Professor of Communications

Position Title: Open Rank Professor of Communications

Department: Media Communication Division: Arts & Humanities

Number of hours per week for which this position is budgeted: 40

Number of months per year for which this position is budgeted: 12

Reports to: Vice President of Academic Administration

FSLA Requirement: Exempt

The Open Rank Professor of Communications is a full-time faculty member responsible for teaching, mentoring students, and contributing to the development of a forward-looking communications curriculum that prepares graduates for the ever-shifting landscape of the field. As Hannibal-LaGrange University grows its communication program, this position plays a key role in shaping academically relevant offerings across areas such as media, digital communication, public relations, organizational communication, and strategic messaging — with marketing communication as a valued area of growth.

The professor integrates strong theoretical foundations with applied practice, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and professional communication skills necessary for leadership and generational impact in a rapidly evolving communication landscape. Through an engaged, student centered approach, the faculty member contributes to a collaborative learning community committed to educational relevance, helping students build the adaptability and breadth of knowledge needed to thrive across diverse communication careers.

In alignment with the University’s Christian mission and core values, the successful candidate models teaching grounded in a biblical worldview, integrates faith and learning, and supports the holistic development of students; intellectually, professionally, and spiritually, preparing graduates to serve others and shape their communities.

Employee must possess a vibrant, personal Christian faith including a clear testimony of Christian conversion and be actively involved in an evangelical, preferably Southern Baptist, church.

• Teach undergraduate courses across communication disciplines, which may include media, digital communication, public relations, organizational communication, interpersonal communication, or marketing communication, using effective and engaging pedagogical practices.
• Contribute to the ongoing development, assessment, and refinement of curriculum supporting an evolving Bachelor of Science in Communication, ensuring academic quality, educational relevance, and alignment with industry trends.
• Integrate theoretical foundations with applied learning experiences that prepare students for professional and service-oriented careers across a broad range of communication fields.
• Mentor and advise students academically and professionally, supporting their intellectual growth, career readiness, and personal development within a Christian learning community.
• Incorporate faith-learning integration through teaching grounded in a biblical worldview and support the spiritual formation of students in alignment with the University’s mission and core values.
• Participate in divisional and university service; including faculty meetings, committees, assessment activities, and campus events.
• Support experiential learning opportunities such as internships, service-learning, student media projects, or community partnerships that enhance student learning and community engagement.
• Maintain awareness of emerging communication technologies, platforms, and best practices to ensure instructional content remains current and effective.
• Fulfill other duties as assigned in support of the mission and academic goals of Hannibal LaGrange University.

• Academic Division
• Office of Academic Administration

• Broad knowledge of communication theory and practice, including one or more areas such as digital communication, media production, public relations, organizational communication, strategic messaging, or marketing communication, with awareness of emerging trends and technologies.
• Ability to integrate theoretical foundations with applied, experiential learning approaches that prepare undergraduate students for…