Washington and Lee University’s Department of Journalism and Mass Communications seeks an experienced journalist of national reputation to hold The Donald W. Reynolds Chair in Business Journalism, beginning in July 2027. The Reynolds Chair runs a signature program, the highly successful business journalism sequence, launched in 2002 to give students specialized education in reporting with an emphasis on covering business. W&L’s Department of Journalism and Mass Communications is the nation’s only accredited journalism program in a highly competitive liberal arts university.
We seek a colleague who can adapt and grow the business journalism program to meet the challenges of new technology and a changing business climate.
The business journalism program combines two of Washington and Lee’s historic strengths—its accredited journalism department and its Williams School of Commerce, Economics and Politics. Duties include teaching four courses each school year – including classes about reporting on financial news, local communities and the economy – along with sharing in teaching duties for the department’s student-run news program, The Rockbridge Report
See video and text stories from The Rockbridge Report here: https://rockbridgereport.academic.wlu.edu/
The Reynolds Chair also coordinates visits of high-profile professionals in business media to campus and oversees an internship program that provides students with experience at business media outlets.
The expected salary for this position is between $140,000 - $185,000. Offers are based on factors such as relevant education, experience, tenure status, internal equity, and market and organizational considerations.
The Chair is an endowed position at the rank of professor with tenure.
Washington and Lee University offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being of employees and their families, as well as substantial support for faculty development through research funding and a strong culture of mentorship. To learn more about working at W&L, employee benefits, and life in the Shenandoah Valley, visit https://www.wlu.edu/employment-opportunities
Washington and Lee University promotes a dynamic and welcoming environment that allows students and employees of multiple backgrounds and perspectives to learn, work, and thrive together. Successful candidates will contribute to that environment and exhibit potential for excellence in teaching and for rigorous scholarship. We welcome applications from candidates that would contribute to the University’s mission and strategic plan.
Candidates must have extensive business journalism experience and should have a graduate degree. Some experience in media management and teaching is also preferred.
Candidates also must have robust experience and accomplishments that support their hiring as a full professor with tenure.
To be considered, applicants should submit the following materials through the Interfolio portal at https://apply.interfolio.com/189475:
Review of applications will begin on Oct. 1, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.
For further information, contact Professor Eric Deggans at edeggans@wlu.edu,120 Reid Hall, Department of Journalism and Mass Communications, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Virginia 24450.
Washington and Lee is an Equal Opportunity Employer seeking candidates committed to high standards of scholarship, performance, professionalism, and to a welcoming campus community. Job description requirements are representative, but not all‐inclusive of the knowledge, skill, and abilities needed to successfully perform this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
