School of Art - Lecturer I in 2D Foundations, Drawing and Painting

Job Class Code: 10050
FLSA: Exempt
Posting Number: FRGV1904
Location: Rio Grande Valley, Texas
Division/Organization: Provost - Academic Affairs
Appointment Period for Non-Tenure Position: 3 years
Tenure Status: Non Tenure Track
FTE: 1.0

Scope of Job:

The School of Art and Design at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) is seeking applications for 2 Lecturer I (non-tenure-track) positions for a three-year term (renewable) in 2D painting and drawing, to start in Fall 2026. Applicants should demonstrate a teaching approach that blends technical skill-building with conceptual development, encouraging experimentation informed by art theory. The successful candidates will be expected to teach undergraduate and graduate-level studio courses and lecture/seminar courses in the Bachelor's/Master of Fine Arts (B.A./BFA) and Master's of Fine Arts (MFA) programs on the Edinburg and Brownsville campuses, along with mentoring graduate student projects and theses. Appointees will work closely with the 2D faculty and play an active role in managing the drawing and painting studios on both campuses. Successful candidates will also be expected to participate in service to the program, the college, the university, and the local community. UTRGV faculty will be expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to student success and to advancing the university, college, and program missions, as well as a commitment to UTRGV's guiding principles (http://www.utrgv.edu/strategic-plan/), which include promoting access to postsecondary education to a diverse student body and to becoming one of the largest and most successful Hispanic-serving emerging research institutions in the U.S.A.The UTRGV School of Art and Design has 1,000 majors and 33 graduate students enrolled in the areas of foundation, painting, drawing, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, printmaking, visual communication design (graphic design), art history, and art education. The department comprises 10 tenured faculty members, 8 tenure-track faculty members, and 19 lecturers. The 2D program aims to equip students with knowledge of innovative practices while maintaining a strong understanding of the traditions and history of painting and drawing, as well as a deep engagement with current theoretical and aesthetic discussions in the field.These are 2 non-tenure-track positions (rank of Lecturer I) scheduled to begin September 1, 2026.

About UTRGV:

UTRGV serves the Rio Grande Valley and beyond via an innovative and unique multicultural education dedicated to student access and success. By championing leading research, healthcare, and application of University discoveries, we support sustainable development, community engagement, and well-being. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) is committed to building and sustaining a highly qualified and talented faculty to pursue excellence in everything that we do, including teaching, research, and service.
Drawing on our unique identity as the leading Hispanic-Serving Institution in a bilingual and bicultural environment, UTRGV will promote student access and success by building from strength in education and creating a vibrant campus experience. By 2027, we will accelerate transformation in the Rio Grande Valley and beyond by driving meaningful advancements in research and creative works, expanding access to high-quality and affordable healthcare, and fostering authentic community engagement and integration.
UTRGV is a distributed campus, one university spanning four counties and multiple locations. Our purpose is to be a university for the entire Rio Grande Valley and beyond. Over 91% of the students enrolled at UTRGV identify as Hispanic, making UTRGV one of the top 3 universities with the highest percentage of Hispanic students. For additional information, please visit our website.

Minimum Qualifications:

The successful candidate must possess:

An ability to teach two-dimensional coursework from introductory to advanced classes and engage productively with students at all skill levels, including art foundation courses as needed.
Demonstrate outstanding verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills by being conversant in the historical and contemporary movements within the field of two-dimensional studio art.
The applicant should have experience with the maintenance and organization of the art studio as a learning environment.
A working knowledge of current practice and theory of the visual arts, especially as related to drawing and painting practice.
A commitment to quality, student-centered education, and working as a team member.
A demonstrated and ongoing commitment to serve and mentor diverse student populations.
Teach at the BFA/MFA level as assigned by the Director of the School of Art and Design on two campuses 65 miles apart in distance as needed.
Engage in service to the school, college, university, community, and profession.
Actively participate in departmental, college, and university service and leadership, including committee work and academic support services such as portfolio reviews, student advising, and recruitment activities.
Participate in maintaining and building interdisciplinary collaborations.

Discipline Specific Required Qualifications:

Terminal degree (MFA) in studio art is required with a minimum of 18 graduate credits in drawing and painting, as well as a strong record of professional research/creative activities.

Preferred Qualification:

A record of two or more years of successful university teaching experience in drawing and painting, beyond TA preferred.
Familiarity with expanded Painting and Drawing processes.
Experience teaching and mentoring students from many backgrounds.

Salary: Commensurate with Qualifications and Experience
License or Certification Required?: No
Number of Vacancies: 2
Desired Start Date: 09/01/2026

EEO Statement:

It is the policy of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to promote and ensure equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information or protected veteran status. In accordance with the requirements of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, our University is committed to comply with all government requirements and ensures non-discrimination in its education programs and activities, including employment. We encourage women, minorities and differently abled persons to apply for employment positions of interest.

Open Date: 10/21/2025

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Complete all sections on the application. If you are applying for the first time please complete all biographical information including address, email and phone. You may update this at any time by selecting to edit your profile in the application. Security sensitive; All UTRGV employees are required to have a criminal background check (CBC). CBCs will be conducted for all candidates invited for an on-campus interview.
For a complete advertisement: www.utrgv.edu/careers

Required Documents

Curriculum Vitae
List of 3 References - This list should include the name, title, and contact information, such as email address and/or phone number.
Letter of Interest - (addressing your ability to meet the above responsibilities).
Unofficial Transcripts (graduate and undergraduate - Once hired, official transcripts are required).
Teaching Philosophy - (one-page maximum - Statement of teaching philosophy as related to design pedagogy and practice).
Other Document - Include the applicant's artist website address & provide URLs to online video files where necessary.
Additional Documents: A PDF of up to 20 images of personal work representing 10 of your creative works.
Evidence of Teaching: A PDF of 20 images of student work with accompanying image lists, if applicable
Where possible, student work should reflect the content of the courses this individual could be teaching at UTRGV.

Additional Information:

UTRGV is a distributed institution. As such and as assigned, the position may require presence at multiple locations throughout the Rio Grande Valley. Work is performed primarily in a general office environment. This position is security sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215. The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Please Note:
Texas law requires faculty members whose primary language is not English to demonstrate proficiency in English as determined by a satisfactory paper-based test score of 500 (computer-based of 173 or internet-based of 61) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or a satisfactory test score of 6.0 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Incomplete applications will not be considered. All positions are subject to budget approval.

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