Assistant Professor of Mass Media

university mission and regional mission. The university is equally dedicated to the core values of community, including a commitment to practice civility, integrity and citizenship. As members of this community and proud Blazers we strive to uphold these core values for the advancement of the University, as stated in the Blazer Creed and reflected in our commitment to the University System of Georgia's Core Values.

Blazer Creed

Valdosta State University is a learning environment based on trust and mutual respect in which open dialogue, vigorous debate, and the free exchange of ideas are welcome. The University is equally dedicated to the core values of community, including a commitment to practice civility, integrity, and citizenship. As members of this community, and proud Blazers, we will strive to uphold these core values for the advancement of the University.

Civility - A Blazer shows courtesy and compassion as well as respect for the dignity of every human being.

Integrity - Each Blazer is responsible for his or her own actions, and our community is stronger when we contemplate the context of our decisions and uphold the principles of trust and honesty.

Citizenship - Every Blazer has an interest in the well-being of the community, and, therefore, a duty to stay informed, to make positive contributions, and to offer support to those who need help.

As a Blazer, we pledge to uphold the core principles of Civility, Integrity, and Citizenship.

Job Summary

The Department of Theatre, Dance, & Media at Valdosta State University seeks applicants for a tenure track, faculty position in Mass Media for the 2027-2028 academic year beginning August 1, 2027. This position is responsible for teaching in the candidate's area of expertise and providing service to the department, college, and university.

Application Process

An online application is required. Review of completed applications will begin October 30, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Applicants will be required to attach the following to their online application:

• CV
• Letter of interest
• Unofficial Transcripts (Official Transcripts and Official International Course-by-Course Evaluations Due Upon Hire)
• List of three professional references with contact information (including email)

For additional information, please contact Ian Andersen, Interim Department Head, Theatre, Dance, & Media, via email igandersen@valdosta.edu.

Responsibilities

This position carries a standard 4/4 teaching load during the fall and spring semesters, with primary responsibilities in media production, including video, audio, studio, field, and broadcast production. The successful candidate will support a broad, contemporary approach to media production and storytelling across platforms, with the ability to contribute meaningfully to the program's production curriculum. Additional teaching assignments may include broadcasting and media workshops, as well as courses such as Introduction to Mass Media, Media Law and Ethics, Electronic Media Production, and Media Criticism, based on departmental needs and the candidate's qualifications. Faculty are also expected to contribute to the continued development of the Mass Media program and participate in departmental, university, professional, and community service.

Typical Allocation of Duties:

Teaching and scholarship - 80%
Teaches classes and conducts/presents research in the employee's academic discipline.

Service - 20%
Participates in service at the department, college, and university levels.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree (M.F.A.) in mass media or a closely related field completed by the appointment hire date.
• Demonstrated commitment to effective teaching and student learning.
• Demonstrated ability to foster a professional, respectful, and engaging classroom environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Evidence of effective teaching appropriate to the applicant's career stage.
• Professional experience in media production, including audio, video, studio, field production, and broadcasting.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in collaborative and team-based settings.
• Experience mentoring and advising students in academic or applied production environments.

Proposed Salary

Commensurate with experience

USG Core Values

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 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

Applicants are required to provide:

• professional references with current contact information
• documentation of academic credentials
• employment history

Please note that during the search process, VSU reserves the right to:

• ask candidates who will serve in Positions of Trust to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment,
• view social media outlets, and
• remove job postings without additional notification.

Employment is contingent upon:

• successful completion of a background check investigation, including a criminal background check
• reference checks

Employment may also be contingent upon the job-based requirements if applicable for your position:

• satisfactory credit check
• successful completion of a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR)
• pre-employment drug testing
• confirmation of credentials

After initial hiring, employees will be required to successfully complete all of the following training:

• New employee orientation
• VSU's Annual Compliance Training:
  • USG Ethics Policy
  • Conflict of Interest/Outside Activities Policy
  • Drug Free Workplace
  • Sexual Misconduct and Title IX
  • Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
  • Motor Vehicle Policy
  • Workers Compensation (new hires)
  • Georgia Open Records Act (new hires)
  • USG Cybersecurity Training (required twice yearly)
• Job-specific training such as: FMLA and Worker's Compensation, Budget Manager training, Purchasing Training (ePro & PCard), and Defensive Driving

Special Applicant Instructions

Valdosta State University may provide employment-based immigration sponsorship for select positions when consistent with institutional needs, University policy, and applicable law. Sponsorship is considered on a case-by-case basis and is not available for all positions. Applicants who anticipate requiring employer sponsorship now or in the future are encouraged to contact Human Resources early in the recruitment process with questions regarding sponsorship eligibility.