The Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology program at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) invites applicants for a full-time, 10-month, tenure-track faculty position (#118040) at the rank of assistant or associate professor with expertise in adult neurogenic communication and swallowing disorders. The start date for the position is August 1, 2027.

We seek a collaborative, student-centered colleague who is committed to excellence in undergraduate teaching and mentoring and will build a productive research program in adult neurogenic disorders. The successful candidate will join a growing undergraduate program within the new Department of Health Sciences in the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences (CBHS) and will have the opportunity to help shape a proposed graduate program in speech-language pathology. The college’s mission is to learn, lead, and serve to improve the health, safety, and well-being of Tennessee, our nation, and the world. This position supports the CBHS Strategic Plan 2026–2030, including its grand challenges to enhance, innovate, and expand rural health services and to create and integrate services and experiences for healthy living and quality of life. It also supports the priorities of the MTSU Strategic Plan 2035: increasing the university’s research profile, strengthening the campus community, and cultivating sustainable partnerships.

Key Responsibilities:

Extending the services already provided by the program's faculty and students, such as hearing and Head Start screenings in rural Middle Tennessee communities, to adults with neurogenic communication and swallowing disorders, including stroke survivors and older adults.

Teaching undergraduate courses in the candidate’s area of expertise, which include Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism, Neurogenic Communication Disorders, and Dysphagia, as well as other foundational courses in communication sciences and disorders.

Maintaining an active, externally fundable program of research in adult neurogenic communication or swallowing disorders, such as aphasia, traumatic brain injury, motor speech disorders, cognitive-communication disorders, dementia, or dysphagia.

Mentoring undergraduate students in research, including honors theses and student presentations. Supervising undergraduate student clinicians in clinical observation and practicum experiences.

Advising undergraduate students on academic progress and career pathways.

Developing community partnerships with hospitals, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, and community organizations that create clinical, service-learning, and research opportunities for students.

Collaborating with colleagues across CBHS, including nursing, physician assistant studies, public health, nutrition and food science, kinesiology, and psychology, on interprofessional teaching and research.

Providing service to the program, department, college, university, and profession. Excellence in teaching, research, creative activity, and service.

Required Education

A terminal degree in communication sciences and disorders or a closely related field is required by the appointment date.

Required Related Experience

Three years of clinical experience with adults who have neurogenic communication or swallowing disorders is required by the appointment date.

Required License/Registration/Certification

Applicants must be eligible for, or have, their ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) and be eligible for Tennessee licensure in speech-language pathology by the appointment date.

Other Desirables

Applicants with the following will receive special consideration:

Clinical experience in medical settings, such as acute care, inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation, or skilled nursing facilities. Experience teaching neuroscience, neurogenic communication disorders, dysphagia, or anatomy and physiology.

Record of peer-reviewed publications and presentations. History of or strong potential for securing external funding.

Research or clinical interests related to rural health, healthy aging, or improving access to services for underserved adults. Experience mentoring undergraduate students in research.

Experience with clinical supervision and with linguistically and culturally diverse populations. Experience with interprofessional education or collaborative practice.

Documents Needed to Apply

To successfully apply, applicants must include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy, and statement of research or creative activities (as appropriate to the discipline) as separate attachments when submitting the application.

Special Instruction to Applicants

When applying, applicants must provide complete contact information, including email addresses, for three professional references. References will be contacted to provide a reference letter if the applicant is selected for an interview. In addition, if the applicant is selected for the position, official transcripts of all degrees conferred, including translations and evaluations of international transcripts from an approved credentialing agency, will be required before a contract is issued. All submitted materials become the property of MTSU and will not be returned. Submission of materials is the applicant’s responsibility. Applications without all required materials are incomplete and will not be considered.

If you need help with the application, please contact Mitzi Dunkley, Faculty Recruitment Specialist, at (615) 898-5128. If you have position-specific questions, please contact Kathryn Blankenship at Katherine.Blankenship@mtsu.edu.