"Assistant Professor Of Art"

POSITION SUMMARY: Date application must be received for priority consideration by: December 15, 2025. Anticipated Appointment Begin Date: September 16, 2026. Job Family Group: Faculty. Division/Department: College of Arts & Humanities/Creative Arts. Compensation Range: $68,156 - $72,330 (Assistant Prof YIR 1-4) commensurate with experience. Faculty Classification of Instruction Programs (CIP) Code anticipated: 50.07, Fine and Studio Art. FLSA Status: Exempt. Appointment Basis: 9 month. Time Type: Full-time. Benefits Eligible: Yes. Renewable/Non-renewable/Grants/Limited Duration: Renewable. This position is designated as a critical, security-sensitive or safety-sensitive position.

POSITION DESCRIPTION: The College of Arts & Humanities at Southern Oregon University (SOU) is seeking applications for a full-time, nine-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Art with an emphasis in Painting/Drawing. We are looking for an outstanding individual who will serve a collaborative role in a unique Creative Arts Department that is home to art and art history, digital media, and creative writing. Applicants should have an MFA (or equivalent terminal degree) and a professional practice and teaching portfolio that emphasizes Painting/Drawing along with other 2D practices and/or digital practices. At least one year of experience teaching in higher education, and a promising record of distinguished scholarship and/or creative work, exhibition, research and/or professional project development appropriate to be appointed at the assistant professor level, is also required.

We seek an artist with a wide-ranging skill set spanning contemporary painting and drawing practices and an ability to engage and inspire both novice and advanced students. Application materials should demonstrate proficiency with a broad range of 2D concepts, techniques, and materials. The craft of observation, two-dimensional representation, and creative mark-making remain essential and foundational to studio artists and digital makers alike.

As a tenure-track faculty member, the new hire will be expected to engage in ongoing professional development through a balance of teaching, service, and scholarship. Teaching responsibilities for this position may include (but are not limited to) introductory and advanced studio courses in drawing and painting, senior capstone courses, BFA thesis and critique, and other related courses based on the candidate's interests and departmental needs. Service expectations include shared oversight and upkeep of departmental studio spaces and galleries. Other responsibilities include advising, curriculum development, research, professional affiliations as appropriate, and other responsibilities as assigned.

We offer excellent comprehensive health and retirement benefits. The start date is September 16, 2026, and the position will be open until filled with priority deadline of December 15, 2025.

The position is housed within the Creative Arts Department containing faculty and degree programs including Studio Art, Art History, Emerging Media Digital Art (EMDA), and Creative Writing. Within an interdisciplinary framework, the Creative Arts Department includes state-of-the-art facilities in: Painting, Drawing, Printmaking, Ceramics, Sculpture, Photography, Digital Art, and Interdisciplinary Arts and Technology.

Minimum Qualifications: MFA, PhD, or other terminal degree in an appropriate field. Applicants should have at least one year of experience teaching in higher education and demonstrate effective teaching and mentorship. The successful candidate will have a promising record of distinguished scholarship and/or creative work, exhibition, research and/or professional project development appropriate to be appointed at the assistant professor level. Experience in Painting/Drawing along with other 2D practices and/or digital practices.

Preferred Qualifications: Ability and desire to teach occasional courses in digital painting/illustration, printmaking and/or other relevant art practices that extend beyond the traditional drawing/painting studio. Ability to work collaboratively and cordially with fellow faculty, students, and guest artists. Desire, ability, and patience to effectively teach and train students from novice through to our most advanced artists. Show promise in attracting and retaining students interested in art and expansive practices. Have demonstrated ability to successfully nurture interested students from a diverse student population. Can demonstrate potential for connecting students with a variety of post-degree options.

Essential Functions: The primary responsibilities of all faculty members are: teaching, professional development, and service. Teaching encompasses normal instructional activities beyond the teaching of assigned courses such as academic advising, working with students outside of class, posting and maintaining appropriate office hours, course and curriculum planning, etc. Professional Development includes maintaining currency in the discipline taught. Service includes program and institutional administrative, committee, and student support and retention activities. In addition, professorial faculty members are expected to participate in scholarly and/or creative activities, including formal research, and in service to the university and beyond the campus, such as in professional organizations or other professionally related public service.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities: Demonstrated excellence in written, verbal, and technical communication skills. Ability to facilitate an innovative, transformative curriculum and pedagogy. Excellent communication skills. Demonstrated ability to effectively handle sensitive interpersonal situations. Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply complex policies and procedures. Strong analytical and research skills. Excellent organizational and time management skills. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse populations.