The School of Journalism and Media in the College of Communication and Information at the University of Kentucky is seeking candidates for the position of Video Games/eSports Professional in Residence to join a nationally ranked media and journalism program. This is a Lecturer, non-tenure track, 12 month appointment renewed annually. The anticipated start date for this position is January 1, 2025.

Main responsibilities include teaching courses in video game design and development and related areas of esports. The professional in residence will mentor and oversee esports groups, and participate in event planning and the administration of esports tournaments and other activities at the UK campus. The hire is also expected to collaborate with faculty and staff to identify, create, and facilitate learning opportunities for the students relating to video games and esports.

The ideal candidate must have a minimum of five (5) years of related and verifiable work experience in video game design and development and is required to hold a bachelor's or master's (preferred) degree from an accredited college or university. Teaching at the college level is a plus.

 

The School of Journalism and Media is recognized for its accomplishments in academic scholarship and professional areas. The School offers B.A. and B.S. degrees in two areas of study: journalism (print/multimedia, broadcast/multimedia) and media arts and studies. Both programs are fully ACEJMC accredited. The School also participates in the graduate program of the college that includes the M.A. and Ph.D. in Communication.

Students learn first-hand working at the award-winning Kentucky Kernel newspaper, KRNL Lifestyle and Fashion magazine and the Kentucky Kernel Year in Photos. Also, there are great opportunities at WRFL, WUKY, and the Student News Network, our award-winning student newscast. School alumni include Pulitzer, Emmy, Murrow, and Oscar winners and current media makers with ESPN, CBS, NBC, NPR, CNN, EA, and The Washington Post, and local media outlets around the country.

The School also promotes the free flow of information through its Scripps Howard First Amendment Center. Since 1981, the School has been the home of the Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame.

The College of Communication and Information is composed of two schools (School of Information Science and School of Journalism and Media), two departments (Department of Communication and Department of Integrated Strategic Communication), and interdisciplinary master’s and PhD programs. More than 2,000 undergraduate majors and 350 graduate students are led by more than 100 full-time faculty, who also teach in the university's core curriculum and serve students pursuing minors and certificates in the College. The College also houses UK's independent student newspaper, The Kentucky Kernel, and the championship-winning Intercollegiate Debate Team.

Located in the vibrant city of Lexington, the University of Kentucky is a public, land-grant institution that plays a critical leadership role in promoting  economic development and human well-being. The campus is home to more than 33,000 students, more than 2,500 faculty members, and nearly 14,000 staff members. The university is one of just eight in the country with a major academic health center and a full spectrum of academic colleges and professional schools on one contiguous campus. As such, the University of Kentucky is an incubator for interdisciplinary research. These collaborations allow researchers to address the rapidly changing needs of a global society.

According to Forbes magazine’s 2023 America’s Best Large Employers list, the University of Kentucky ranked sixth out of 500 companies. In additions, for a sixth straight year, the University of Kentucky has appeared on ModernThink’s list of Great Colleges to Work For. As a leader among employers, the University of Kentucky offers a comprehensive benefits package. For more details, please visit www.uky.edu/HR/benefits.

Featured on the U.S. News & World Report’s list of best places to live in 2023, the City of Lexington is a great place to not only live, but also work and study. With a population of roughly 320,000, Lexington offers both the warmth and lower cost of living of a small city and the amenities you would enjoy in a larger city, including the arts, cultural events, and a thriving dining scene. https://www.visitlex.com/

Application materials should include: (1) a letter of application (2) a curriculum vita; (3) evidence of teaching excellence (attach as Specific Request 1), and (4) contact information for three references when prompted in the application. Please note that references will not be contacted without prior consent.

Application review will begin October 1, 2024, and continue until the position is filled. Questions regarding the position may be directed to Search Committee Chair Dr. Zixue Tai at ztai2@uky.edu.