Faculty - Assistant Professor: Art & Design

Utah Valley University•Orem, UT

47d

About The Position

The Department of Art & Design at Utah Valley University (UVU) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position beginning August 2026. We are seeking a visionary and collaborative artist/educator who will be responsible for teaching a range of undergraduate courses that cross over and between mediums. The position will also provide support Art & Design Bachelor of Science (ART-BS) degree programs/students and make recommendations in curriculum, program assessment, graduation/retention rates, and other matters that affect students pursuing this pathway. The successful candidate will teach a range of undergraduate courses-from foundational to advanced levels-and demonstrate versatility in teaching both traditional and contemporary approaches, including representational to non-objective methods. Skills in teaching undergraduate-level drawing and painting, as well as gallery management, are preferred. A combination of skills to support students studying a range of disciplines, such as photography, sculpture, printmaking, mixed media, video, installation, etc., is desirable. This position also participates in mentoring students and curriculum development. Tenure-track faculty will maintain an ongoing creative/scholarly/professional agenda and contribute to department, school, and university service. Service may include acting as Area Coordinator, which involves overseeing adjunct faculty and assisting the department chair in managing an area. About UVU: UVU, located in Orem, Utah, is a comprehensive state institution of higher education with over 46,000 students. Orem is on the western front of the Wasatch Mountains and offers access to numerous outdoor activities, including snow sports, hiking, mountain biking, and hunting. The Wasatch Front metropolitan area offers rich cultural opportunities in the arts, including the Sundance Film Festival and world-class music and dance companies. The UVU campus is served by a wonderful public transit system, including a rail line that runs along the entire Wasatch Front urban corridor. The UVU School of the Arts has strong ties with other universities and with professionals in the arts in Utah. UVU and the School of the Arts strongly support undergraduate creative activities and service learning. The candidate is expected to demonstrate a commitment to teaching excellence, as well as to teaching diverse learners and modeling teaching practices that value students from all backgrounds. We welcome applications from candidates whose record of scholarship, teaching, and/or service strengthens the department's ability to offer diverse perspectives and culturally responsive mentorship to our students. Applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Requirements

MFA in one of the fields of visual art/design or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
In-depth knowledge of historical observational and contemporary theories in the arts with the ability to expertly teach these concepts to students.
Knowledge in student management, motivation, and evaluation techniques.
Knowledge and experience of entrepreneurial career development in the arts.
Knowledge of gallery management in an academic and/or professional setting.
Visibly apparent technical skills in traditional and contemporary media and techniques.
Excellent communication skills.
Skills in interpersonal relationships, problem-solving, and decision-making.
Ability to teach with an interdisciplinary approach and demonstrate how a variety of mediums can work together.
Ability and willingness to develop curriculum, mentor students, maintain facilities, collaborate with other faculty and promote area/s of concentration.
Ability to relate well with students and colleagues.
Ability to evaluate student work effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to apply appropriate technology in classroom teaching.
Ability to teach, mentor, and motivate students in inclusive and engaging ways.
Ability to teach courses in a variety of formats: hybrid/online/live stream/weekends/evenings

Nice To Haves

College-level teaching experience.
Demonstrated ability to teach a broad range of media and conceptual approaches.
Experience mentoring diverse student populations.
Administrative or leadership experience in academic settings (e.g., area coordination, budget oversight).

Responsibilities

Teach undergraduate courses in Art & Design.
Prepares and follows an approved course of study with measurable objectives.
Prepares instructional materials such as course outlines, syllabi, exams, audio/visual aids, and other instructional materials as necessary.
Instructs, manages and supervises individuals and groups in the classroom and studio by the following methods: demonstration, discussion, visual aids, audio aids, video conference, and field trip/community engagement.
Evaluates instruction and learning by means of written, oral, practical, and performance tests.
Maintains a student-oriented and engaged approach to education.
Maintains and submits accurate and current reports and records regarding student grades, attendance, accountability, and follow up.
Establishes and maintains office hours and advises students during this time and at other times as needed
Assists advisors, department chairperson, faculty, and department staff in maintaining an effective program, including curriculum development.
Improves professionally and maintains currency in the courses taught.
Engages in scholarly and creative activities including research and produces scholarly work consistent with interdisciplinary objectives and the academic goals of the department.
Contribute to departmental, school, and university committees and initiatives.
Perform other responsibilities as assigned.