Assistant Professor of Fashion Design & Development

University of Wisconsin Stout • Menomonie, WI

12d • Onsite

About The Position

The School of Art & Design at the University of Wisconsin-Stout invites applications for an Assistant Professor position in the Fashion Design and Development Program, commencing the fall semester of 2026. The position is a tenure-track, 9-month academic year position and will bring fresh perspectives and skills to this established and growing program. Exciting opportunities exist and are encouraged for new curriculum and collaborations – centered on new technologies that will impact the future direction of the fashion industry. A core focus of this position will be instructing students in market-oriented fashion product development and production. The ideal candidate will bring industry-oriented advanced technical expertise to a range of studio courses, including cut and sewn knitwear, machine knitting, and digital advances in fashion technology (e.g., digital patterning, grading & maker, 3D simulation). Position expectations primarily include teaching at the undergraduate level, graduate level, outreach to industry, creative research, and service to the department, college, and university. UW-Stout’s School of Art & Design is NASAD (National Association of Schools of Art and Design) accredited.

Requirements

• Completed terminal degree (M.F.A., Ph.D., or equivalent) in an area relevant to fashion design by date of appointment.
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability to teach university-level courses in fashion design, fashion development, or related field.

Nice To Haves

• A minimum of three years of industry experience in fashion design, fashion development, textiles, or a related area (e.g., apparel design, apparel development/management, 2D and 3D software).
• Evidence of a cohesive program of research as demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications, multi-disciplinary industry collaborations and projects, and/or public exhibitions.
• Proficiency in design and/or development/software programs in fashion areas, including but not limited to CLO3D, Optitex, Gravity Sketch, and other areas of emerging technology.
• Interest in the disciplines of art & design, with a focus on visual creativity and expression.
• Interest in maintaining a historical fashion collection.
• Interest in future leadership opportunities within the fashion area.
• Commitment to teaching excellence and mentorship of undergraduates.
• Demonstrated potential and interest in multi-disciplinary collaborations.

Responsibilities

• Teach lecture and lab courses each semester, that may include introductory, intermediate, and advanced fashion design and development, quality analysis, digital design, and studio classes.
• Advance student learning in Fashion Design and Development in alignment with UW-Stout’s polytechnic tenets of applied learning and research, business and industry partnerships, career focused education.
• Provide student academic advisement and conduct assessment of student learning.
• This includes contributing to academic program assessment, accreditation, and continuous improvement processes, in collaboration with faculty and staff.
• Develop a productive research program with the potential for refereed scholarship (peer-reviewed publications, peer-reviewed creative scholarship); conduct original research in areas of design.
• Perform university, community, and professional services.
• Demonstrate organizational skills and collegiality.
• Collaborate with other faculty to maintain / develop course curricula.
• Collaborate with other faculty to maintain historical collection, lab maintenaince and supervision student workers.
• Foster a rigorous and inclusive learning environment.
• Schedule, maintain office hours and/or online availability for students, in alignment with departmental expectations; including assessment of student learning.
• Provide grades following the process/timeline established by the registrar.
• Participate in the university online learning environment, which includes the learning management system.
• Participate in early alert and other student success initiatives as requested.
• Work with the Disability Services office ( http://www.uwstout.edu/disability ) to foster an inclusive learning environment when students disclose the need for learning accommodations.
• Perform other duties as designated by the Department Chair.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• A six-month probationary period is required.
• The Universities of Wisconsin provides an excellent benefits package including participation in the Wisconsin State retirement plan, demonstrating our commitment to the diverse needs of our employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level