Assistant Professor - Art History

Employer: Stephen F. Austin State University

Location: Nacogdoches, Texas, United States

Salary: Competitive Salary

Date posted: Dec 1, 2025

Position Type: Faculty Positions, Arts, Art, Art History, Other Arts

Employment Type: Full Time

Job Details

SUMMARY

The SFA School of Art invites applications for a tenure-track, nine-month Assistant Professor of Art History starting in August 2026.

The School of Art currently has a robust faculty (20 full-time, 9 adjuncts), a gallery coordinator, shop and safety manager, and support staff serving 362 majors. Concentrations in studio and art education (BFA and BA) programs, and MFA and MA (studio) programs include: Animation, Art Education, Art Metals/Jewelry, Ceramics, Drawing, Filmmaking, Graphic Design, Painting, Printmaking (including Book Arts), and Sculpture, with minors available in Art History and all of the above studio areas. There is also a fledgling graduate certificate program in Museum Studies.

The SFA Galleries, comprised of the on-campus Teresa Jill Adams Gallery, three student galleries, and the 10,000 square foot off-campus Ed and Gwen Cole Art Center (aka “The Cole”), present contemporary art in diverse media as well as exhibitions of historical interest to support both university and community viewing audiences. A small study collection provides resources for student engagement in “hands on” research. “The Cole” Art Center presents the annual TEXAS NATIONAL art competition and exhibition (now in its 30th year), as well as the biennial “Refined: Art Metals and Craft” exhibition. The School of Art regularly sponsors symposia, workshops, and discussion panels, often in relation to gallery programs.

Qualifications

Ph.D. in hand at the time of appointment is required. Candidates with teaching experience beyond the TA preferred, and a commitment to teaching a varied student body in a largely studio-based program is essential. Area(s) of research are open, but candidates with expertise in Renaissance & Baroque, Latin American or Non-Western art, and perhaps some familiarity with the history of animation and film are particularly encouraged to apply. Ideally, candidates should provide a record of scholarly publication and/or other evidence of professional engagement in research.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate annual evidence of substantive research, serve on faculty committees and participate in shared governance at the school, college, and university levels, and teach a variety of courses, including survey through upper-level undergraduate and some graduate level teaching for MFA and MA students with studio concentrations. There are opportunities to participate in studies abroad through our exchange program with LABA Firenze, an accredited Art School in Florence, Italy. Opportunities to teach Museum Studies courses or other specialized areas may be had or developed.

JOB DESCRIPTION

This is a full-time, nine-month, tenure-track faculty position responsible for contributing significantly to Stephen F. Austin State University’s undergraduate and/or graduate programs through teaching, scholarship/creative accomplishment, and service. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the chair.

QUALIFICATIONS

Terminal degree in the field in which the individual will be teaching is required. ABD candidates may be considered if Ph.D. is earned prior to start date.

The rank of Assistant Professor is held by an individual who demonstrates the capability to produce research/scholarly/creative accomplishments, teach effectively, and provide service to the academic and general communities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Performs an equivalent of twenty-four teaching load credits (TLC) for the combined fall and spring semesters; reduction of teaching load through reassignment of duties is possible under certain circumstances.
2. Engages in research/scholarly/creative and service activities at levels that are appropriate to faculty rank and departmental tenure/merit criteria.
3. Provides services to the university and the profession.
4. Participates in promotion review of lower-ranked faculty members within the department.
5. When tenured, participates in tenure review of candidates for tenure.
6. May conduct supplemental instructional activities such as independent studies, internships, advising, and thesis/dissertation supervision.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. May receive course load reassignment when assigned administrative duties in support of the department/college/university.
2. May receive course load reassignment when assigned to prepare course material during the first semester/year when included as part of initial contract.
3. May receive course load reassignment when approved to conduct research/scholarly/creative accomplishment and service which exceed normal expectations.
4. May supervise the work of student and/or graduate assistants.
5. May serve on departmental, college, and university committees.
6. Performs other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

1. Extensive knowledge in the field in which the individual will be teaching.
2. Ability to effectively teach undergraduate and/or graduate students.
3. Ability and commitment to conduct research and/or scholarly/creative accomplishments and service.
4. Ability to work within a collaborative faculty environment.
5. Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
6. Ability to work effectively and patiently with students.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANT

Review of applications will begin December 12, 2025. Completed applications received through January 16, 2026, are guaranteed full consideration. For questions regarding the position, please email: robertssm@sfasu.edu. The position is open until filled.

To apply, please submit a letter of application, teaching philosophy, current CV, one sample of scholarship (article, book chapter, or a review), unofficial transcripts, and contact information for three references (recommendation letters will be required for finalists only). Please use the "Other" document for the one sample of scholarship.

Employment is contingent upon completion of a criminal background check.