Position Summary

The Art & Design Department seeks an enthusiastic, quality-driven full-time Faculty Member who will bring a vibrant energy to our department. We want an educator who isnt afraid to be delightfully unconventional, a bit weird, or wonderfully silly if it means breaking down barriers to learning. You should be a co-conspirator in student-centered mentorship and building a supportive campus culture. The ideal candidate views the studio as a laboratory for serious play. We are looking for someone who actively explores unique ways of teaching and learning, encourages students to find creative loopholes, and pushes the boundaries of what is considered ‘normal in foundational art.

Responsibilities extend well beyond the classroom: this individual will actively advise students, oversee the Art & Design Club, and collaborate closely with the Department Chair to foster a strong creative community across campus. This role requires an active, dedicated presence, including a willingness to work flexible hours in the evenings and on weekends to support student exhibitions and gallery spaces, and to become an active, visible member of the broader arts and cultural community of Rowan and Cabarrus Counties.

The ideal candidate is a versatile generalist capable of delivering high-quality foundational studio instruction—including drawing, two-dimensional design, and painting—while demonstrating a deep knowledge of the Associate in Fine Arts (AFA) degree program and its crucial relationship to BA, BFA, and BAFA transfer tracks. Crucially, the applicant must possess strong digital aptitude and a strong desire to develop innovative courses, implement new teaching methods, and navigate the Canvas LMS smoothly. We are looking for an educator who is ready to support the expansion of engaging Art Appreciation courses and who is knowledgeable about current pedagogy regarding the ethical, effective use of Artificial Intelligence in art and design education. Ultimately, this position is a perfect fit for a hardworking, disciplined professional. Behind the willingness to experiment must be a rigorous work ethic, a driving desire to succeed, and the stamina to actively manage a thriving studio environment while elevating department initiatives.

Required Education/Experience

• Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Studio Art, Painting, Drawing, Digital Art, or a closely related visual arts discipline (Terminal Degree)

It is absolutely imperative that applicants be familiar with and supportive of the community college environment, the AFA in Visual Arts degree, the Graphic Design degree, and foundation-level students.

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills

• 2 or more years of community college teaching experience and a demonstrated passion for student mentorship and campus life leadership (e.g., club advising).
• High digital proficiency, including experience building course blueprints in Canvas, and familiarity with integrating AI concepts into art pedagogy.
• A strong record of regional artistic practice or creative community engagement is highly desirable.

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• A passion for instructional design, with a strong desire to develop new courses, implement contemporary teaching methodologies, and actively contribute to the growth of the department.
• High adaptability and a knack for creative problem-solving—seeing structural or technical constraints merely as parameters for innovation.

Work Hours

Faculty members are appointed for a 9-month term (Fall and Spring semesters) and are required to teach 18–21 contact hours per semester; summer teaching is not required. Courses may be scheduled during day, evening, or weekend hours as determined by the Program Chair.

Additionally, faculty must maintain 5 office/studio hours per week for student advising and administrative duties, and 5 hours per week for campus committees and other college-related responsibilities. Full-time faculty in the Department of Art & Design are required to maintain an active, visible presence on campus and in the community, including full participation in student exhibitions, guest lectures, gallery openings, and arts festivals that often occur during evening or weekend hours.