Abstract
This article examines the distinct challenges of faculty recruitment in doctoral-granting institutions, proposing a structured framework for balancing departmental needs, institutional goals, and candidate qualifications. Gillespie articulates six “laws of hiring” that collectively emphasize balance, probability, faculty quality, publication assessment, student feedback, and long-term recruitment strategy. The first principle defines hiring as a process of equilibrium—balancing competing departmental and institutional interests. The second underscores the probabilistic nature of selection, advocating for evidence-based rather than intuitive decisions. The third and fourth stress the importance of institutional pedigree and demonstrable scholarly productivity, while the fifth highlights consultation with former graduate students as a key indicator of teaching effectiveness. The final law advises prioritizing “rising stars” over established but declining scholars to ensure sustainable program growth. Through these guidelines, the article frames doctoral hiring as a complex act of strategic judgment, shaped by institutional culture, disciplinary expectations, and the enduring tension between excellence and practicality.
Recommended Citation
Gillespie, Patti P.
(1987)
"Hiring Faculty at Doctoral Institutions,"
Association for Communication Administration Bulletin: Vol. 59, Article 19.
Available at:
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/aca/vol59/iss1/19
