Assistant Professor of Practice/Assistant Professor of Instruction, Art

The University of Akron
Akron, OH 44325

The Mary Schiller Myers School of Art at The University of Akron (https://www.uakron.edu/art/) invites applications for a non-tenure-track position for the BFA in Graphic Design program starting in August 2026.

The School seeks either an Assistant Professor of Practice or an Assistant Professor of Instruction, depending on candidate qualifications and experience.

The University of Akron seeks scholars that will lead collaborations among faculty, students and community partners that address questions of well-being, public safety, and civic engagement.

Required Qualifications:

• Multidisciplinary graphic designer with demonstrated strength in typography, ideation, and iterative design processes
• Proficiency in industry-standard tools including Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) and Figma
• Ability to adapt to emerging technologies and integrate evolving tools and practices into teaching
• Evidence of strong visual communication skills across print, digital, and/or interactive platforms

Assistant Professor of Practice:

• BFA in Graphic Design or equivalent degree
• Minimum of 5–7 years of professional experience in graphic design or related fields
• Demonstrated breadth of professional practice across areas such as typography, motion, interactive design, or illustration
• Ability to bring current industry practices into the classroom

Assistant Professor of Instruction:

• MFA in Graphic Design or equivalent degree
• Minimum of 2–3 years of teaching experience
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more areas such as motion design, interactive design, or illustration
• Ability to contribute complementary skills to the existing faculty

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with emerging and expanded media tools and software such as Affinity, Sketch, Procreate, Blender, After Effects, Premier, Cavalry, TouchDesigner, 3D printers, laser cutters, and vinyl cutters, among others.
• Experience with motion design, interactive design, or spatial/experiential design practices
• Demonstrated ability to connect professional practice to teaching and curriculum development

Assistant Professor of Practice:

• Experience teaching at the undergraduate level
• Ability to manage budgets and supervise student workers
• Willingness to support the Student Services printing lab operations

Assistant Professor of Instruction:

• Professional experience in graphic design or related fields
• Experience developing undergraduate curriculum
• Ability to manage budgets and supervise student workers
• Willingness to support the Student Services printing lab operations

About the Myers School of Art

The mission of the Myers School of Art is to prepare students to lead meaningful and healthy creative lives. As an integrated school of art and design focused on undergraduate education, Myers challenges students to communicate articulately, foster human connection, and contribute to positive social change through creative practice.  The School emphasizes experiential learning, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students are supported in developing distinct creative voices while becoming active contributors to regional and global visual culture.

About the BFA in Graphic Design

Graphic Design is the largest program within the Myers School of Art and serves as a cornerstone of the School’s academic offerings. The program prepares students for careers in the expanding, multidisciplinary field of visual communication design.

Additional Position Information:

Teaching and Service Expectations (both Ranks)

• Teach undergraduate graphic design courses across all levels of the curriculum
• Participate in departmental service, committee work, and program support
• Contribute to curriculum development and ongoing program assessment
• Support student success through mentorship and engagement

Application Instructions

In order to be considered for this position, please attach the necessary documents

For Assistant Professor of Practice, please include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Creative Practice
• Portfolio of Professional Work
• List names and contact information for three professional references

For Assistant Professor of Instruction, please include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• Teaching Philosophy
• Portfolio of Student Work
• List names and contact information for three professional references

Application Deadline: April 24th, 2026

https://uakron.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UACareers/details/Assistant-Professor-of-Practice-Assistant-Professor-of-Instruction--Art_JR102735-1?q=JR102735