Virginius Dabney Distinguished Professorship

Virginius Dabney Distinguished Professorship

The Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture at Virginia Commonwealth University is accepting applications for the Fall 2021, Spring 2022, or the full 2021-2022 academic year for The Virginius Dabney Distinguished Professorship. Faculty rank is open and will be determined by the credentials of the selected candidate. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experiences.

The Virginius Dabney Distinguished Professorship was established in 1988 through an endowment from Richmond Newspapers and Media General Inc. Virginius Dabney, who died in 1995, was a longtime editor of the Richmond Times-Dispatch and won a Pulitzer Prize for his editorials against racial segregation and the poll tax. The professorship offers VCU students, faculty and media professionals the opportunity to interact with and learn from journalists with national prominence.

Former Dabney recipients include Bob Levey, a longtime Washington Post daily columnist; David Shribman, a Pulitzer-winning reporter at The Boston Globe; Leonard Pitts, Pulitzer Prize columnist for the Miami Herald; Dorothy Gilliam, the first female African-American reporter at The Washington Post; and Lee Ivory, former reporter and editor at USA Today.

This is an exciting time to be at VCU and a great opportunity to join our forward-thinking school. VCU is one of the nation’s premier urban, public research universities. With more than 31,000 students, it is one of the largest universities in Virginia. The Robertson School is accredited by ACEJMC and has approximately 900 students.

The Robertson School attracts a diverse student body and about 50% of our students are racially and ethnically diverse and/or members of other diverse groups. Robertson School journalism classes provide real-life skills and engage in hands-on reporting opportunities in the community with Capital News Service and VCU InSight.

The successful candidate will have achieved a national record of distinction in journalism, including with innovative media platforms, and have a desire to share that distinction with students and faculty in the Robertson School. Preferred candidates will have a successful record of working with diverse and underserved populations and a demonstrated potential to do so at Virginia Commonwealth University. Applicants are requested to submit a Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (typically between 150-300 words) providing your career aspirations and contributions toward promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through this statement, you can share how your lived experiences and academic and professional activities will impact your contribution to VCU’s mission of promoting equity and inclusion. This part-time position includes teaching two classes per semester along with other opportunities to interact with students, faculty and professionals. Benefits are not included.

Application Process
Please submit the following application materials at VCUJOBS.com: (1) A letter of application addressed to Professor Veronica Garabelli, Chair of the Search Committee; (2) a current curriculum vitae (including the names and contact information of three references); and (3) a Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Review of applicants will begin on February 10, 2021. The position remains open until filled. For additional information, contact Professor Veronica Garabelli at garabelliva@vcu.edu or visit the School’s website at https://robertson.vcu.edu.

Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.