Lecturer of Communication Studies

About Us Since 1906, the University of West Georgia (UWG) has been home to those who seek a transformative college experience. UWG is a leading residential, doctoral comprehensive university that offers a broad undergraduate and graduate curriculum based on a liberal arts foundation. Nestled among the pines on a picturesque 645 acres is the University of West Georgia—a hidden gem approximately 40 miles west of Atlanta. Serving approximately 16,000+ students, and offering more than 100 programs, UWG is committed to advancing innovative academic programs and a student-centered business model. Perennially ranked by U.S. News & World Report, the Princeton Review, and Colleges of Distinction as a top national university, West Georgia offers 86 fields of study, including business, computing, nursing, education, STEM, communication and digital media, social sciences, and the fine and performing arts. UWG generates a regional economic impact of more than $650 million annually and provides a safe, quality, and affordable university experience that connects students to post-graduate career and leadership opportunities. UWG has been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for its institutional commitment to community engagement through teaching, research and creative activities, and public service. West Georgia is one of only 119 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the elective classification in 2020 and is among only 359 institutions nationally. Dedicated to creating a first-choice university for students, alumni, employees, and communities, UWG seeks employees who will advance and support the University's mission of fulfilling the talent needs of western Georgia and the Atlanta metropolitan area, while contributing to the social, cultural, and economic development of the region and state. The University of West Georgia offers a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support faculty and staff across multiple dimensions; health, wellness, financial security, and professional growth. Employees working at least 30 hours per week gain access to a range of health plans, including medical, dental, and vision, wellness programs, and robust retirement options through Georgia Teachers Retirement System (TRS), Optional Retirement Program, and voluntary 403(b) and 457(b) plans. Employees are granted 13 paid holidays and paid time off accruals and are eligible to participate in the University System of Georgia's Tuition Assistance Program. Fringe benefits include a variety of resources focused on employee physical, mental, financial, and social well-being through Acentra Employee Assistance Program in addition to personal financial advising with Captrust. UWG also offers exclusive discounts and special offers on entertainment, travel, and other products and services through the Perks at Work program, free access to the university recreation facility, discounted campus dining options, and more! Living in Carrollton, "The City of Dreams," offers the advantages of city life with a small-town vibe. This progressive community with Southern flair offers plenty of shopping, restaurants, nightlife opportunities, and cultural events. Named a City of Excellence in Georgia and listed as one of the 50 Best Small Southern Towns, Carrollton is the cultural, educational, health care, and commercial center for the west Georgia region. At the heart of Carrollton is its historic downtown and Adamson Square lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Each season offers unique local events and opportunities for year-round recreation. Outdoor activities abound through award-winning spaces, including an 18-mile paved walking and biking Greenbelt trail that encircles the city and passes through the UWG campus. The city embraces the University's students, faculty, and staff, and welcomes the diversity UWG brings to the community. Invested in education with highly rated city and county K-12 systems, both city and county public school graduation rates are 90% and above and rank among the top in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Location Our campus is located at 1601 Maple Street, Carrollton, GA 30118. Faculty and staff members are expected to be physically present on campus as needed to support the in-person educational experience and on-campus vitality at the University of West Georgia. Depending upon teaching assignments and student demand, this could include the Carrollton or Newnan campuses. Department Information The School of Communication, Film, and Media (SCFM) at the University of West Georgia is an award-winning, ACEJMC-accredited program committed to excellence in teaching, experiential learning, and student success. As UWG's 2026-2027 nominee for the University System of Georgia's Regents' Award for Excellence in High-Impact Practices and Experiential Learning, SCFM fosters a collaborative culture grounded in meaningful engagement among students, faculty, staff, alumni, and industry professionals. Our accomplished faculty combine scholarly expertise with professional experience to create transformative learning opportunities that prepare graduates to succeed in a rapidly evolving communication, media, and entertainment landscape. SCFM offers innovative academic programs that combine theory, practice, and professional preparation. The School is home to Nexus degrees in Live Production, Streaming & Esports and Film & Television Production; undergraduate degrees in Film & Video Production and Mass Communications; graduate study in Digital and Social Media Communication; and certificates in Communication in the Workplace, Emerging Digital Media Practitioner, and Health Communication. Mass Communications majors may pursue concentrations in Audio Production & Studio Recording, Digital Media & Entertainment, Film & Video Production, Journalism, or Public Relations. Experiential learning is central to the SCFM mission. Students gain hands-on professional experience through the School's industry-focused laboratories and student media enterprises, including bluestone Public Relations Firm, the Digital Journalism Innovation Lab (home to The West Georgian and WUTV), WOLF Radio, WOLF Sports Network, and SCFM Productions, which develops video and strategic communication content for internal and external clients. Located less than an hour from Atlanta, one of the nation's leading media and public relations hubs, SCFM leverages strong industry partnerships to provide students and faculty with exceptional networking, internship, professional development, and career opportunities. Job Summary The School of Communication, Film, and Media at the University of West Georgia invites applications for multiple Lecturers in Communication Studies to begin August 1, 2027. The successful candidates will primarily teach public speaking and human communication and will support the certificates in Communication in the Workplace and Health Communication, as well as the minor in Communication Studies, by offering upper-level courses. There will also be limited opportunities to teach graduate seminars aligned with the master's program in digital and social media communication. Thie lecturer positions include the standard responsibilities of a full-time faculty member: 1) a 12 credit hour teaching load each semester; 2) engagement in professional growth and development activities such as research, scholarship, creative work, and/or professional practice, including pursuing external funding opportunities where appropriate; and 3) service to the School, University, and/or System appropriate to the faculty member's rank. Contact Information Questions may be addressed to the SCFM Dean's Office at scfm@westga.edu. Required Qualifications Master's degree in the discipline (e.g., communication, communication studies) or a closely related field. Demonstrated commitment to excellence in communication education, as evidenced by successful college-level teaching. Demonstrated ongoing professional growth and development. Demonstrated record of service commensurate with rank. Preferred Qualifications Ph.D. in the discipline (e.g., communication, communication studies) or a closely related field. Strong commitment to collaborative engagement within the School and with other academic programs and/or community partners. Sustained commitment to culturally proficient communication that empowers individuals and groups traditionally disenfranchised in society, both domestically and globally, across communication and media contexts. Demonstrated excellence in teaching in-person, hybrid, and fully online formats. Proposed Salary Competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications, pending funding availability. Required Documents to Attach To Apply: Applicants should apply online at www.westga.edu/hr. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration, submit all materials by January 5, 2027. Required Documents to Attach Letter of Application Curriculum Vitae Contact Information for three references will be required for finalists Only complete applications will be considered. UWG embraces cultural awareness and respectful engagement, recognizing the valuable contributions of each member of our faculty, staff, and student body. Therefore, applicants should describe in their letter of application how their teaching contributes to respectful engagement across cultures. USG Core Values The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 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 on-line 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 on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 . Conditions of Employment 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 West Georgia as determined by the University of West Georgia in its sole discretion; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials, reference checks; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request. Equal Employment Opportunity Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (USG). The Board of Regents prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual's age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status ("protected status"). No individual shall be excluded from the participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any USG program or activity because of the individual's protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual's protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law. Other Information The mission of the University of West Georgia is to enable students, faculty, and staff to realize their full potential through academic engagement, supportive services, professional development, and a caring, student-centered community. The institutional mission and daily operation of the University of West Georgia are guided by our values that support our vision to be the best place to work, learn, and succeed: ACHIEVEMENT, CARING, COLLABORATION, INCLUSIVENESS, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, SUSTAINABILITY, and WISDOM.