Assistant Professor of Studio Art Foundations
Allendale, MI
Full Time
R103782
Summary: The Department of Visual and Media Arts at Grand Valley State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Studio Art Foundations position to begin Fall 2026. Applicants are expected to hold an MFA degree in Studio Art or a related field to be qualified for the position.
Candidates should have the ability, experience, and knowledge to teach Foundations-level studio art courses in topics such as visual composition, color theory, observational drawing, digital workflows, and creative processes informed by an active studio practice. Special attention will be given to candidates with knowledge of contemporary issues in the visual arts and culture. The active Foundations art program in the Department of Visual and Media Arts comprises four courses: 2-D Design and Color, Introduction to Drawing I, Making and Meaning in Art and Design, and 3-D Design.
The Studio Art Foundations experience serves a diverse population of students at the university, including majors in Art History, Art Education, Film and Video Production, Photography, Studio Art, Studio Art minors, the University's General Education Program, and students pursuing Studio Art courses as electives. Candidates should also demonstrate a commitment to undergraduate teaching and student mentoring in a liberal arts context.
Individuals from all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups, are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates must be able to effectively engage with students, colleagues, and community members with a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.
Required Qualifications and Education
• MFA in Studio Art, Design, or related field
• Documented ability, experience, and knowledge to teach Foundations-level courses in visual composition, color theory, observational drawing, digital workflows, and creative processes informed by an active studio practice.
• Potential for successful college-level teaching, unit and university service, and an active, creative/research practice.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, such as the ability to interact with others with respect and cultural humility.
Responsibilities:
• Teach 9 (nine) credits/semester in the Studio Art Foundations program.
• Maintain an active scholarship and/or creative practice in a field of Studio Art or Design.
• Participate in service activities that are commensurate with your rank, interests, and departmental needs.
• Mentor and advise students in the Foundations and other emphasis majors within the Department of Visual and Media Arts.
• Contribute to shared responsibilities in the Foundations program by participating in program vision, curriculum development, scheduling, and staffing.
• Participate in student portfolio reviews for students in studio art at the sophomore, junior, and senior levels.
• The successful candidate will work on a significant focus (equivalent to 3 credit hours) of additional responsibilities in teaching, scholarship/creative activity, and/or service, depending on the candidate's interests and the department's needs.
Salary: $63,892; commensurate with experience.
How To Apply: Apply online at https://www.gvsu.edu/hro/jobs-at-grand-valley-state-university-1194.htm. To be considered for the position, applicants must upload the following items to the online application:
• A cover letter that addresses the candidate's qualifications and motivation to teach at GVSU, specifically within the Studio Art Foundations program, which focuses on visual composition, color theory, observational drawing, and creative processes, and includes an understanding of contemporary issues in visual art.
• Current curriculum vitae with the contact information for three professional references, including the name, addresses, and contact information for each.
• A teaching philosophy statement highlighting teaching strategies and methods that support undergraduate teaching and mentoring for Foundations-level students in the visual and media arts, and a research statement about the candidate's scholarly and/or creative work.
• Graduate transcripts (Unofficial transcripts issued to students are acceptable for this aspect of the search process.)
• Online links featuring 15-20 samples of personal creative works and 15-20 samples of anonymized student works focused on Foundations-level studio art courses in visual composition, color theory, and observational drawing.
The online application will enable the electronic attachment of five (5) application documents, in the same file location. The total size of candidates' materials uploaded to the application portal cannot exceed five (5) MB.
Applicants selected for interviews will be required to submit official transcripts beforehand. If candidates are selected for the online interview process, the search committee will request written letters from each reference. If you need assistance, email Human Resources at mailto:[email protected]. Questions about the position may be directed to the search Chair, Professor Bill Hosterman, at mailto:[email protected].
Application Deadline: Application reviews for this position will begin January 16, 2026. The posting may be closed at any time at the University's discretion thereafter.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See http://www.gvsu.edu/equalopportunity/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).
Grand Valley State University is an Antidiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.
To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/6770445
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