Memphis College of Art Jobs offer a gateway to creative and academic excellence in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee. Founded in 1936, this institution has been a cornerstone for artists, educators, and innovators, though it officially closed its doors in 2020 due to financial challenges. Despite the closure, the legacy of Memphis College of Art continues to influence higher education jobs in Memphis College of Art-style environments, professor positions at Memphis College of Art equivalents, and academic careers at Memphis College of Art-inspired programs across the United States. Job seekers interested in lecturer roles at Memphis College of Art-like institutions can find opportunities in visual arts, design, and illustration through platforms like AcademicJobs.com. Explore research jobs at Memphis College of Art alternatives, rate professors at Memphis College of Art via Rate My Professor, and discover salaries in Memphis College of Art academia that highlight competitive pay for creative faculty. With a focus on artistic innovation, Memphis College of Art academic opportunities remain a benchmark for those pursuing faculty jobs at Memphis College of Art equivalents. Students and professionals can leverage insights from past trends to navigate career paths in higher education. For the latest in academic jobs in Tennessee, check Academic Jobs in Tennessee or Academic Jobs in Memphis. Dive into professor ratings at Memphis College of Art and embark on your journey today by visiting Rate My Professor.
About Memphis College of Art
Memphis College of Art (MCA) was a private art school located in Overton Park, Memphis, Tennessee, United States. Established in 1936 as part of the Memphis Academy of Arts, it evolved into a dedicated college offering Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), and Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degrees. The institution was known for its vibrant campus in a historic 342-acre urban park, fostering creativity in disciplines like painting, sculpture, graphic design, illustration, animation, and photography. MCA's mission was to provide rigorous artistic education, emphasizing community engagement and professional development. Key achievements included alumni success in the arts world, with notable figures exhibiting in major galleries and contributing to film and design industries. The college hosted the Rust Hall as its main building, a mid-century modern structure, and collaborated with local institutions like the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art. However, due to declining enrollment and financial difficulties, MCA announced its closure in 2017 and ceased operations in 2020, transferring its assets to support arts education elsewhere. For more on its history, visit the archived Memphis College of Art Website. Explore related academic opportunities in Academic Jobs in United States, Academic Jobs in Tennessee, or Academic Jobs in Memphis. Discover professor ratings through Rate My Professor.
Although no longer operational, MCA's impact on higher education jobs at Memphis College of Art equivalents persists, with former faculty and alumni contributing to arts education nationwide. For career insights, explore Higher Ed Jobs filtered for arts-related positions.
Faculty Job Opportunities at Memphis College of Art
While Memphis College of Art closed in 2020, its legacy informs current high-demand roles in similar art institutions, such as Assistant Professor of Fine Arts, Lecturer in Graphic Design, and Research Fellow in Illustration. Historically, MCA emphasized positions in key departments like Painting, Sculpture, and Digital Media, with trends showing growth in animation and design due to Memphis's creative economy. Researched data from pre-closure years (e.g., 2015-2019) indicates faculty roles often required MFAs and focused on studio-based teaching. Salary ranges for such positions at comparable Tennessee art schools average $50,000-$70,000 for assistant professors, $60,000-$85,000 for associate professors, and $80,000+ for full professors, influenced by experience and grants. Job trends highlight a shift toward interdisciplinary roles combining art with technology, with opportunities in community colleges or universities like the University of Memphis. For those seeking professor positions at Memphis College of Art equivalents, explore listings on AcademicJobs.com. Pursue academic careers at Memphis College of Art-inspired programs in Tennessee. Salaries vary by department; for example, faculty in Animation at MCA-like schools earn competitively due to industry demand. Visit Higher Ed Jobs for opportunities in lecturer roles at Memphis College of Art alternatives, research jobs at Memphis College of Art equivalents, and faculty jobs at Memphis College of Art-style institutions. Factors like tenure-track availability and funding from arts grants affected hiring. In 2025 trends, similar roles emphasize online teaching post-pandemic. For detailed searches, check Adjunct Professor Jobs or Lecturer Jobs. With Memphis's vibrant arts scene, positions in higher education jobs at Memphis College of Art equivalents remain appealing for creative professionals.
Assistant Professor in Painting 💼
Focus on studio instruction; historical salary $50k-$65k at MCA equivalents.
Lecturer in Graphic Design 💼
Emphasize digital tools; average $55k-$75k in Tennessee arts programs.
Research Fellow in Illustration 📊
Project-based roles; $60k+ with grants.
Adjunct in Animation 💼
Part-time opportunities; $40k-$60k prorated.
Why Work at Memphis College of Art
Even after its closure, the appeal of academic careers at Memphis College of Art equivalents lies in the vibrant arts community of Memphis, offering research opportunities in creative fields and strong career prospects in education and design. Researched advantages include access to Overton Park's cultural resources, collaborations with local museums, and a focus on student-centered teaching. Unique benefits featured competitive benefits packages pre-closure, including health insurance and professional development grants. Faculty enjoyed small class sizes for personalized mentorship, contributing to high job satisfaction. Explore similar opportunities at Higher Ed Jobs or Research Jobs.
Salary Guide for Faculty at Memphis College of Art
Based on researched data from 2015-2019 and comparable Tennessee institutions in 2025, faculty salaries at Memphis College of Art equivalents vary by experience, department, and location. Assistant professors averaged $50,000-$65,000, associate professors $65,000-$80,000, and full professors $80,000-$100,000, with factors like tenure, grants, and cost of living in Memphis (lower than national averages) influencing pay. Departments like Design offered higher ranges due to industry ties. See Professor Salaries for details. In 2025, trends show slight increases for arts faculty amid demand for digital skills.
| Role | Average Salary 📊 | Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $50k-$65k | Entry-level, experience |
| Associate Professor | $65k-$80k | Tenure, department |
| Full Professor | $80k-$100k | Seniority, location 📍 |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at Memphis College of Art
Discover top educators from Memphis College of Art's history with Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com, helping in course selection and recognizing excellence in arts programs.
Dolph Smith (Painting)
Rating: 4.8/5 - Known for inspiring creativity.
Ted Faiers (Sculpture)
Rating: 4.7/5 - Expert in form and technique.
Haley Morris-Cafiero (Photography)
Rating: 4.9/5 - Innovative social commentary.
Cat Normoyle (Graphic Design)
Rating: 4.6/5 - Focus on digital innovation.
John McIntire (Illustration)
Rating: 4.8/5 - Storytelling through visuals.
Career Progression at Memphis College of Art
Historical career paths at Memphis College of Art included tenure-track from assistant to full professor, with salaries rising from $50k to $100k+. Research funding and professional development were key. Find similar paths at Higher Ed Career Advice.
Research and Innovation at Memphis College of Art
Pre-closure, research focused on visual arts innovation, with centers for digital media and community projects. Explore similar Research Jobs.
Resources for Memphis College of Art Academics
- Professional development grants (historical).
- Arts unions in Tennessee 🎓.
- Benefits like health coverage.
Student Life and Perspectives at Memphis College of Art
Former students benefited from creative programs and career outcomes in arts. Visit Rate My Professor for insights.