Assistant Professor of Visual Communication Design (Graphic Design) - Edinburg Campus

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley • Edinburg, TX

76d

About The Position

We seek applicants who are dedicated to serving The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley's student body as an Assistant Professor (tenure track) at the School of Art & Design beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year. This tenure-track position is scheduled to begin September 1, 2026, for a graphic design educator and researcher to help lead our large (increasing enrollments) and already successful area into an even more promising future, by keeping pace with an ever-changing industry. The UTRGV School of Art has 1000 majors and 33 graduate students enrolled in the areas of foundation, painting, drawing, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, printmaking, graphic design, art history, photography, and art education. The department comprises 10 tenured faculty members, 8 tenure-track faculty members, and 19 lecturers.

Requirements

• Terminal degree (MFA, Ph.D.) required in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or related fields, such as Interaction Design, UX Design, or Interface Media/Web Design, as a tenure-track faculty member.
• A record of two years of successful university teaching experience as a graduate student with a minimum of one year as an instructor of record.

Nice To Haves

• A record of two or more years of successful university teaching experience in graphic design/visual communication, beyond the role of graduate teaching assistant, is preferred.
• A record of professional activity and/or scholarly/creative research that demonstrates an emerging national representation in the field of visual communication design (graphic design) is paramount.

Responsibilities

• Teach graphic design from introductory to advanced classes and engage productively with students at all skill levels.
• Demonstrate outstanding verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Have a record of leadership experience within academic, corporate/industry, or community environments.
• Possess a working knowledge of current practice and theory of graphic design, including the history of graphic design, with a vision toward future developments.
• Commit to quality, student-centered education, and work as a team member.
• Demonstrate and ongoing commitment to serve and mentor diverse student populations.
• Teach at the BFA and/or MFA level as assigned by the Director of the School of Art and Design on two campuses, 65 miles apart in travel distance.
• Engage in service to the school, college, university, community, and profession.
• Demonstrate ability to teach visual communication design (graphic design) for digital and print media, along with multimedia applications.
• Embrace new forms of critically engaged disciplinary practice in the changing field of graphic design, digital media, and user interface/web design.
• Maintain an active and recognized professional practice of client-initiated or self-initiated design development and/or academic research investigations.
• Actively participate in departmental, college, and university service and leadership, including committee work and academic support services such as portfolio reviews, student advising, and recruitment activities.
• Participate in maintaining the Visual Communication Design (graphic design) area's accreditation with NASAD; engage in student advising, supervision of student organizations, and work well with colleagues within and outside the school, particularly in building interdisciplinary collaborations.

Benefits

• Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Master's degree