Assistant Professor, Tenure-Track Faculty in Comics and Foundations

Universities of Wisconsin•Menomonie, WI

14d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Visual and Performing Arts at the University of Wisconsin-Stout Polytechnic seeks an artist and leader for its comics studio. The role focuses primarily on narrative-based, traditional and/or digitally produced comics and graphic novels, with a secondary focus on foundation courses such as Drawing and Composition, Drawing and Color Explorations, 2-D Design, and advanced drawing. This is a tenure-track position beginning August 23, 2027. The successful candidate will teach studio courses that may include beginning, intermediate, and advanced Comics classes, foundation courses, and other advanced courses supporting programs across art education, animation and digital media, game design and development, graphic design, industrial design, interior design, illustration, and studio art. The role also includes professional research, service, academic advising, student assessment, and participation in program assessment, accreditation, and continuous improvement. The faculty member will contribute to a rigorous undergraduate learning environment using traditional, alternative, and digital delivery methods, including a laptop teaching and learning environment, and will maintain studio safety expectations. The Department of Visual and Performing Arts offers a BFA in Studio Art with several emphasis areas and a BS in Arts Administration and Entrepreneurship. It is part of the School of Art & Design, which includes a Department of Design and additional undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The school is NASAD accredited and has more than 1,200 art and design majors. The position offers a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience and participation in the Wisconsin State retirement plan and the Universities of Wisconsin employee benefits package. Employment is contingent upon background and reference checks and, as applicable, passing an essential job function test.

Requirements

M.F.A. in Art with an emphasis in Comics or Drawing, or an equivalent terminal degree in visual arts or digital media, by the date of appointment.
Ability to teach in a dual-platform, laptop environment using a Canvas LMS.
Demonstrated studio practice in comics and/or graphic novels with professional recognition.
Evidence of teaching potential.
Commitment to undergraduate education.

Responsibilities

Teach beginning, intermediate, and advanced Comics studio courses and foundation courses, which may include 2-D Design, Drawing and Composition, and Drawing and Color Explorations.
Teach additional advanced courses that support art education, animation and digital media, game design and development, graphic design, industrial design, interior design, illustration, and studio art, as assigned.
Engage in professional research related to the discipline.
Provide regular service to the department, college, university, and professional field.
Contribute to a rigorous learning environment and use traditional, alternative, and digital delivery methods, including participation in a laptop teaching and learning environment.
Demonstrate organizational skills, collegiality, and leadership.
Maintain safety expectations in studios.
Provide academic advisement and assess students.
Contribute collaboratively to academic program assessment, accreditation, and continuous improvement processes.
Perform other duties as designated by the Department Chair.