American Association of Blacks in Higher Education is hiring: Assistant Professo

Overview

University of Kentucky, a public land‑grant institution located in Lexington, KY, offers a nine‑month tenure‑track, special‑title faculty position in Integrated Strategic Communication. The role is designed for a strong professional and/or teaching background in creativity, visual communication, multimedia, and design.

Job Summary

Assistant Professor, Integrated Strategic Communication – tenure‑track; anticipated start date Aug. 16, 2026. Work involves teaching, scholarship, and service, with a typical effort distribution of 70% teaching, 20% scholarship, and 10% service.

Responsibilities

• Teach three courses per semester (six per academic year) in creative strategy, visual communication, and multimedia.
• Develop and maintain the curriculum, including new courses in areas of expertise.
• Conduct research and/or creative activity consistent with a 20% scholarship effort.
• Perform service functions at academic, departmental, and university levels.
• Establish and maintain ties to the professional community; mentor doctoral students in the interdisciplinary Ph.D. program.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in communication, mass communication, or an MFA with emphasis in integrated strategic communication, advertising, visual communication, graphic design or a related area preferred. In lieu of a Ph.D./MFA, a master’s degree and at least 10 years of full‑time professional ISC experience with increasing responsibility is acceptable.
• Substantial professional and/or university‑level teaching experience in integrated strategic communication.
• Strong knowledge of visual communication theory, persuasive communication contexts, and creative strategy.
• Proficient with current technologies and practices used by professionals in the field.
• Excellent teaching skills and a commitment to student success.

About the Department

The Department of Integrated Strategic Communication offers a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, a minor, and a graduate certificate. The department has 700 majors, 15 full‑time faculty, an award‑winning National Student Advertising Competition team, and student organizations such as PRSSA and the American Advertising Federation student Ad Club. The department is nationally accredited by ACEJMC.

About the College

The College of Communication and Information comprises two schools and multiple interdisciplinary programs, with nearly 100 full‑time faculty, 2,300 undergraduate majors, and 350 graduate students. It hosts the university’s independent student newspaper, The Kentucky Kernel, and the championship‑winning Intercollegiate Debate program.

About the University

With 35,000 students, over 2,500 faculty members, and nearly 14,000 staff, the University of Kentucky is a leading public research institution. It is one of just eight universities in the country with a major academic health center and offers a broad range of academic colleges and professional schools.

About Lexington

Lexington is a vibrant city, recently featured on USA Today’s list of top cities to live in. It offers small‑city affordability with many arts, cultural events, and a thriving dining scene.

Benefits

The university offers generous contributions toward retirement plans, medical, and life insurance, with optional benefits including dental, vision, and supplemental retirement plans. Additional benefit details are available upon request.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal Employment Opportunity/M/F/disability/protected veteran status. The University follows all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination and provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations.

Application Materials

All applicants must provide the following documents:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
2. Cover Letter summarizing background, qualifications, and interest in the position
3. Evidence of teaching excellence
4. Examples of creative and/or research activities
5. Contact information for three references (when prompted)

Apply by Oct. 1, 2025. Questions regarding the position may be directed to Search Committee Co‑chair Jihye Kim at jihye.kim@uky.edu.