148630.

Washington and Lee affirms that diverse perspectives and backgrounds enhance our community. We are committed to the recruitment, enrichment, and retention of students, faculty, and staff who embody many experiences, cultures, points of view, interests, and identities. As engaged citizens in a global and diverse society, we seek to advance a positive learning and working environment for all through open and substantive dialogue.

Washington and Lee is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As such, we are interested in candidates who are committed to high standards of scholarship, performance and professionalism and to the development of a campus climate that supports equality and diversity in our faculty, staff and student body. Job description requirements are representative, but not all-inclusive of the knowledge, skill, and abilities needed to successfully perform this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.