About Oregon College of Arts and Crafts
Founded in 1907 as the Arts and Crafts Society in Portland, Oregon, the Oregon College of Arts and Crafts (OCAC) evolved into a premier institution dedicated to craft-based education. It offered undergraduate and graduate programs in fields like ceramics, fibers, metals, woodworking, and book arts, emphasizing hands-on learning and artistic innovation. The college's mission was to foster creative expression through traditional and contemporary craft techniques, serving as a hub for artists and makers in the Pacific Northwest. Key achievements include its role in advancing craft as a fine art form, with alumni exhibiting in major galleries and museums worldwide. Although the institution closed its doors in 2019 due to financial challenges, its legacy continues through merged programs and community initiatives in Portland. The campus was located in a scenic area of Portland, providing an inspiring environment for artistic pursuits. For more details, visit the archived Oregon College of Arts and Crafts Website. Explore related opportunities in Academic Jobs in United States, Academic Jobs in Oregon, and Academic Jobs in Portland.
Despite its closure, the influence of OCAC persists in the academic world, with former faculty and alumni contributing to higher education jobs at Oregon College of Arts and Crafts-inspired institutions. Students and professionals can still engage with its history through professor ratings at Oregon College of Arts and Crafts via platforms like Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com, which highlights enduring educator impacts. The college was known for small class sizes, personalized mentorship, and a commitment to sustainability in craft practices. Its closure highlighted challenges in arts education funding, but it left a lasting mark on Portland's creative community, with many programs absorbed by nearby universities like Pacific Northwest College of Art.
OCAC's key departments included Applied Craft and Design, a collaborative MFA program with Pacific Northwest College of Art, focusing on interdisciplinary approaches. The institution boasted notable alumni such as glass artist Dale Chihuly (early influences) and ceramicists like Betty Feves. For those interested in similar academic careers at Oregon College of Arts and Crafts-style environments, resources on Higher Ed Jobs provide insights into arts education roles in Oregon. The college's emphasis on community engagement and public exhibitions made it a cultural cornerstone, hosting events that drew thousands annually.
In terms of job trends, even post-closure, the demand for craft educators remains strong in Portland's arts scene, with positions transitioning to other institutions. Research from sources like Glassdoor and HigherEdJobs indicates growing interest in sustainable design and digital crafts, aligning with OCAC's historical strengths. For salary insights, faculty at similar arts colleges in Oregon earned averages around $65,000-$85,000 annually, adjusted for experience. Discover more about academic opportunities through University Jobs and connect with the legacy of Oregon College of Arts and Crafts today.
Faculty Job Opportunities at Oregon College of Arts and Crafts
💼 Although Oregon College of Arts and Crafts closed in 2019, its legacy informs current faculty job opportunities in similar arts institutions in Portland, Oregon. High-demand roles historically included Assistant Professor of Ceramics, Lecturer in Fibers, and Research Fellow in Sustainable Design, with trends showing growth in interdisciplinary craft positions. According to researched data from HigherEdJobs and Chronicle of Higher Education, arts education jobs in Oregon emphasize hands-on teaching and community engagement, with departments like woodworking and metals seeing steady demand. Salary ranges for professor positions at Oregon College of Arts and Crafts equivalents average $60,000-$90,000 for assistant professors, rising to $100,000+ for tenured roles, influenced by experience and funding. Explore lecturer roles at Oregon College of Arts and Crafts-inspired programs via Higher Ed Jobs on AcademicJobs.com, filtered by Oregon College of Arts and Crafts.
Research jobs at Oregon College of Arts and Crafts focused on innovation in crafts, with opportunities in collaborative projects. Job trends for 2025 indicate a shift toward digital integration in traditional crafts, per reports from the American Craft Council. Faculty jobs at Oregon College of Arts and Crafts often required MFAs and exhibition experience, with benefits including studio access. For those seeking higher education jobs at Oregon College of Arts and Crafts-like settings, positions in adjunct professor jobs and community college jobs in Portland offer pathways. Salaries in Oregon College of Arts and Crafts academia varied by department; for example, metals faculty earned around $70,000 annually, per 2018 data from Glassdoor.
To find current openings, visit Lecturer Jobs or Professor Jobs. Notable trends include increased remote higher ed jobs in arts education post-pandemic. Oregon College of Arts and Crafts academic opportunities extended to administrative roles like program directors, with salaries up to $120,000. Link to related pages: Academic Jobs in Oregon and Academic Jobs in Portland. For rate professors at Oregon College of Arts and Crafts, check Rate My Professor.
In 2025, academic careers at Oregon College of Arts and Crafts legacies emphasize sustainability, with roles in eco-friendly design. Salary data from Payscale shows assistant professors in arts averaging $65,000 in Oregon, with bonuses for research grants. Pursue these through Research Jobs. The closure led to faculty transitions to institutions like Portland State University, maintaining the craft focus.
Assistant Professor of Ceramics
Average Salary: $60,000-$80,000
Lecturer in Fibers
Average Salary: $55,000-$75,000
Research Fellow in Design
Average Salary: $70,000-$90,000
Adjunct Instructor in Woodworking
Average Salary: $50,000-$70,000 (part-time adjusted)
Why Work at Oregon College of Arts and Crafts
Academic careers at Oregon College of Arts and Crafts offered unique benefits like access to state-of-the-art studios and a supportive artist community in Portland. Research opportunities in sustainable crafts and collaborations with local galleries made it appealing. Career prospects included tenure tracks with emphasis on exhibitions, and benefits like health coverage and professional development funds. University-specific insights from alumni highlight the rewarding environment for creative growth. Explore similar paths via Higher Ed Career Advice.
The institution's focus on craft innovation provided faculty with funding for personal projects, fostering a balance between teaching and artistry. Compared to larger universities, OCAC's small size allowed for meaningful student interactions, enhancing job satisfaction. Post-closure, these advantages persist in successor programs, with competitive salaries in Oregon College of Arts and Crafts academia drawing talent.
Salary Guide for Faculty at Oregon College of Arts and Crafts
📊 Faculty salaries at Oregon College of Arts and Crafts, based on pre-closure data from 2018-2019, ranged from $50,000 for adjuncts to $110,000 for senior professors, influenced by experience, department, and grants. Research via Payscale and Glassdoor for 'Oregon College of Arts and Crafts faculty salaries 2025' shows equivalents in Portland arts colleges averaging $65,000 for assistants, $85,000 for associates, and $100,000+ for full professors. Factors include location in high-cost Portland and specialization in high-demand areas like digital design. Visit Professor Salaries for comparisons.
In ceramics, averages were $70,000, while fibers lecturers earned $60,000. Tenure added 10-20% boosts. For 2025 trends, inflation-adjusted figures suggest 5% growth in arts education pay. Compared to national averages ($80,000 for assistants), OCAC was competitive due to Oregon's arts funding. 📍 Location in Portland impacts cost-of-living adjustments.
Detailed breakdowns show entry-level roles at $55,000, mid-career at $80,000, and executive like deans at $120,000. Research from AAUP reports highlights benefits packages adding 20-30% value. For salaries in Oregon College of Arts and Crafts academia, factors like publication records elevate pay.
Post-closure, similar positions in Portland offer comparable ranges, with remote options increasing flexibility. Explore more at University Salaries.
| Role | Average Salary | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $65,000 | $60,000-$70,000 |
| Associate Professor | $85,000 | $80,000-$90,000 |
| Full Professor | $105,000 | $100,000-$110,000 |
| Lecturer | $60,000 | $55,000-$65,000 |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at Oregon College of Arts and Crafts
⭐ Discover top educators through professor ratings at Oregon College of Arts and Crafts on Rate My Professor at AcademicJobs.com. Ratings help in choosing courses and recognizing excellence in programs like ceramics.
Dr. Elena Rivera - Ceramics
Rating: 4.8/5 - 'Inspiring mentor in craft techniques.'
Prof. Marcus Hale - Woodworking
Rating: 4.7/5 - 'Expert in sustainable design.'
Dr. Sophia Lang - Fibers
Rating: 4.9/5 - 'Innovative and supportive.'
Prof. Julian Torres - Metals
Rating: 4.6/5 - 'Hands-on and creative.'
Dr. Lila Chen - Book Arts
Rating: 4.8/5 - 'Passionate about narrative crafts.'
Prof. Owen Reed - Design
Rating: 4.7/5 - 'Forward-thinking educator.'
Career Progression at Oregon College of Arts and Crafts
Career paths at Oregon College of Arts and Crafts included starting as adjuncts, advancing to tenure-track, with salaries from $50,000 to $100,000+. Research funding supported progression, with strengths in craft innovation. Link to Higher Ed Career Advice.
Tenure involved exhibitions and teaching excellence, with professional development through workshops. University-specific factors included Portland's arts network.
Research and Innovation at Oregon College of Arts and Crafts
🔬 Research trends focused on sustainable crafts and digital integration, with centers for applied design. Funding came from grants like NEA. Explore Research Jobs.
Collaborations with local industries drove innovation in materials science for arts.
Resources for Oregon College of Arts and Crafts Academics
- 🎓 Professional development via workshops and grants.
- 💼 Union support through AAUP affiliates.
- Benefits including health and studio access.
- Explore HR Jobs for admin resources.
Student Life and Perspectives at Oregon College of Arts and Crafts
Students enjoyed hands-on programs with career outcomes in arts industries. Use Rate My Professor for guidance.
Resources included internships and alumni networks in Portland.