Assistant Professor of Studio Art

University of Arkansas Fayetteville • Fayetteville, AR

7h • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Arkansas School of Art in the Fulbright College of Arts & Sciences invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Studio Art whose practice engages photography, lens-based image making, or the evolving possibilities of the photographic image. This is a standard, nine-month, in-person faculty appointment beginning in August 2027. The position is open to active artists and educators at any career level post-MFA, including emerging, mid-career, and established candidates.

The School seeks an artist and educator with an expansive approach to photography and lens-based media. Relevant practices may include analog, digital, and synthetic image-making; moving image; installation; performance; appropriation; archival work; and material-based practices. The successful candidate will contribute to the Photography curriculum with technical and conceptual proficiency, maintain an active creative and/or scholarly practice, and engage critically with photography’s histories, evolving technologies, and contemporary issues. The role also includes teaching, curriculum development, student mentoring and advising, collaborative oversight of the Photography Area, and service. The candidate will help foster an empathetic, respectful, collaborative learning environment and a positive, productive studio culture, while supporting interdisciplinary relationships and engagement with campus and the local and regional arts community.

The School of Art offers undergraduate and graduate programs and has expanded its programs and community engagement in recent years. The Photography Area combines traditional and contemporary processes with conceptual development, experimentation, and critical inquiry. Students work across analog and alternative processes, digital and synthetic methods, and interdisciplinary practices.

The position requires extensive in-person engagement, including classes, office hours, student advising, studio visits, reviews, meetings, and committee work. Regular, reliable attendance and the ability to maintain collegial working relationships are essential. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. The appointment is benefits-eligible.

Requirements

• Master of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in Studio Art, Photography, or an equivalent terminal degree from an accredited institution of higher education, conferred by the start of employment.
• Evidence of teaching experience in higher education; teaching as a graduate instructor of record may qualify.
• A clear and substantial body of work or research agenda demonstrating active or sustained practice through exhibitions, publications, performances, and/or other scholarly creative activities.
• Ability to participate in extensive in-person teaching, advising, office hours, studio activities, and meetings.

Nice To Haves

• Comprehensive knowledge of photographic practices and demonstrated ability to teach a broad spectrum of photographic techniques, particularly photography as an expansive practice, technology, new means of photographic dissemination, and/or critical practice.
• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate with diverse students, staff, technicians, and faculty in a collaborative scholarly environment.
• Commitment to graduate-level teaching and advising.
• Experience contributing to curriculum management, innovative pedagogical practices, and new course creation.

Responsibilities

• Maintain an active program of research and creative and/or scholarly activities.
• Teach two Studio Art courses per semester during the fall and spring.
• Assist in planning and implementing new undergraduate and graduate courses.
• Mentor and advise undergraduate and graduate students, including participating in BFA and MFA reviews, MFA thesis committees, and studio visits.
• Collaborate in oversight and operation of the Photography Area, including facility maintenance, studio culture, safe working conditions, curriculum development, and supervision of graduate teaching assistants.
• Participate in program-level advising, committee work, and other program, school, college, and university service.
• Contribute to an engaging learning and working environment and foster a positive, productive studio culture.
• Support interdisciplinary and cross-campus relationships and engagement with the local and regional art community.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Tuition waivers for employees and their families
• 12 official holidays
• Immediate leave accrual
• Choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary

What This Job Offers

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