Professor of Practice, Graphic Design Program

Job Description Summary

The School of Industrial and Graphic Design (SIGD) at Auburn University invites candidates to apply for a Professor of Practice position in Graphic Design. This is a nine-month, non-tenure track, full-time teaching faculty position commencing in January 2027 with an initial two-year term. The position may be renewed annually by mutual agreement based on the availability of funds, the need for services, and satisfactory performance.

About the Graphic Design Program at Auburn

Housed within the School of Industrial and Graphic Design (SIGD) in the College of Architecture, Design and Construction (CADC), the Graphic Design (GDES) Program at Auburn University prepares students to practice visual communication in a competitive global environment. Auburn’s nationally regarded B.F.A. in Graphic Design is NASAD accredited, and the curriculum emphasizes a systemic approach to design that enables students to become versatile designers, art directors and economically viable professionals.

GDES students receive hands-on instruction in a professional studio environment that fosters a strong sense of community among students and faculty. Students establish a foundation in drawing, 2D/3D design, and typography in lower-level coursework. Foundational skills are then applied and extended in upper-level coursework experiences that include interactive design, user experience design, strategic branding, publication design, packaging, illustration, and image-making.

The GDES program introduces students to the professional design community by hosting exhibitions, symposia, and guest lectures by industry leaders.

Responsibilities

The primary responsibilities of this position will be teaching freshman-level Drawing, 2-D and 3-D fundamentals that emphasize formal elements and principles of design and will be responsible for teaching first-year courses to pre-graphic design students within a professional degree program.

Responsibilities of the appointment are broken down as follows: 70% for teaching, 25% for research and scholarly related activity, and 5% for service. The teaching load consists of two design studios plus participation on a senior thesis committee per semester, subject to enrollment demand and or institution policy. Candidates are expected to continue and/or develop an active program of scholarly, creative practice and funded research within the discipline that aligns with the SIGD/CADC and AU strategic plans.

Qualifications

Candidates must hold a M.F.A in Graphic Design, or related discipline from an accredited institution, at the time employment begins.

Previous teaching experience in post-secondary education and/or professional practice experience is desired.

Applications to the position should include:

1. A letter of interest summarizing an area of teaching specialization and scholarly plan.
2. A curriculum vitae.
3. A statement of teaching philosophy.
4. Three professional references including name, address, phone number, and e-mail address.
5. A PDF/web link portfolio with 20 examples of professional or creative work or research.
6. A PDF/web link with samples of student work and course syllabi (if available).
7. A PDF/web link with three-to-five Student/Teacher/Course Evaluations per course selected from up to three courses.