ASSISTANT PROFESSOR IN GRAPHIC DESIGN

The Texas Tech University J.T. & Margaret Talkington College of Visual & Performing Arts in collaboration with the School of Art is accepting applications for a tenure-track faculty position in the area of graphic design.  This position seeks a dynamic and talented graphic designer with a commitment to helping to guide the graphic design program to national distinction and nurturing the next generation of graphic designers/educators/scholars enrolled in our BFA program. The successful candidate will begin service in this full-time position at the beginning of the 2021 fall semester. Candidates who have strong academic records supported by extramural funding and who have the proven capacity or clear potential to bring externally sponsored research to Texas Tech University are encouraged to apply.

Diversity and Equity in education are broad concepts that encompass all the unique characteristics that students, staff, and faculty can bring to an institution.  At the School of Art, we are committed to inclusive excellence. Within your letter of application, we highly encourage applicants to explain how your previous and potential contributions enhance a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion through teaching, research, creative activity and/or service. 

Position Number: 22532BR

Appointment: Tenure track, beginning Fall 2021

Application Deadline: Review of applicants will begin February 15, 2021 and will continue until the position is filled

Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience

Qualifications:

Master’s Degree in Graphic Design or related field (such as Visual Communications, User Experience Design, Interaction Design, Human-Centered Design, Interface Media). A record of professional research that demonstrates emerging or established national recognition in the field of hire is paramount. The candidate will continue professional research relevant to graphic design with a vision towards future advancements related to a curriculum that addresses students’ needs as they enter the professional field. The school seeks a forward-thinking individual capable of fostering positive relationships and inspiring students.

Preferred Qualifications: 

Superior analog and digital skills related to graphic design with experience designing for print, interactive, and emerging media. Professional or research-related experience and interest in citizenship and community engagement in and outside of the classroom. Ability to form partnerships within and outside of the university (regionally, nationally, and internationally). Demonstrate an ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion. Previous college-level teaching experience is strongly desired.

Position Description:

The successful candidate will:

• Demonstrate a knowledge of graphic design practice, theory, and history that includes a variety of perspectives
• Embrace and develop new forms of critical advancements and practices in the field of graphic design.
• Practice and teach graphic design from a strong concept-driven perspective.
• Demonstrate the ability to teach graphic design and digital media.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud applications, Web Technology, UI/UX, and Motion Graphics
• Interest in working in collaboration with area faculty as it relates to graduate program development
• Skills in interpersonal relationships, problem-solving, and decision-making
• Demonstrate knowledge of student management, motivation, and evaluation techniques
• Ability to evaluate student work effectively both orally and in writing
• Demonstrate the importance of citizenship, advocacy, and social responsibility related to teaching and professional research.
• Maintain an active and recognized professional practice of client-initiated, self-initiated, and/or academic research.
• Actively participate in departmental, college, and university service, including committee work and academic support services to the area such as implementing and assessing program outcomes, participating in program reviews, student advising, and recruitment activities, as well as maintaining the program's NASAD accreditation, and building interdisciplinary collaborations.

The School of Art is NASAD accredited and offers the BA in Art History, BA in Art, the BFA in Studio Art, Graphic Design, and Visual Studies (teacher certification), the MAE, the MFA in Studio Art, MA in Art History, and the Ph.D. in Fine Arts with a major in Art termed “Critical Studies and Artistic Practice.” A faculty of 31 full-time professors serves approximately 250 undergraduate students and 60 students involved in graduate study. The School has many prominent alumni, including Caleb Bennett, John Hitchcock, Rob Wilson, Ken Little, Real Musgrave and Lana Rigsby. Technical and administrative support includes a total of 13 staff positions.  The School’s Visual Resource Center maintains art reference books, current art periodicals, instructional media, digital classrooms, and a legacy slide collection, as well as an expanding collection of digital images for teaching and research.  Additional images are available through ARTStor and online at the university library. The program also supports the Landmark Arts Galleries and the Standing Room Only Photography Gallery (SRO). For more information, visit https://www.art.ttu.edu.

The J.T. & Margaret Talkington College of Visual & Performing Arts comprises the School of Art, the School of Music, and the School of Theatre & Dance, accredited by NASAD, NASM, NAST, and NASD, respectively. TTU is the only public university in the state accredited in all four arts areas, and boasts many acclaimed alumni, including Susan Graham, Terry Cook, Ann Sanders, G.W. Bailey, Barry Corbin, Jennifer Smith, Scott Dadich, Susanne Klotz and D.J. Stout. With more than 120 faculty members and approximately 1,100 students, the College offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including the terminal M.F.A., D.M.A., and Ph.D. degrees.  Our unique Ph.D. program in Fine Arts provides interdisciplinary education in the visual & performing arts combined with philosophical aesthetics. For more information, visit https://www.vpa.ttu.edu.

Texas Tech University, established in 1923, is a Carnegie Highest Research Activity university and the largest comprehensive institution of higher education in the western two-thirds of the state (a region larger than 46 of the nation’s 50 states). Texas Tech University is a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). The university’s 1,839-acre Spanish Renaissance style campus, which serves approximately 36,000 students, is the only one in Texas that is home to a major university, law school and medical school. Lubbock, the hub of the South Plains, has a multicultural area population of almost 300,000 and offers a quality living experience with a semi-arid climate and housing costs below the national average. The city supports a symphony orchestra; several museums; the Louise Helen Underwood Center for the Arts; numerous galleries; and a variety of music, dance, and theatre performances. Lubbock’s airport offers direct flights to Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Denver, and Las Vegas.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy:

As an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, Texas Tech University is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse faculty committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment. We actively encourage applications from all those who can contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the academic community at Texas Tech University. The university welcomes applications from minorities, women, protected veterans, persons with disabilities, and dual-career couples.

Apply online at http://www.texastech.edu/careers/

Please provide the following with your application:

1. Letter of Application. Please briefly address all qualifications related to research, teaching, and service for the position as well as your previous and potential contributions to enhance a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion in these areas.

Complete job description: http://www.art.ttu.edu

Contact: Associate Professor Carla Tedeschi, Carla.Tedeschi@ttu.edu, Chair of Graphic Design Search Committee