Assistant Professor of Studio Art

University of Arkansas System • Fayetteville, NC

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Arkansas School of Art invites applications for a nine-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Studio Art specializing in Photography, lens-based image making, or evolving possibilities of the photographic image. The in-person appointment is scheduled to begin in August 2027. The successful candidate will be an active practicing artist and educator who contributes technical and conceptual expertise to the Photography curriculum and engages critically with photographic histories, technologies, and contemporary issues. Relevant practices may include analog, digital, synthetic, moving-image, installation, performance, appropriation, archival, and material-based approaches.

The position combines teaching, research and creative activity, student mentoring, curriculum development, and service. The faculty member will teach two courses per semester in the Fall and Spring, maintain an active research and creative or scholarly practice, contribute to undergraduate and graduate curriculum planning, and advise students. The role also includes collaborative oversight of the Photography Area, support for its facilities and safe working environment, supervision of graduate teaching assistants, and participation in committees and service at the program, school, college, and university levels.

The School seeks a colleague who broadens understanding of photography and its histories, mentors students from varied backgrounds, fosters empathetic and respectful learning experiences, and contributes to a collaborative and productive studio culture. Interdisciplinary and cross-campus relationships, engagement with the local and regional arts community, community engagement, and new forms of photographic dissemination are valued. The successful candidate will work in person, including through office hours, advising, and committee meetings, and must maintain reliable attendance and collegial working relationships. Occasional teaching beyond Photography may be part of the role.

Requirements

• MFA degree emphasizing Studio Art or Photography, or an equivalent terminal degree from an accredited higher education institution, 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 maintain reliable attendance and collegial, harmonious working relationships.

Nice To Haves

• Comprehensive knowledge of photographic practices and demonstrated ability to teach a broad spectrum of photographic techniques, especially photography as an expansive practice, technology, new means of photographic dissemination, and/or critical practice.
• Ability to work and communicate with diverse students, staff, technicians, and faculty and contribute thoughtfully to 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.
• Collaboratively oversee and operate the Photography Area, including assisting with facilities, fostering a positive studio culture, overseeing a safe working environment, developing curriculum, and supervising 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 collaboration, community, and open dialogue.
• Engage with interdisciplinary and cross-campus relationships and the local and regional art community.

Benefits

• University contributions to health, dental, life, and 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