About Ringling College of Art and Design
Ringling College of Art and Design, located in Sarasota, Florida, United States, is a private, non-profit institution founded in 1931 by circus magnate John Ringling as part of his vision to create a world-class art school. Originally established as a school of fine and applied arts, it has evolved into a leading college offering bachelor's degrees in 13 majors, including Computer Animation, Illustration, Graphic Design, Film, Fine Arts, and Game Art. The college's mission is to provide programs leading to degrees that prepare students to be discerning visual thinkers and ethical practitioners in their chosen fields. Key achievements include producing alumni who have worked on major films like those from Pixar and DreamWorks, and the college boasts a high job placement rate, often over 90% within six months of graduation. The campus spans 48 acres in Sarasota, featuring modern facilities like the Sarasota Museum of Art and state-of-the-art studios. Ringling College emphasizes hands-on learning and industry collaboration, with notable programs in motion design and virtual reality. For more details, visit the Ringling College of Art and Design Website. Explore related opportunities in Academic Jobs in United States, Academic Jobs in Florida, and Academic Jobs in Sarasota.
The college's history is rooted in creativity and innovation, with a commitment to fostering artistic talent. Over the decades, it has grown from a small art school to an institution enrolling around 1,600 students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, ensuring personalized education. Ringling College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. Its key departments include Business of Art and Design, Entertainment Design, and Photography and Imaging, which align with emerging trends in digital media and creative industries. The college has received recognition for its animation program, consistently ranked among the top in the nation by Animation Career Review. Campus life is enriched by events like the Ringling International Arts Festival, and its location in Sarasota provides access to cultural hubs like the Ringling Museum. For academics interested in higher education jobs at Ringling College of Art and Design, the institution offers a dynamic environment blending tradition with cutting-edge technology.
Ringling College's commitment to excellence is evident in its alumni success stories, including Oscar winners and industry leaders. The college invests heavily in facilities, such as the Alfred R. Goldstein Library and the Soundstages for film production. It promotes diversity and inclusion, with initiatives supporting underrepresented groups in the arts. For those exploring academic careers at Ringling College of Art and Design, the institution provides opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary projects and community outreach. Whether you're a professor seeking research jobs or a student rating professors, Ringling College stands as a beacon for creative education in the United States.
In terms of academic opportunities, Ringling College emphasizes practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge, preparing graduates for competitive fields. The college's strategic location in Florida offers proximity to tech and entertainment hubs, enhancing job prospects. Discover more about professor positions at Ringling College of Art and Design through our resources.
Faculty Job Opportunities at Ringling College of Art and Design
Faculty job opportunities at Ringling College of Art and Design are abundant in creative and design-focused disciplines, reflecting the institution's emphasis on innovation in the arts. High-demand roles include Assistant Professor in Computer Animation, Lecturer in Illustration, and Research Fellow in Game Art, with trends showing growth in digital media and virtual reality positions. According to recent data from sources like Glassdoor and HigherEdJobs, job trends for 2025 indicate a 15% increase in demand for faculty in animation and design due to industry expansions in entertainment and tech. Key departments such as Computer Animation, which has produced award-winning alumni, often seek experts with industry experience. Salary ranges, based on 2025 estimates from Salary.com and university reports, start at $60,000-$80,000 for Assistant Professors, $75,000-$95,000 for Associate Professors, and $90,000-$120,000 for Full Professors, influenced by experience and department. These figures are competitive within Florida's higher education landscape. For lecturer roles at Ringling College of Art and Design, part-time positions may offer $50,000-$70,000 annually. Explore these professor positions at Ringling College of Art and Design through Higher Ed Jobs, filtered specifically for the college. Academic careers at Ringling College of Art and Design benefit from small class sizes and collaborative environments.
In addition to teaching roles, research jobs at Ringling College of Art and Design focus on interdisciplinary projects, such as motion design and interactive media. The college's partnerships with companies like Pixar provide unique opportunities for faculty to engage in real-world applications. Job seekers can find higher education jobs at Ringling College of Art and Design in areas like Fine Arts and Photography, where demand for innovative educators is high. Salaries for research positions average $80,000-$100,000, with bonuses for grant-funded work. Rate professors at Ringling College of Art and Design via Rate My Professor to gain insights into department cultures. For those in Academic Jobs in Florida, Ringling offers a sunny, creative setting. Faculty in the Business of Art and Design department, for instance, earn around $85,000 on average, blending business acumen with artistic training. The college's focus on emerging technologies like AI in design is driving new hires.
Pursuing faculty jobs at Ringling College of Art and Design means joining a community dedicated to artistic excellence. With a low turnover rate and emphasis on professional development, positions here are highly sought after. Check out salaries in Ringling College of Art and Design academia through Professor Salaries. For remote or adjunct options, explore Remote Higher Ed Jobs or Adjunct Professor Jobs. The college's location in Academic Jobs in Sarasota adds to its appeal, with access to cultural amenities.
Assistant Professor in Animation 💼
Salary: $60k-$80k. Focus on teaching cutting-edge techniques.
Lecturer in Graphic Design 🎨
Salary: $70k-$90k. Emphasize industry trends.
Research Fellow in Game Art 🔬
Salary: $80k-$100k. Collaborate on innovative projects.
Associate Professor in Illustration 📚
Salary: $75k-$95k. Mentor emerging artists.
Why Work at Ringling College of Art and Design
Working at Ringling College of Art and Design offers unparalleled opportunities for academic careers in a creative, supportive environment. The college's focus on innovation provides faculty with access to cutting-edge resources, including advanced studios and industry partnerships, fostering research and teaching excellence. Career prospects are strong, with high job satisfaction reported in surveys, and unique benefits like sabbaticals for artistic projects and health coverage tailored to creative professionals. Researched data from employee reviews on Indeed highlight the collaborative culture and professional growth opportunities. Explore why academic careers at Ringling College of Art and Design are rewarding through Higher Ed Career Advice. The Sarasota location adds lifestyle perks, with beaches and arts scenes enhancing work-life balance.
Faculty appreciate the emphasis on student success, with opportunities to influence the next generation of artists. Ringling's small size allows for meaningful mentorship, and its reputation opens doors to conferences and collaborations. Benefits include tuition remission for dependents and access to cultural events.
Salary Guide for Faculty at Ringling College of Art and Design
The salary guide for faculty at Ringling College of Art and Design reflects competitive compensation in the arts education sector. Based on 2025 data from sources like Chronicle of Higher Education and Salary.com, average salaries range from $60,000 for entry-level Assistant Professors to $120,000 for senior Full Professors. Factors affecting pay include experience, department (e.g., higher in Computer Animation due to demand), and location in Florida, where cost of living is moderate. Adjunct roles average $3,000-$5,000 per course. Compared to national averages, Ringling's salaries are above median for art colleges, with benefits adding 20-30% value. For detailed breakdowns, visit Professor Salaries. Salaries in Ringling College of Art and Design academia are influenced by grants and endowments, supporting research. Assistant Professors in Illustration might earn $65,000-$85,000, while those in Film could see $70,000-$90,000. Tenure-track positions offer stability, with raises tied to performance. Location in Sarasota provides tax advantages, enhancing net pay. Overall, faculty report satisfaction with compensation relative to workload.
Experience plays a key role; mid-career Associate Professors average $80,000-$100,000, with opportunities for bonuses from industry consultancies. Department variations show tech-focused areas like Game Art paying 10-15% more. National trends for 2025 predict 3-5% increases due to inflation and demand. For comparisons, check University Salaries. Ringling's focus on professional development can lead to salary growth through promotions.
Additional factors include union negotiations and merit-based raises. In Florida, no state income tax boosts take-home pay. For lecturer roles at Ringling College of Art and Design, expect $50,000-$70,000 full-time equivalent. Research positions may include stipends for projects.
| Role 📊 | Salary Range 📍 |
|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $60k-$80k |
| Associate Professor | $80k-$100k |
| Full Professor | $90k-$120k |
| Lecturer | $50k-$70k |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at Ringling College of Art and Design
Discover top educators at Ringling College of Art and Design through Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com. Ratings help students choose courses and recognize teaching excellence in programs like animation and design. Share your experiences to guide others.
Tim Daly - Animation ⭐ 4.8/5
Known for inspiring creativity in computer animation courses.
Barbara St. Clair - Illustration ⭐ 4.7/5
Expert in narrative illustration with industry insights.
Jeff Bell - Game Art ⭐ 4.9/5
Focuses on interactive design and virtual reality.
Linda DiGabriele - Fine Arts ⭐ 4.6/5
Encourages experimental techniques in painting.
Morgan Jeske - Graphic Design ⭐ 4.8/5
Teaches branding with real-world applications.
Career Progression at Ringling College of Art and Design
Career progression at Ringling College of Art and Design follows a structured path from Assistant Professor to Full Professor, with tenure-track options after 5-7 years. Salaries increase by rank: Assistant $60k-$80k, Associate $80k-$100k, Full $90k-$120k. Research funding supports advancement, especially in animation. Professional development includes workshops and sabbaticals. Learn more at Higher Ed Career Advice. The college's strengths in creative fields enhance promotion opportunities.
Faculty can pursue administrative roles or industry collaborations for growth.
Research and Innovation at Ringling College of Art and Design
Research at Ringling College of Art and Design centers on digital innovation, with trends in AI-driven design and sustainable art practices for 2025. Major areas include animation research centers and collaborations with tech firms. Funding comes from grants and partnerships. Explore Research Jobs.
Opportunities abound in interdisciplinary projects blending art and technology.
Resources for Ringling College of Art and Design Academics
- Professional development workshops on digital tools 🎓
- Faculty unions for advocacy and benefits
- Health and retirement plans tailored to educators 💼
- Access to grants for creative research
Student Life and Perspectives at Ringling College of Art and Design
Student life at Ringling College of Art and Design is vibrant, with clubs, festivals, and career services leading to strong outcomes in creative industries. Choose programs like Film for hands-on experience. Use Rate My Professor for professor selection.
Resources include internships and alumni networks.

