Assistant Professor in Art
About The Position
Western Colorado University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track faculty position in Art, with a specialization in Jewelry, Ceramics, and Sculpture. We seek a dynamic teacher-scholar who is committed to student-centered learning, professional preparation, and inclusive, interdisciplinary education. This is an in-person, on-campus position on our vibrant residential campus in Gunnison, Colorado. The standard teaching load is 24 credit hours per academic year. The successful candidate will deliver engaging, well-designed courses such as Introduction to Art, Ceramics, Jewelry, 3D Design, Sculpture, Art History and may teach other courses aligned with their expertise and departmental needs. We especially value faculty who engage students in high-impact practices such as internships, research, community-based learning, and who participate in our Western Watershed General Education and First-Year Seminar Headwaters courses. We value faculty who work to prepare students for a livelihood based on their values and aid students in gaining post-graduate opportunities. The School of the Arts serves nearly 200 students across its majors and minors and contributes to the general education program via a wide range of courses. Within Art, students can earn BA degrees in Art, BFA degrees in Art with an emphasis in Painting, Photography, Ceramics, Sculpture, Jewelry, or Printmaking and Secondary Licensure in K-12 Art, combining rigorous academic preparation with high-impact experiential learning. Western supports its faculty by fostering a collaborative and innovative academic community. Our Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) actively engages faculty, staff, and administrators in cross-campus initiatives designed to reimagine WCU’s educational landscape—rooted in diverse expertise and committed to continuous growth. The Professional Activity Fund (PAF) provides financial support for faculty engaged in research, artistic projects, grant writing, and other scholarly or creative activities, with three application opportunities each year. Western’s faculty are teacher-scholars who contribute meaningfully to their discipline, the campus, our community, and beyond. We seek candidates who will actively support our institutional mission and strategic priorities, including: Participating in our innovative Western Watershed General Education program; Promoting wellness, inclusion, and belonging; Collaborating within and across disciplines to grow enrollment and deepen student engagement; Expanding career-connected learning and professional pathways. Learn more about the department at: www.western.edu/department/school-of-the-arts/
Requirements
- An MFA or other terminal degree with an emphasis in a Three-Dimensional Area is required.
- Candidates must have a demonstrated commitment to undergraduate education, excellence in teaching, and willingness to work with and be sensitive to the educational needs of all students.
- Candidates must also be able to use technology in instructional delivery, including the ability to teach online and hybrid courses.
- Collegiality and professional flexibility are sought in the successful candidate.
Nice To Haves
- Preference given to candidates with 3 years of full-time teaching experience.
Responsibilities
- Deliver engaging, well-designed courses such as Introduction to Art, Ceramics, Jewelry, 3D Design, Sculpture, Art History and may teach other courses aligned with their expertise and departmental needs.
- Engage students in high-impact practices such as internships, research, community-based learning
- Participate in our Western Watershed General Education and First-Year Seminar Headwaters courses.
- Prepare students for a livelihood based on their values and aid students in gaining post-graduate opportunities.
- Actively support our institutional mission and strategic priorities, including: Participating in our innovative Western Watershed General Education program; Promoting wellness, inclusion, and belonging; Collaborating within and across disciplines to grow enrollment and deepen student engagement; Expanding career-connected learning and professional pathways.
Benefits
- Western offers an excellent benefits package including shared premiums for a comprehensive health insurance plan, dental insurance, retirement plan, life insurance, and other insurance options.
- After one year of employment, Western provides free tuition for dependents enrolled full time in undergraduate programs for up to four years.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Number of Employees
101-250 employees
