Assistant Professor - Painting and 2D Foundations

West Virginia University

21d

About The Position

This position is full-time, 9-month, tenure-track, and benefits eligible beginning August 14, 2026. The assignment will include teaching in rotation and as needed all levels of Painting (introductory, advanced, senior projects, and graduate) in addition to 2D Foundations for students in a range of NASAD accredited programs. The successful candidate will also serve on MFA graduate committees and mentor graduate assistants who are teaching 2D Foundations. Other duties related to teaching responsibilities include co-managing the painting area, studios, equipment, and budget, and other courses may be assigned based on the interests and expertise of the candidate and needs of the School. The successful candidate will be expected to maintain an active program of research/creative activity sufficient to meet the expectations of a Carnegie Research 1, land-grant university, including the expectation to pursue external grants to support research/creative activity related to their discipline. Participation in School of Art & Design activities, recruitment and retention of students, and faculty governance is required. Active participation in professional organizations in the field is expected, and the successful candidate will participate in and contribute to the School, serve on committees, and engage in the university and professional communities. DATE OF APPOINTMENT: August 14, 2026 (Classes begin August 18, 2026)

Requirements

MFA in studio art with an emphasis in painting
Minimum 1-year teaching experience as instructor of record in a collegiate studio arts program
A strong record of exhibitions in reputable venues
A proven working knowledge of oil and acrylic mediums
Written and oral communication skills consistent with and complementary to the expectations of a public research university

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated interest in alternative painting techniques
Interest in sustainable painting practices, natural pigments, and textiles
Experience in attracting and maintaining quality undergraduate and graduate students
The School of Art and Design seeks a candidate who will demonstrate exemplary communication skills, collegiality, and ability to contribute to the intellectual and cultural life of the University.

Responsibilities

Teaching all levels of Painting (introductory, advanced, senior projects, and graduate)
Teaching 2D Foundations for students in a range of NASAD accredited programs
Serving on MFA graduate committees
Mentoring graduate assistants who are teaching 2D Foundations
Co-managing the painting area, studios, equipment, and budget
Maintaining an active program of research/creative activity
Pursuing external grants to support research/creative activity
Participation in School of Art & Design activities
Recruitment and retention of students
Faculty governance
Active participation in professional organizations
Participate in and contribute to the School, serve on committees, and engage in the university and professional communities.