Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Foundations

James Madison University•Harrisonburg, VA

3h•Onsite

About The Position

James Madison University’s School of Art, Design and Art History seeks a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Foundations for a 10-month academic appointment. The contract begins August 10, 2027, and ends two weeks after Commencement in May. Preference will be given to candidates with a strong design background who can help develop the Foundations Program, especially by expanding design content and integrating design principles, creative problem-solving, visual communication, and interdisciplinary approaches into foundational art and design education. The successful candidate will teach three Foundations courses each semester: Color and Composition (FDS 102), Observational Drawing (FDS 104), Form and Space (FDS 106), and Expressive and Expanded Drawing (FDS 108). Courses prepare students for studio art, graphic design, architectural design, and industrial design. The candidate will join a collaborative community that fosters independent thought and creativity, embraces cultural expression, and cultivates excellence in the Foundations Program. The position includes an expectation of being on campus and available to students four days per week during the academic year, while serving the program and school. The School of Art, Design and Art History serves students in undergraduate and graduate programs across studio art, graphic design, architectural design, industrial design, and art history, among other areas. The College of Visual and Performing Arts supports collaboration across disciplines and the development of interdisciplinary research and coursework.

Requirements

Terminal degree in Art, Design, or a closely related field, such as an MFA, MID, MDes, M.Arch, or equivalent.
Teaching experience in foundational classes, especially in an Art and/or Design School.
Experience teaching digital processes and tools as well as traditional media.
Evidence of an active professional or creative practice in art, design, or interdisciplinary fields.

Nice To Haves

Successful teaching experience with beginning undergraduate art or design students.
Evidence of an active professional or creative practice for at least five years beyond completion of the graduate degree.
Demonstrated commitment to building an engaging educational environment.
Evidence of curriculum development or interest in strengthening the design component of a Foundations Program serving multiple art and design disciplines.
Strong design background and ability to contribute to the development of the Foundations Program.

Responsibilities

Teach three courses each semester in the Foundations Program, covering Color and Composition, Observational Drawing, Form and Space, and Expressive and Expanded Drawing.
Prepare students for a broad range of disciplines, including studio art, graphic design, architectural design, and industrial design.
Contribute to the continued development of the Foundations Program, with particular attention to strengthening its design component.
Be on campus and available to students four days per week during the academic year.
Serve the program and school and participate in their collaborative community.