Tenure Track Faculty in Art and Design

Western Colorado University • Gunnison, CO

2d • $55,000 - $68,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The School of the Arts at Western Colorado University is seeking a full-time, tenure-track faculty member in Art and Design. The ideal candidate will be a dynamic teacher-scholar dedicated to student-centered learning, professional preparation, and inclusive, interdisciplinary education. This is an on-campus, in-person position located in Gunnison, Colorado. The role involves teaching 24 credit hours per academic year, including introductory Art and Design courses, as well as advanced courses in Drawing, 2D/3D Design, Sculpture, Digital Design, and Magazine Production. The faculty member may also teach courses aligned with their expertise and departmental needs. Emphasis is placed on engaging students in high-impact practices like internships, research, and community-based learning, as well as contributing to the Western Watershed General Education and First-Year Seminar Headwaters courses. The School of the Arts serves approximately 160 students across six disciplines: art, design, film, music, industrial design, and theatre, and also supports the Western Watershed program.

Requirements

• An MFA or PhD in Art, Graphic Design, or closely related field; ABD will be considered.
• Demonstrated commitment to undergraduate education.
• Excellence in teaching.
• Willingness to work with and be sensitive to the educational needs of all students.
• Ability to use technology in instructional delivery, including teaching online and hybrid courses.
• Collegiality and professional flexibility.

Nice To Haves

• 3 years full-time teaching experience in Art or Design.
• Professional and/or teaching experience in art foundation courses (2D, 3D, Drawing, Design).
• Professional or college teaching experience in sculpture.
• Professional or college teaching experience in Graphic Design courses (Digital Design and Magazine Production).
• Interest in interdisciplinary and innovative curriculum development and teaching.
• Experience with program administration and growth (for Associate level consideration).
• Experience with curriculum development (for Associate level consideration).
• Experience with recruitment and retention (for Associate level consideration).
• Experience with advising (for Associate level consideration).
• Experience with developing professional/industry partnerships for student internships and career connections (for Associate level consideration).
• Professional art making experience (for Associate level consideration).

Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging, well-designed Art and Design courses, including introductory courses.
• Teach introductory and advanced courses in Drawing, 2D/3D Design, Sculpture, Digital Design, and Magazine Production.
• Potentially teach other courses aligned with expertise and departmental needs.
• Engage students in high-impact practices such as internships, research, and community-based learning.
• Participate in Western Watershed General Education and First-Year Seminar Headwaters courses.
• Prepare students for a livelihood based on their values and aid them in gaining post-graduate opportunities.
• Contribute to program administration and growth (for Associate level consideration).
• Engage in curriculum development (for Associate level consideration).
• Participate in student recruitment and retention efforts (for Associate level consideration).
• Advise students (for Associate level consideration).
• Develop professional/industry partnerships for student internships and career connections (for Associate level consideration).

Benefits

• Shared premiums for a comprehensive health insurance plan
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Life insurance
• Other insurance options
• Free tuition for dependents enrolled full-time in undergraduate programs for up to four years (after one year of employment)

What This Job Offers

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