Assistant Professor of Interpersonal Communication – Tenure Eligible

Luther College seeks a qualified professor of interpersonal communication with a demonstrated commitment to engaged teaching, thoughtful scholarship, and meaningful community service to begin in the 2025-26 academic year.  The successful applicant will play a vital role in the Department of Communication Studies, teaching six courses annually over the fall, January, and spring terms.  The teaching load includes two sections of Interpersonal Communication, one section of Relational Theories/Methods, and a combination of the following: Small Group Communication, Family Communication, Health Communication, and/or other courses in the candidate’s area of expertise.  Candidates specializing in the intersection of interpersonal communication and media are particularly encouraged to apply.

Recognizing the transdisciplinary of communication studies, the department embraces a collaborative approach to teaching, research, and service through established relationships with such diverse programs as Applied Leadership Studies, Identity Studies, Visual Communication, and Paideia.  Other opportunities for collaboration include programs in Global Health, International Studies, and Law and Values.

While a PhD by September 1, 2025 is preferred, ABD will be considered at instructor rank converting to Assistant Professor rank upon completion of PhD.  Teaching experience is required.  The successful candidate will demonstrate an understanding of engaged teaching and an interest in student mentoring.

The Department of Communication Studies faculty at Luther College help students to understand, evaluate, and practice human communication in all its forms.  The unique departmental curriculum reflects the faculty’s ongoing commitment to encouraging students to 1) examine communication critically, and 2) cultivate quality communication in all aspects of their lives.  Through inspired and enthusiastic teaching, the faculty challenge students to interrogate foundational and groundbreaking communication concepts, theories, and practices.  Specializing in relational studies, rhetorical studies, and media studies, the department calls students to interact purposefully, create intentionally, and communicate eloquently.

Luther College is located in rural Northeast Iowa, a regional hub for outdoor recreation, with two nationally recognized healthcare systems and top-ranked schools, business, agriculture, specialty retail, dining, and tourism.  Major Midwest metropolitan areas within a three-hour driving distance include Des Moines, IA; Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN; and Madison, WI. We are an easy drive to La Crosse, WI, Cedar Falls/Waterloo, IA, and Rochester, MN, home of Mayo Clinic.

At Luther College, diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to our educational mission and values.  We are committed to the institutional change required for visioning and realizing a more equitable and socially just college and society.  Strong candidates will have experience and vision regarding teaching and mentorship of students of multiple and diverse backgrounds, with attention to structural barriers that limit access to educational opportunities.

With support from departmental colleagues and the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, the successful candidate will participate in program development, student recruitment, and advising.  Departmental and college service, professional development activities that support teaching or research interests, and pursuing research that involves undergraduate students are all aspects of working at Luther College.

Apply:  Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled; applications received by April 26, 2025 will be given full consideration.  Campus interviews are planned for May 2025. Apply for the position at https://www.luther.edu/offices/hr/careers.  Applicants’ dossier should include:

• Cover letter (1 page, single spaced) describing your interest in the position as articulated in this position description.
• Curriculum vitae.
• A teaching statement/philosophy (1 to 2 pages, single spaced) demonstrating 1) your approaches to teaching interpersonal communication, 2) your successes in embracing engaged learning, and 3) your specific efforts to remove barriers and support the success of all students through classroom pedagogy and student interactions.
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness.
• A scholarship statement (1 to 2 pages) reflecting on past projects, describing current projects, and speculating on future projects, including how they might involve collaboration with colleagues and students.
• Unofficial graduate and undergraduate transcripts. 
• Contact information for three references (name, affiliation, email, and phone). References will only be contacted for those candidates invited for a campus visit with prior notification to the candidate.

The current salary range for assistant professors with 0-5 years of experience is $52,000–$58,000 (academic year salary); placement on scale is dependent on credentials and applicable experience. Additional opportunities are available (start-up funds, summer teaching, summer undergraduate research, grant research, administrative duties, etc.).  

Inquiries about the position may be directed to Thomas C. Johnson (thomascjohnson@luther.edu), Search Chair, Department of Communication Studies, Luther College, 700 College Drive, Decorah, Iowa 52101. Additional information about the college is available by visiting the college website (www.luther.edu). Questions regarding the application process should be directed to Human Resources (hr@luther.edu).

Salary : $52,000 - $58,000