Assistant Professor Art - Animation

Job Details

Job Title: Assistant Professor Art - Animation
Location: UWG Recruiting Location
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Job ID: 304137

About Us

Since 1906, the University of West Georgia (UWG) has been home to those who seek a transformative college experience. UWG is a leading residential, doctoral comprehensive university that offers a broad undergraduate and graduate curriculum based on a liberal arts foundation. Nestled among the pines on a picturesque 645 acres is the University of West Georgia- a hidden gem approximately 40 miles west of Atlanta. Serving approximately 16,000+ students, and offering more than 100 programs, UWG is committed to advancing innovative academic programs and a student-centered business model. Perennially ranked by U.S. News & World Report, the Princeton Review, and Colleges of Distinction as a top national university, West Georgia offers 86 fields of study, including business, computing, nursing, education, STEM, communication and digital media, social sciences, and the fine and performing arts. UWG generates a regional economic impact of more than $650 million annually and provides a safe, quality, and affordable university experience that connects students to post-graduate career and leadership opportunities. UWG has been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for its institutional commitment to community engagement through teaching, research and creative activities, and public service. West Georgia is one of only 119 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the elective classification in 2020 and is among only 359 institutions nationally. Dedicated to creating a first-choice university for students, alumni, employees, and communities, UWG seeks employees who will advance and support the University's mission of fulfilling the talent needs of western Georgia and the Atlanta metropolitan area, while contributing to the social, cultural, and economic development of the region and state.

The University of West Georgia offers a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support faculty and staff across multiple dimensions; health, wellness, financial security, and professional growth. Employees working at least 30 hours per week gain access to a range of health plans, including medical, dental, and vision, wellness programs, and robust retirement options through Georgia Teachers Retirement System (TRS), Optional Retirement Program, and voluntary 403(b) and 457(b) plans. Employees are granted 13 paid holidays and paid time off accruals and are eligible to participate in the University System of Georgia's Tuition Assistance Program. Fringe benefits include a variety of resources focused on employee physical, mental, financial, and social well-being through Acentra Employee Assistance Program in addition to personal financial advising with Captrust. UWG also offers exclusive discounts and special offers on entertainment, travel, and other products and services through the Perks at Work program, free access to the university recreation facility, discounted campus dining options, and more!

Living in Carrollton, "The City of Dreams," offers the advantages of city life with a small-town vibe. This progressive community with Southern flair offers plenty of shopping, restaurants, nightlife opportunities, and cultural events. Named a City of Excellence in Georgia and listed as one of the 50 Best Small Southern Towns, Carrollton is the cultural, educational, health care, and commercial center for the west Georgia region.

At the heart of Carrollton is its historic downtown and Adamson Square lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Each season offers unique local events and opportunities for year-round recreation. Outdoor activities abound through award-winning spaces, including an 18-mile paved walking and biking Greenbelt trail that encircles the city and passes through the UWG campus.

The city embraces the University's students, faculty, and staff, and welcomes the diversity UWG brings to the community.

Invested in education with highly rated city and county K-12 systems, both city and county public school graduation rates are 90% and above and rank among the top in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Location

Our campus is located at 1601 Maple Street, Carrollton, GA 30118.

Faculty and staff members are expected to be physically present on campus as needed to support the in-person educational experience and on-campus vitality at the University of West Georgia. Depending upon teaching assignments and student demand, this could include the Carrollton or Newnan campuses.

Job Summary

The Art program invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in Animation at the rank of Assistant Professor or Associate Professor, contingent upon qualifications and professional experience. The successful candidate will begin employment on August 1, 2027. This position involves teaching animation courses across undergraduate levels, contributing to curriculum design and enhancement, supporting student success, participating in service activities, and maintaining an active research and creative agenda. We seek a dedicated educator who fosters creativity and innovation, promotes student growth, and integrates contemporary industry practices into both instruction and program development within this specialized area of study.

Commitment to Excellence: The successful candidate will contribute to a dynamic and evolving Animation program through outstanding teaching, student mentorship, creative scholarship, service, and engagement with both the university and broader community. The position offers an opportunity to help shape the future direction of animation education while preparing students for success in contemporary creative industries.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities associated with this position include:

• Teaching a range of Animation courses across all levels.
• Advising and mentoring students regarding academic and professional development.
• Developing and supporting internship opportunities that enhance student career readiness.
• Contributing to program planning, assessment, and curriculum development initiatives.
• Assisting with the recruitment and retention of a diverse student population.
• Engaging with community partners and supporting outreach efforts.
• Advancing the mission and goals of the Art Program and the University of West Georgia.
• Assisting in the management of animation studios, labs, and related equipment.
• Supervising and coordinating student employees.
• Participating in departmental, college, and university service activities.

Required Qualifications

• A terminal degree in Animation or an equivalent field prior to August 2027.
• Demonstrated proficiency with industry-standard animation software, technologies, workflows, and professional practices.
• Extensive experience in animation fundamentals, including both traditional and digital approaches to animation.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Preferred candidates will demonstrate expertise in two or more of the following areas:

• 2D Animation
• 3D Modeling and Animation
• Stop-Motion Animation
• Storyboarding
• Digital Illustration
• Character Design
• Visual Storytelling

Animation Pipeline Development and Production Workflows

Additionally, successful candidates should:

• Demonstrate experience and/or a strong commitment to teaching and mentoring students from diverse backgrounds and demographics.
• Possess substantial knowledge of the history of animation as well as current trends, issues, and developments within the field.
• Show strong potential for excellence in teaching, service, student success initiatives, and research or creative scholarship.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated experience in one or more of the following areas:

• University-level teaching experience beyond graduate assistant responsibilities
• Collaborative creative practice and/or collaborative teaching environments.
• Curriculum design, development, and assessment.
• Instruction in animation fundamentals, including both traditional methodologies and contemporary industry practices.
• Application and integration of emerging technologies relevant to the animation discipline.

Proposed Salary

Salary is commensurate with experience.

Required Documents to Attach

Required Application Materials

Applicants should submit the following materials in PDF format through the UWG employment portal:

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Professional Portfolio

A single PDF containing:

• Twenty (20) images or equivalent amount of time-based work.
• Materials may include still frames, sketches, storyboards, illustrations, animation samples, or other examples demonstrating professional creative achievement.

Student Work Portfolio

A single PDF containing:

• Twenty (20) images or equivalent amount of time-based work created by students.
• Materials may include still frames, sketches, storyboards, illustrations, animation samples, or other evidence of student learning outcomes and success.

Note: When alternative presentation formats are necessary, applicants should include links within the PDF to external portfolio platforms such as Vimeo, YouTube, personal websites, or similar repositories. Any required passwords or access credentials should be provided.

Teaching Portfolio

Submit the following as three separate PDF documents:

• Teaching Statement or Teaching Philosophy
• Recent Student Evaluations (if available)
• Up to three course syllabus samples (if available)

Academic Transcripts

• Copies of all academic transcripts.
• Official transcripts will be required from finalists.

References

• Contact information for a minimum of three professional references.
• Formal letters of recommendation will be requested from finalists.

Contact: John Morris [contact details available in the full listing] or Professor Mark Schoon [contact details available in the full listing]

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Conditions of Employment

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of West Georgia as determined by the University of West Georgia in its sole discretion; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials, reference checks; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (USG). The Board of Regents prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual's age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status ("protected status"). No individual shall be excluded from the participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any USG program or activity because of the individual's protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual's protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.

Other Information

The mission of the University of West Georgia is to enable students, faculty, and staff to realize their full potential through academic engagement, supportive services, professional development, and a caring, student-centered community. The institutional mission and daily operation of the University of West Georgia are guided by our values that support our vision to be the best place to work, learn, and succeed: ACHIEVEMENT, CARING, COLLABORATION, INCLUSIVENESS, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, SUSTAINABILITY, and WISDOM.