"Department Chair-Full Professor – Journalism & Creative Media - 527534"

Position Summary

The Department of Journalism and Creative Media, in the College of Communication & Information Sciences at The University of Alabama, invites applications for the position of Department Chair, a tenured 12-month position at the level of full professor to begin July 1, 2026.

Detailed Position Information

The successful candidate will lead a nationally recognized, multidisciplinary academic unit that is poised to grow its impact and prominence. The Department has a faculty of teachers, researchers and artists with national and international reputations, producing high-profile scholarship across multiple areas, including (but not limited to) media effects, journalism studies, critical-cultural studies, film production, and creative nonfiction writing. The Department offers students a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses through academic programs in journalism and creative media, as well as access to real-world experience through in-house professional media outlets in the College’s Digital Media Center. The new chair will have the opportunity to help further realize the potential of this multifaceted unit, collaborating with faculty to develop a forward-looking, distinctive vision for the Department’s future.

Candidates should have in-depth experience in at least one of the Department’s subdisciplines in the journalism and creative media areas as well as an understanding and appreciation of the other subdisciplines. Candidates should also have a background in higher ed leadership and a commitment to supporting and developing faculty. Candidates with strong knowledge of today’s changing academic and professional media fields will be well positioned to work with faculty to create effective strategies for innovative, interdisciplinary scholarship and educational offerings.

The Department of Journalism & Creative Media (JCM) is one of four academic units in the College of Communication & Information Sciences. The Department is home to 36 full-time faculty who teach more than 900 undergraduate and graduate student majors. JCM offers undergraduate majors and minors in News media and Creative Media, as well as a major concentration and a minor in sports media. The News Media major includes courses in electronic reporting, multimedia and visual journalism, and specialized writing; the Creative Media major includes courses in filmmaking, screenwriting, production management, and critical studies in film/television. JCM’s News Media major and professional master’s programs are accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism & Mass Communications. JCM also offers a Master of Arts degree in Journalism & Media Studies, which can be completed online or on campus. Additionally, Department faculty have the opportunity to teach in the College’s doctoral program.

Applications submitted by November 15, 2025, will receive full consideration and review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Questions regarding the search should be directed to the search chair, Wilson Lowrey, at wlowrey@ua.edu.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Ph.D., M.F.A., or other terminal degree in a related field.
• Scholarly achievement and reputation consistent with departmental expectations for the rank of full professor. Associate professors who meet this standard will be considered for appointment to full upon hiring.
• A record of teaching excellence in courses relevant to department disciplines.
• Leadership experience in higher education.

Salary will be competitive and commensurate with credentials and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in a department-relevant media profession is a preferred qualification but not required.

Instructions and Required Materials for Application

To apply, provide the following:
• Cover letter highlighting your overall match for the position
• Curriculum vitae
• Names and contact information for three references