Department Head, Professor

Position Summary

The Department of Communication Studies at the University of Georgia invites applications for a Department Head at the rank of Full Professor in Health Communication with an anticipated start date of August 1, 2025. The department head will be an accomplished social scientist, with internationally recognized expertise in Health Communication (an area of continued significance for the department, college, and university) with a program of research that complements the strengths of the department’s faculty. We are open to candidates who employ diverse methodologies, including empirical, analytical, and critical approaches. We are especially interested in candidates with a strong record of external funding.

The successful applicant will demonstrate a history of leadership that has prepared them for leading a department. They should be committed to multidisciplinary collaboration across a comprehensive university and ideally envision possibilities for collaborating with UGA’s new medical school. They should also have an interest in curricular innovation, as there is an immediate opportunity to develop online and/or professional graduate education focused on health communication. They will be expected to have a well-developed vision for the Department of Communication Studies, an active research program, and a commitment to teaching and mentoring. The standard teaching load for tenure-track faculty in the department is two courses per semester; however, the Head of Department typically teaches only two courses per year. The Head of the Department will report to the Dean of the Franklin College of Arts & Sciences and will oversee academic, personnel, administrative, and budgetary matters in the department.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants must include: 1) a cover letter 2) curriculum vitae 3) and a research philosophy statement that also outlines a leadership vision for the Department of Communication Studies. Candidates should also submit names and contact information for three references, who will be asked to provide letters of recommendation if the candidate is selected for an interview. For questions, please contact the search committee via Dr. Analisa Arroyo arroyo@uga.edu . All applications received by December 20, 2024, will receive full consideration, and review will continue until the position is filled.

Posting Details

Posting Number

F2191P

Working Title

Department Head, Professor

Department

Franklin-Communication Studies

About the University of Georgia

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education ( https://www.uga.edu/ ). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

About the College/Unit/Department

UGA is a research-intensive land-grant university. The Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, its many units, and the University of Georgia are committed to sustaining a work and learning environment that is inclusive. The Department of Communication Studies has 18 full time and 10 part-time faculty members, who are nationally recognized authorities in rhetorical studies, interpersonal communication, intergroup communication, persuasion, and health communication. Our faculty are committed to maintaining high standards in both undergraduate and graduate instruction. The department maintains a PhD program with approximately 40 graduate students and an undergraduate program with approximately 300 majors. Our alliances with the Institute of Behavioral Research and the Center for Health and Risk Communication allow for a focused study of interpersonal communication and health communication processes that are directly relevant to a variety of real-world contexts. UGA is located in the vibrant city of Athens in the northern Piedmont region of Georgia. Athens is 65 miles east of Atlanta, less than two hours from the Chattahoochee National Forest and southern Appalachian Mountains, and within easy driving distance of the Atlantic coast. Athens is home to a thriving arts and music community and prides itself on its cultural diversity (http://www.visitathensga.com).

College/Unit/Department website

https://comm.uga.edu/

Posting Type

External

Retirement Plan

Employment Type

Employee

Benefits Eligibility

Benefits Eligible

Underutilization

Advertised Salary

Anticipated Start Date

08/01/2025

Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings)

Job Posting Date

11/01/2024

Job Closing Date

Open until filled

Yes

Location of Vacancy

Athens Area

EEO Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .

Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title

Department Chair/Head AC

FLSA

Faculty Rank

Professor

Contract Type

Academic (9 mo.)

Tenure Status

Minimum Qualifications

A PhD in Communication Studies is expected.

Additional Requirements

Candidates considered for the Full Professor rank must have qualifications and academic credentials that are commensurate with the promotion and tenure guidelines at the University of Georgia and must be approved for tenure upon appointment before hire. These guidelines can be found at https://provost.uga.edu/faculty-affairs/promotion-tenure/ .

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

Physical Demands

Is this a Position of Trust?

Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?

Yes

Does this position require a P-Card?

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?

No

Is driving a responsibility of this position?

No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?

No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)

Yes

Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website .

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website .

Duties/Responsibilities

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. Research Portfolio/Philosophy

Optional Documents