"Assistant Professor of Art (Graphic Design)"

Nature & Purpose of Position/Usual Duties

The Department of Art at Sam Houston State University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Art in Graphic Design, beginning Fall 2026.

We seek an innovative and dedicated educator whose practice bridges print, interactive, and emerging design fields, with demonstrated expertise in contemporary design technologies, including AI-driven tools and workflows. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to adapt to evolving industry standards and to prepare students for careers in a rapidly changing creative landscape. A strong commitment to foundational design principles, conceptual development, and research-based, forward-thinking design pedagogy is essential.

Faculty duties include a 3/2 teaching load (five courses per academic year), active service on departmental, college, and university committees, and sustained, peer-reviewed creative or scholarly activity.

General Requirements

Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite is required. Proficiency in web development practices, Figma, and other relevant interactive design tools is expected. Additional responsibilities include: Incorporating AI applications and emerging technologies into coursework. Guiding students in production design using equipment such as 3D printers and die cutters. Developing and maintaining a forward-thinking curriculum aligned with current industry standards. Demonstrating strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills. Contributing to the growth and vision of a regionally competitive Graphic Design program. Mentoring students in career preparation, internships, and professional development. Contributing to the growth and vision of a regionally competitive Graphic Design program.

Other Specifications/Instructions for the Position

The new Dana G. Hoyt Fine Arts Building includes state of the art lecture halls and classrooms, studios, computer labs, and galleries. In addition to the University Art Gallery on campus, the Department exhibits student work at a Satellite Gallery in downtown Huntsville and has MFA studios in the Natural Science and Art Research Center a few blocks away. Sam Houston State University is located 70 miles north of Houston in Huntsville, TX, surrounded by the Sam Houston National Forest. The Department of Art www.shsu.edu/art has about 550 undergraduate majors in Graphic Design, Studio Art, Photography, and Animation, and offers an MFA in Art and Social Practice.

Applicants should submit the following documents as PDF: Cover letter, a detailed CV, statement of teaching philosophy, statement describing research and goals, names and contact information of three references, samples of personal work, samples of student work– for time-based media work examples, please provide URLs for each specific project within the PDF document.

Official college transcripts and letters of recommendation will be required for finalists for this position.

Review of materials will begin immediately, and the search will remain open until the position is filled.

Educational Requirements for the Position (Faculty Positions Only)

Candidates must possess an MFA or terminal degree in Graphic Design or Visual Communications and demonstrate outstanding potential in research and/or creative activity.

Experience Required for the Position (Faculty Positions Only)

The successful candidate will be expected to teach a range of undergraduate Graphic Design courses, including, but not limited to Principles of Graphic Design, Typography, Branding, UX/UI, Motion Graphics, and Portfolio Development. Applicants must present a professional portfolio that reflects significant achievement in these areas.