The School of Art in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Arkansas invites applications for a full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor of Art in Painting to start in August 2024. This is a standard nine-month faculty appointment.
The chosen candidate will be an important part of the interconnected Painting and Drawing areas dedicated to equipping students with competency in core discipline-specific skills while creatively expanding their potential. We seek an energetic, collaborative, and curious studio artist and educator who is actively engaged in the field. The successful candidate will be able to merge rigorous pedagogy with innovative approaches in teaching. Teaching assignments will be based on the individual’s areas of expertise and may include occasional sections in our Foundations Program. A strong foundation in painting and drawing along with a dedication to expanding the technical and conceptual direction of the disciplines is expected. Applicants should be able to address both contemporary and traditional art practices and possess expertise with concepts and theory related to contemporary art. The ideal candidate will demonstrate an ability and interest in fostering interdisciplinary cross-campus relationships and engage with a vibrant local and regional art community. We are especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community. The successful candidate will demonstrate an ability to contribute to an inclusive learning and working environment, as well as cultivate a positive and productive studio culture in and out of the classroom.
This tenure-track Assistant Professor position entails conducting research, engaging in creative and/or scholarly activities, designing graduate and undergraduate courses, developing and implementing new methods of teaching to reflect changes in the field, providing curriculum material, leading classroom instruction, mentoring and evaluating students, creating interest and understanding among students, serving on various faculty- and student-oriented committees, providing service on campus an in related professional organizations, and participating in faculty governance in the department and on campus.
Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.
About the Painting and Drawing Areas:
The Painting and Drawing areas at the University of Arkansas School of Art are centered on rigorous investigation that deploys complex skill sets in innovative and challenging directions. The curriculum develops technical proficiency as well as familiarity with historical and contemporary approaches. Course offerings range from those which explore perceptual skills to those that creatively expand what painting and drawing can be. Students develop a sophisticated sensibility through an individualized artistic practice and exposure to a robust visiting artist program. The Painting and Drawing areas offer an energetic artistic community committed to equipping students to become active shapers of the future of the field. The newly completed Windgate Studio + Design Center allows for new opportunities and greater synthesis between the Painting and Drawing areas now occupying the entirety of the top floor.
For more information, visit:
uarkpainting.com
uarkdrawing.com
About the School of Art:
In 2017, the University of Arkansas was awarded a $120 million gift from the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation to establish a School of Art in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. The gift created the first and only school of art in the state of Arkansas, and is helping to advance art education, design, art history and studio art in the state while providing unparalleled access and opportunity to students. In addition, in 2017, the School of Art also received a $40 million gift from the Windgate Foundation to develop and build a new Studio Art and Graphic Design facility. Most recently, in 2021, the Windgate Foundation gave a $30 million partial challenge grant to develop and build a facility to house a professional gallery, auditorium, the foundations program, as well as idea fabrication and arts entrepreneurship labs. The mission of the School of Art is to develop one of the highest quality educational, research and service programs in the visual arts available nationally. The School of Art is a fully accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and includes 54 faculty, 8 staff members, and more than 500 students. There are currently 8 degree options: BFA in Art Education, BFA in Graphic Design, BFA in Studio Art, BA in Art History, BA in Studio Art, MA in Art Education, MFA in Studio Art, and MDES in Communication Design. The MA degree in Art History of the Americas launched this Fall 2023.
Duties will include:
• 40% Teaching
• 40% Research
• 20% Service
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
With submitted materials, the candidate must demonstrate
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Master of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in Painting or an allied field (i.e. Drawing) from an accredited institution of higher education conferred by the start of appointment
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Active and significant exhibition record with an artistic practice focused in painting
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Evidence towards a broad knowledge of historical and contemporary practices and theory in painting
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Evidence of excellence in teaching at the college-level
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Commitment to exceptional inclusive teaching as evidenced by required application documents
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A demonstrated commitment to collegiality and collaboration including strong interpersonal communication skills
Preferred Qualifications:
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Two-years teaching experience beyond graduate school
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Demonstrated commitment to exceptional teaching at the graduate level
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Evidence of ability to foster a productive studio culture in and out of the classroom
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Demonstrated ability to develop effective undergraduate and graduate classes that complement the current course catalog
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Demonstrated commitment to mentoring undergraduate honors and/or graduate students including serving on or directing thesis committees
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An articulated methodological expertise that complements and expands existing faculty strengths
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Demonstrated commitment to community outreach
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Evidence of ability to provide service to the University and the profession
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Demonstrated success working with underrepresented communities and diverse populations
Additional Information:
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Completed applications received by 12/18/2023, will be assured full consideration. Late applications will be reviewed as necessary to fill the position.
For additional inquiries, please contact the search committee chair, Neil Callander, at necallan@uark.edu.
Applicants must submit
- Curriculum vitae with professional website URL(s)
- Cover Letter/Letter of Application,
- Research/Creative Work Statement,
- Syllabi/course outlines of up to three relevant courses taught or proposed, including a description of at least one class project (please submit as a single PDF)
- 20 images of professional/research work, identified with title, date, medium, and dimensions (please submit as a single PDF)
- 20 images of student work, identified with course title, date, student level, and project description (please submit as a single PDF)
- List of three professional references (name, title, email address, and phone number) willing to provide letters of recommendation if requested during the application process. Letters of recommendation will be requested only for candidates selected for interviews.
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Required Documents to Apply:
Cover Letter/Letter of Application, Curriculum Vitae, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Other (see special instructions for details)
Proof of Veteran Status
Recruitment Contact Information:
Neil Callander, search committee chair, necallan@uark.edu
All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS
Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Other Required Documents:
- Research/Creative Work Statement,
- Syllabi/course outlines of up to three relevant courses taught or proposed, including a description of at least one class project (please submit as a single PDF)
- 20 images of professional/research work, identified with title, date, medium, and dimensions (please submit as a single PDF)
- 20 images of student work, identified with course title, date, student level, and project description (please submit as a single PDF)
Pre-employment Screening Requirements:
Criminal Background Check, Sex Offender Registry
The University of Arkansas is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions, there may also be a financial (credit) background check, a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) check, and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.
The University of Arkansas seeks to attract, develop and retain high quality faculty, staff and administrators that consistently display practices and behaviors to advance a culture that embeds inclusion, opportunity, educational excellence and unparalleled access for all.
The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, marital or parental status, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, or sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity). Federal law prohibits the University from discriminating on these bases. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University's Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.
Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.
All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.
