Summary of Position

Ferris State University's Kendall College of Art and Design (KCAD) in Grand Rapids, MI, prepares artists and designers to have impact through practice. Full-time, term-appointment faculty members at KCAD teach 18 semester credit hours per academic year, typically 3 courses each fall and spring semester. As a KCAD faculty member, you will engage in three kinds of professional development: continuous improvement in teaching effectiveness, creative and/or scholarly contribution within your discipline, and a college service commitment that includes program, college, and community engagement for the advancement of KCAD’s mission. You will actively advise students regarding their academic plan and progress as well as their co-curricular and post-graduation opportunities. The mission of the Graphic Design program of Ferris State University's Kendall College of Art and Design (KCAD) is to graduate problem-solving, critical-thinking design innovators and creative communicators who are skilled in the latest technology, able to work collaboratively in a studio environment, and are passionate about art, design, and contemporary culture.

Teaching assignments within the BFA Graphic Design Program include a series of introductory to intermediate software/technology-based courses and design-related content to advanced level courses emphasizing higher-level critical- and systems-thinking and form-making, for example, media strategy, typography, publication design and production management, and contemporary media (web and application design). Courses are to be taught in person on KCAD’s campus in Grand Rapids, MI. The candidate selected for the position must reside in Michigan after acceptance of employment. The anticipated start date is August 2025 at the earliest and January 2026 at the latest.

Required Education

Master’s degree in a related field to content being taught or: Master’s degree in unrelated field and additional minimum of 18 graduate credits in a field related to the content being taught or: A bachelor’s degree in a related field to content being taught, a minimum of six years of experience working in the field of industry of the content area being taught, and a combination of: Evidence of recognized accomplishment in area being taught, including awards, bibliography of publication referencing design or art work or scholarship or; Evidence of scholarly/creative accomplishment in terms of completed design work, patents, exhibitions, presentations, publication, and juried recognition at the regional, national and international level or; Evidence of service to the field in terms of memberships on committees or boards of professional organizations and other contributions to the field.

Required Work Experience

Minimum of five (5) years of professional-level practice in graphic design. Experience with the design process and workflow, including but not limited to critical thinking, constructive critique process, industry-standard software, concepting, art direction, production processes and management, typography, and web and application design.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

Prepare and distribute syllabi and class materials according to college standards. Teach appropriate course as assigned. Assess and evaluate student learning and provide formative feedback throughout the duration of the course. Keep regular posted office hours. Evaluate student performance. Submit midterm and final grades. Display and archive course material and student work as requested by program chair and/or the Dean. Contribute to your discipline’s discourse(s). Engage in scholarly, creative, and professional development. Participate in service to the college and in shared governance. Engage in reflective self-assessment for improvement, renewal, and promotion. Cultivate an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty, and staff to thrive authentically. Support, promote, and develop University student enrollment and retention initiatives. Perform any other duties assigned within the position classification area.

For more information, see the KCAD Faculty Benefits and the University’s Policy on Non-Discrimination.