"Assistant Professor of Teaching: Drawing"

Assistant Professor of Teaching: Drawing

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Assistant Professor of Teaching: Drawing at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Essential functions (job duties):

Located in the heart of Detroit’s Cultural Center, Wayne State University is seeking qualified candidates to fill a full-time non-tenure track appointment as Assistant Professor of Teaching in the James Pearson Duffy Department of Art, Art History, and Design with teaching emphasis on Drawing and related 2D art/design practices.

The ideal candidate is, first, excited to come to Detroit. This person understands Detroit is a city of arts and culture, where its core identity is rooted in innovation and creativity. Wayne State University’s distinct characteristic is its Detroit location. A center for design and innovation, Detroit is the only city in the US designated as a UNESCO City of Design. The Detroit Institute of Arts, recognized as one of the nation's premier art museums, is located just one block from campus. Detroit is rich with engagement opportunities; of note are the annual Detroit Month of Design, a series of exhibitions and events in venues across the city, and the Kresge Artist Fellowships, awarded annually to emerging and established artists residing in the metropolitan Detroit tri-county area.

Drawing is both a concentration and a core requirement of our degree programs and serves fine art and design majors. This position is the perfect opportunity for someone who is enthusiastic about immersing themselves in the fine art and design community, teaching at an access university, and joining our diverse faculty and staff in strengthening our programs.

This position requires excellence in teaching an array of drawing courses and the ability to synchronize the Drawing 1 courses and advance the Drawing curriculum. The candidate may also teach in other areas across the department that are connected to their research expertise, such as painting, printmaking, digital arts, or other 2D media.

Responsibilities include:

• Teach undergraduate courses
• Oversee Drawing curriculum in collaboration with colleagues
• Contribute to curriculum development
• Participate in appropriate service / committee work

THE JAMES PEARSON DUFFY DEPARTMENT OF ART, ART HISTORY, AND DESIGN: The department has a deep history in Detroit located at the center of the historic Cass Corridor art movement. The department offers programs leading to the following undergraduate degrees: BA in Art, BFA in Art, BFA in Design, BA in Art History and BA or BS in Fashion Design and Merchandising. The department also offers the following graduate degrees: MA in Art, MFA in Art, and MA in Art History. The department currently has 27 full-time faculty for approximately 10 graduate students and 600 undergraduate students. The department is regionally and nationally recognized for providing a high-quality education in the fine arts, design, and art history. For more information, visit www.art.wayne.edu

Qualifications: We are seeking an exceptional educator with a strong teaching practice related to drawing and 2D art/design and strong organizational skills. An appropriate terminal degree or equivalent professional experience is required in art, design or a closely related field. A willingness to mentor students from diverse populations is essential.

All applicants must apply on Wayne Talent at http://jobs.wayne.edu with the required documents.

Applications must include the following:

• Completed application form
• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Application materials compiled as a single bookmarked PDF. Please upload these as one document in Other.
• Teaching philosophy
• Sample Syllabus
• 20 images of work samples or link/s to a portfolio of 20 work samples
• Names and contact information for three references

The search committee will begin reviewing applications on January 4, 2026. Applications remain open until the position is filled. The position begins August 18, 2026; salary is competitive and commensurate with experience.

Inquiries about the position may be directed to:

Adrian Hatfield, Committee Chair
Department of Art, Art History, and Design
Wayne State University
150 Art Building
5400 Gullen Mall
Detroit, MI 48202
av4486@wayne.edu

Preferred qualifications: Experience teaching various aspects of drawing and 2D art/design is preferred, as is experience working across disciplinary boundaries. Additionally, a minimum of two years of teaching at the college level and evidence of teaching effectiveness is desired.