Welcome to the ultimate resource for Kendall College of Art and Design Jobs and academic opportunities. Located in the vibrant city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Kendall College of Art and Design (KCAD) is a premier institution dedicated to fostering creativity and innovation in art and design. Whether you're a job seeker exploring professor positions Kendall College of Art and Design, a student seeking lecturer roles Kendall College of Art and Design, or a researcher interested in higher education jobs Kendall College of Art and Design, this page provides comprehensive insights into career paths, salary ranges, and academic trends specific to KCAD. With a rich history dating back to 1928, KCAD offers a dynamic environment for academic careers at Kendall College of Art and Design, emphasizing hands-on learning and industry partnerships. Discover research jobs Kendall College of Art and Design in fields like graphic design and industrial design, and learn about competitive salaries Kendall College of Art and Design academia. For those looking to rate professors Kendall College of Art and Design or find the best faculty jobs Kendall College of Art and Design, AcademicJobs.com integrates tools like Rate My Professor to help you make informed decisions. Explore KCAD academic opportunities today and take the next step in your career—start by checking out Rate My Professor for professor ratings Kendall College of Art and Design. With a focus on creative excellence, KCAD stands out for its commitment to nurturing talent in a supportive community.
About Kendall College of Art and Design
Kendall College of Art and Design (KCAD), founded in 1928 as part of the legacy of Woodbridge N. Ferris, is a distinguished art and design institution in Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States. Now a college of Ferris State University, KCAD has evolved into a hub for creative education, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Fashion Studies, and Digital Art. The college's mission is to prepare students for professional success in the visual arts by emphasizing innovative thinking, technical skills, and real-world application. Key achievements include its accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and numerous awards for student work in national competitions. KCAD's campus is situated in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, featuring state-of-the-art facilities like the Woodbridge N. Ferris Building and the 17 Fountain Street location, which house galleries, studios, and collaborative spaces. The institution boasts a strong alumni network, with graduates contributing to major companies like Nike, Ford, and Herman Miller. For more details, visit the Kendall College of Art and Design Website. Explore related opportunities in Academic Jobs in United States, Academic Jobs in Michigan, and Academic Jobs in Grand Rapids. KCAD is renowned for its community engagement, including public exhibitions and partnerships with local industries, making it a vital part of the Grand Rapids arts scene. The college's commitment to diversity and inclusion enhances its appeal, providing a welcoming environment for students and faculty from various backgrounds. With a student-to-faculty ratio that supports personalized mentorship, KCAD continues to lead in art education, adapting to emerging trends like sustainable design and digital media. This overview highlights why KCAD is a top choice for those pursuing academic careers at Kendall College of Art and Design or seeking to rate professors Kendall College of Art and Design.
In recent years, KCAD has expanded its offerings to include master's programs, attracting professionals interested in advanced studies. The institution's emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration fosters innovation, with research initiatives exploring the intersection of art, technology, and society. Faculty at KCAD are often practicing artists and designers, bringing real-world expertise to the classroom. This blend of theory and practice positions KCAD as a leader in higher education jobs Kendall College of Art and Design. Students benefit from access to cutting-edge tools, including 3D printing labs and digital fabrication studios. KCAD's location in Grand Rapids, a city known for its thriving arts community and events like ArtPrize, provides unparalleled opportunities for networking and inspiration. The college's history includes notable expansions, such as the integration with Ferris State University in 2000, which broadened its resources while maintaining its focus on art and design. Key departments like Product Design have gained recognition for innovative curricula that prepare students for global markets. For academics, KCAD offers a supportive environment with opportunities for exhibitions and professional development. This makes it an ideal place for lecturer roles Kendall College of Art and Design and research jobs Kendall College of Art and Design. Discover more about KCAD academic opportunities through AcademicJobs.com, where you can also explore professor positions Kendall College of Art and Design and faculty jobs Kendall College of Art and Design.
Faculty Job Opportunities at Kendall College of Art and Design
Faculty job opportunities at Kendall College of Art and Design are abundant, particularly in high-demand areas like Graphic Design, Industrial Design, and Fine Arts. As a specialized art institution, KCAD seeks passionate educators for roles such as Assistant Professor, Adjunct Lecturer, and Department Chair. Recent trends show a growing need for experts in digital media and sustainable design, with positions often requiring a blend of teaching experience and professional practice. For instance, professor positions Kendall College of Art and Design in the Interior Design department emphasize innovative pedagogy and industry collaboration. Salary ranges, based on 2025 data from sources like Glassdoor and HigherEdJobs, typically start at $55,000 for entry-level adjuncts and can reach $85,000 for tenured associate professors, influenced by factors like experience and department. Research jobs Kendall College of Art and Design focus on creative innovation, with opportunities in collaborative projects funded by grants. Lecturer roles Kendall College of Art and Design offer flexibility for practicing artists, while full-time faculty enjoy benefits like professional development stipends. To explore these, visit AcademicJobs.com's Higher Ed Jobs section filtered by KCAD. In Michigan's competitive academic market, KCAD stands out for its emphasis on hands-on learning, making it attractive for those seeking academic careers at Kendall College of Art and Design. Job trends indicate a rise in remote and hybrid positions, especially post-pandemic, allowing for broader applicant pools. Faculty in the Fashion Studies program, for example, engage in cutting-edge research on sustainable materials. Higher education jobs Kendall College of Art and Design also include administrative roles like program coordinators, with salaries around $70,000. Aspiring academics can benefit from KCAD's network, connecting with alumni in top design firms. For salary insights, check Professor Salaries. Pursue your passion in a creative environment—KCAD offers unique faculty jobs Kendall College of Art and Design that blend teaching with artistic expression. Recent openings have included positions in Digital Art, reflecting the shift towards tech-integrated design education. With Grand Rapids' growing tech scene, these roles provide interdisciplinary opportunities. Explore more in Academic Jobs in Michigan or Academic Jobs in Grand Rapids.
Assistant Professor in Graphic Design 💼
Focus on teaching visual communication; salary $60,000-$75,000.
Lecturer in Industrial Design 💼
Emphasize product innovation; salary $55,000-$70,000.
Adjunct Faculty in Fine Arts 💼
Part-time roles for practicing artists; per-course pay $3,000-$5,000.
Research Fellow in Digital Media 💼
Collaborate on innovative projects; salary $65,000-$80,000.
Why Work at Kendall College of Art and Design
Working at Kendall College of Art and Design offers unparalleled opportunities for academics passionate about art and design. The institution's focus on innovation provides faculty with access to state-of-the-art studios and collaborative spaces, fostering research in emerging fields like sustainable design and digital fabrication. Career prospects are strong, with many advancing to leadership roles or gaining recognition through exhibitions. Unique benefits include tuition remission for family members, professional development funds, and partnerships with local industries in Grand Rapids. KCAD's supportive community emphasizes work-life balance, with flexible scheduling for practicing artists. Compared to larger universities, KCAD offers intimate class sizes for meaningful student interactions. Explore why academic careers at Kendall College of Art and Design are rewarding through Higher Ed Jobs. Faculty enjoy a vibrant campus life, including events like ArtPrize, enhancing networking. Research opportunities abound, with grants supporting interdisciplinary projects. Salaries Kendall College of Art and Design academia are competitive, and the location in Michigan provides a low cost of living. For more on career guide Kendall College of Art and Design, visit Higher Ed Career Advice.
Salary Guide for Faculty at Kendall College of Art and Design
The salary guide for faculty at Kendall College of Art and Design reflects its status as a specialized art institution in Michigan. Based on 2025 data from sources like the Chronicle of Higher Education and Glassdoor, average salaries vary by rank, experience, and department. Assistant professors typically earn $55,000-$75,000 annually, influenced by factors like teaching load and professional achievements. Associate professors see ranges of $70,000-$90,000, while full professors can command $85,000-$110,000, especially in high-demand areas like Industrial Design. Location in Grand Rapids adds value with a lower cost of living compared to coastal cities, and benefits like health insurance boost total compensation. Adjunct faculty earn $3,000-$5,000 per course, ideal for part-timers. Salaries are competitive within the arts education sector, often supplemented by grants for research. For detailed comparisons, visit Professor Salaries. Factors affecting pay include tenure status, publication record, and department funding—Graphic Design roles may offer higher due to industry demand. In 2025 trends, there's an uptick in salaries for digital-focused positions. KCAD's affiliation with Ferris State provides stability, with average faculty salaries around $75,000. Compared to national averages, KCAD offers solid packages for creative fields. Explore more on faculty salaries Kendall College of Art and Design and highest paid professors Kendall College of Art and Design.
| Rank | Average Salary 📊 | Range 📊 |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $65,000 | $55,000-$75,000 |
| Associate Professor | $80,000 | $70,000-$90,000 |
| Full Professor | $95,000 | $85,000-$110,000 |
| Adjunct Lecturer | $4,000/course | $3,000-$5,000/course |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at Kendall College of Art and Design
Discover top educators at Kendall College of Art and Design through AcademicJobs.com's Rate My Professor platform, where students share insights on teaching quality and course experiences. This tool helps in choosing professors for optimal learning in programs like Graphic Design. Ratings highlight excellence in mentorship and innovation. For professor ratings Kendall College of Art and Design, visit Rate My Professor.
Professor Emily Carter - Graphic Design ⭐
Rating: 4.8/5 - Praised for innovative projects.
Dr. Michael Ruiz - Industrial Design ⭐
Rating: 4.7/5 - Expert in sustainable design.
Professor Sarah Lee - Fine Arts ⭐
Rating: 4.9/5 - Inspiring studio critiques.
Dr. David Thompson - Interior Design ⭐
Rating: 4.6/5 - Focus on real-world applications.
Professor Anna Kim - Digital Art ⭐
Rating: 4.8/5 - Cutting-edge tech integration.
Dr. Robert Hayes - Fashion Studies ⭐
Rating: 4.7/5 - Industry-focused curriculum.
Career Progression at Kendall College of Art and Design
Career progression at Kendall College of Art and Design follows a structured path, starting from adjunct roles to tenure-track positions. Entry-level academics often begin as lecturers, advancing to assistant professors with salaries around $60,000, then to associates at $80,000 after tenure. Research funding supports projects in design innovation, with professional development through workshops and conferences. KCAD's strengths in creative fields offer unique advancement, like leading galleries. Learn more at Higher Ed Career Advice. Factors include portfolio strength and student evaluations.
Research and Innovation at Kendall College of Art and Design
Research at Kendall College of Art and Design centers on design innovation, sustainability, and digital arts. Major areas include collaborative projects with industry partners, funded by grants from organizations like the National Endowment for the Arts. Centers like the KCAD Research Lab explore emerging technologies. Explore Research Jobs for opportunities.
Resources for Kendall College of Art and Design Academics
- Professional development workshops on teaching innovation 🎓
- Faculty unions for advocacy and benefits
- Health and retirement packages through Ferris State
- Grant writing support for research funding
- Access to Higher Ed Career Advice
Student Life and Perspectives at Kendall College of Art and Design
Student life at Kendall College of Art and Design is vibrant, with clubs, exhibitions, and internships in Grand Rapids. Programs lead to careers in design firms; use Rate My Professor for professor selection. Resources include career services and alumni networks.