University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Application Process:

Click “Apply Now” and login or create an applicant profile. Complete the application and upload the following required documents:

1. A letter of application addressing your match with the required qualifications, including a description of debate coaching philosophy and experience.
2. Curriculum vitae, including a list of courses taught.
3. Names, addresses, and email addresses of at least three references who will be sending letters.

In addition, send evidence of teaching effectiveness electronically to aduncan3@unl.edu. Have a minimum of three reference letters sent directly from the letter writers to aduncan3@unl.edu.

Inquiries about the position or search process should be made to Search Committee Chair, Dr. Aaron Duncan, Director of Speech & Debate, University of Nebraska-Lincoln: aduncan3@unl.edu; 402-472-2070.

Job Summary:

The Department of Communication Studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln seeks candidates for the Jere McGaffey Assistant Professor of Practice of Speech and Debate. This renewable and promotable, non-tenure-track position will begin August 17, 2026. Duties will include teaching undergraduate courses and serving as the Associate Director of the Cornhusker Speech & Debate program and Head Coach of Lincoln-Douglas Debate. Instructional responsibilities will include Communication Studies courses in the general education program, upper division courses in the Communication Studies major, and other courses relevant to the applicant’s expertise and program need as assigned by the department chair. This faculty member will also work with students in the co-curricular UNL Speech & Debate Program, overseeing student research and preparation to compete at intercollegiate Lincoln-Douglas Debate competitions.

The successful candidate will:

1. Teach two classes per semester as determined by the department chair of the Department of Communication Studies, hold weekly office hours, engage in course development, design, and assessment, and maintain a focus on teaching excellence and student learning.
2. Attend weekly coaches and team meetings, coach Lincoln-Doulglas Debate 10-15 hours weekly, travel up to five weekends per semester, travel to the NFA National Tournament, judge tournaments, assist with tournaments hosted by UNL, organize debate activities on campus, maintain required paperwork and receipts, and undertake other program-related tasks as assigned by the Director of Speech & Debate.
3. Engage in department and university service.

About Us:

The Department:

The Department of Communication Studies, housed in the College of Arts & Sciences, has a long tradition of excellence in research, teaching, and service. The successful candidate will join a faculty offering graduate emphases in Relational and Family Communication, Healthy Equity and Social Justice, and Rhetoric and Public Culture. The department enrolls over 2,700 students per semester in graduate and undergraduate courses, including 140 majors earning the B.A./B.S. degree. The department offers a Ph.D. and M.A. in communication studies, funding 20-22 graduate students per year. The Speech and Debate program has been part of the university since its beginning and students compete nationally in both speech events and debate. Over the last three years, the Debate team has taken home the national championship twice and consistently placed in the time top five in the nation for the last decade. We seek a candidate who is a skilled debate coach and can help keep the team’s momentum going.

The University and Community:

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln, with 26,000 students, is located in the state capital. Lincoln and the surrounding community has a population of approximately 315,000 and enjoys many of the cultural and entertainment benefits of a much larger city, with the feel of a friendly Midwestern community. The city has a flourishing economy with large employment sectors in education, government, health care, banking, insurance, and technology. Lincoln has first-rate schools, a wonderful park and trail system, museums, and affordable housing. There is a vibrant entertainment district next to campus and downtown. The Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area (pop. 895,000) is 45 minutes away offering additional recreational and entertainment opportunities.

Required Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in Communication is required by the time of appointment.
• Demonstrated experience teaching at the undergraduate level and coaching collegiate Lincoln-Douglas Debate.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive a 12-passenger van.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Administrative experience in a university Speech & Debate program.

Additional Information:

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/.