Tenure Track Faculty in Art and Design

Western Colorado University • Gunnison, CO

1d • 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 specialized courses in Drawing, 2D/3D Design, Sculpture, Digital Design, and Magazine Production. The faculty member may also teach other courses based on their expertise and departmental needs. Emphasis is placed on faculty who engage students in high-impact practices like internships and community-based learning, and who contribute to the university's general education and first-year seminar programs. The School of the Arts serves approximately 160 students across six disciplines and supports the Western Watershed program. Western is unable to sponsor work authorization for this position.

Requirements

• 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.
• For Associate level: experience with program administration and growth, curriculum development, recruitment, retention, advising, and developing professional/industry partnerships for student internships and career connections.

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.
• Professional art making experience (in addition to administrative experience for Associate level).

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).

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