Assistant Professor of Practice/Assistant Professor of Instruction, Art

University of Akron • Akron, OH

1d

About The Position

The Mary Schiller Myers School of Art at The University of Akron (https://www.uakron.edu/art/) invites applications for a non-tenure-track position for the BFA in Graphic Design program starting in August 2026. The School seeks either an Assistant Professor of Practice or an Assistant Professor of Instruction, depending on candidate qualifications and experience. The University of Akron seeks scholars that will lead collaborations among faculty, students and community partners that address questions of well-being, public safety, and civic engagement.
About the Myers School of Art
The mission of the Myers School of Art is to prepare students to lead meaningful and healthy creative lives. As an integrated school of art and design focused on undergraduate education, Myers challenges students to communicate articulately, foster human connection, and contribute to positive social change through creative practice. The School emphasizes experiential learning, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students are supported in developing distinct creative voices while becoming active contributors to regional and global visual culture.
About the BFA in Graphic Design
Graphic Design is the largest program within the Myers School of Art and serves as a cornerstone of the School’s academic offerings. The program prepares students for careers in the expanding, multidisciplinary field of visual communication design.
Additional Position Information: Teaching and Service Expectations (both Ranks) Teach undergraduate graphic design courses across all levels of the curriculum Participate in departmental service, committee work, and program support Contribute to curriculum development and ongoing program assessment Support student success through mentorship and engagement

Requirements

• Multidisciplinary graphic designer with demonstrated strength in typography, ideation, and iterative design processes
• Proficiency in industry-standard tools including Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) and Figma
• Ability to adapt to emerging technologies and integrate evolving tools and practices into teaching
• Evidence of strong visual communication skills across print, digital, and/or interactive platforms
• Assistant Professor of Practice: BFA in Graphic Design or equivalent degree
• Assistant Professor of Practice: Minimum of 5–7 years of professional experience in graphic design or related fields
• Assistant Professor of Practice: Demonstrated breadth of professional practice across areas such as typography, motion, interactive design, or illustration
• Assistant Professor of Practice: Ability to bring current industry practices into the classroom
• Assistant Professor of Instruction: MFA in Graphic Design or equivalent degree
• Assistant Professor of Instruction: Minimum of 2–3 years of teaching experience
• Assistant Professor of Instruction: Demonstrated expertise in one or more areas such as motion design, interactive design, or illustration
• Assistant Professor of Instruction: Ability to contribute complementary skills to the existing faculty

Nice To Haves

• Experience with emerging and expanded media tools and software such as Affinity, Sketch, Procreate, Blender, After Effects, Premier, Cavalry, TouchDesigner, 3D printers, laser cutters, and vinyl cutters, among others.
• Experience with motion design, interactive design, or spatial/experiential design practices
• Demonstrated ability to connect professional practice to teaching and curriculum development
• Assistant Professor of Practice: Experience teaching at the undergraduate level
• Assistant Professor of Practice: Ability to manage budgets and supervise student workers
• Assistant Professor of Practice: Willingness to support the Student Services printing lab operations
• Assistant Professor of Instruction: Professional experience in graphic design or related fields
• Assistant Professor of Instruction: Experience developing undergraduate curriculum
• Assistant Professor of Instruction: Ability to manage budgets and supervise student workers
• Assistant Professor of Instruction: Willingness to support the Student Services printing lab operations

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate graphic design courses across all levels of the curriculum
• Participate in departmental service, committee work, and program support
• Contribute to curriculum development and ongoing program assessment
• Support student success through mentorship and engagement

Benefits

• The University of Akron offers a competitive total compensation package comprised of a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits for eligible employees including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, and paid leave of absences including time off for illness, vacation, and maternity or paternity leave.
• In addition, eligible employees and their dependents are provided tuition remission.
• All staff and eligible non-bargaining unit faculty have the option to request a Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA).
• The University of Akron participates in state retirement systems and offers alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.
• Optional investment opportunities are available including deferred compensation programs (403(b) and 457(b)).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees