Assistant Professor of Art History

Posting Details

Posting Number F00100P Quick Link for Position https://jobs.uafs.edu/postings/1751 Working Title Assistant Professor of Art History Position Number 21-10-0046 Department Art About the University

For more than 6,000 students each semester, the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith offers a dynamic and diverse learning community with a student-centered approach focused on the success of the individual. Small class sizes combine with innovative, hands-on learning and research experiences alongside expert faculty to ensure students receive a future-focused education at the most affordable tuition rate in the state. The university has undergone significant changes since its founding in 1928 and now offers 51 bachelor’s and associate degrees, two master’s degrees, and 36 certificate programs, all aimed at preparing students for success in the global workforce. UAFS is one of 21 academic institutions and affiliates governed by the University of Arkansas System.
The second-largest city in the state, Fort Smith is located on the Arkansas-Oklahoma border in the heart of the Arkansas River Valley. Established in 1817 as a frontier military post, Fort Smith is now a vibrant and growing city featuring a variety of cultural activities and entertainment options, including a thriving downtown arts and entertainment district. Outdoors enthusiasts will appreciate the Natural State’s plentiful trails, mountains, forests, parks, and waterways, both within city limits and throughout the surrounding area. The city is also within easy driving distance of Tulsa, Kansas City, Dallas, Oklahoma City, Little Rock, and Memphis.

The UAFS campus is comprised of 77 buildings and facilities located on 170 beautifully manicured acres and crowned with the Donald W. Reynolds Campus Plaza, Tower, and Campus Green. Students who choose to live on campus may do so in one of two residence hall complexes, complete with a full-service dining center, or the on-campus apartment complex for married students and upperclassmen. Campus involvement is encouraged by participation in more than 100 registered student organizations, which includes academic societies, a dynamic Greek life system, intramural sports, and cultural/special interest groups. The UAFS Lions compete in NCAA Division II Lonestar Conference in men’s baseball, women’s volleyball, and men’s and women’s basketball, golf, cross country, and tennis.

About the College / Department

The Department of Art at the University of Arkansas offers a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design, a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art, and a minor in both Art History and Studio Art. The Art Department is accredited through NASAD . The Art Department is housed in the newly constructed Windgate Building of Art & Design (2015), a 58,000sq foot building with state of the art facilities—including four Mac computer labs, Senior Studio spaces, digital photography, printmaking, and letterpress studios together with spacious classrooms for graphic design, studio art and art history.

Position Summary

The Art Department seeks a committed educator with a demonstrated ability to teach broadly throughout a generalist Art History curriculum. This position serves as the primary faculty member for the Department’s Art History curriculum, and is responsible for both introductory and upper-level courses in the field. Opportunities may exist for curriculum development in Art History. This is a 9-month appointment. The appointment includes a 4/4 teaching load, maintenance of scholarship, and service expectations including, but not limited to overseeing the Art History minor, committee service, student advising, and departmental collaboration. The Art Department at UAFS offers a B.A. in Studio Art, a B.S. in Graphic Design, and minors in Art History and Studio Art. The program holds NASAD accreditation. The position reports to Art Department Head.

Summary of Job Duties

•Teach upper and lower level courses in art history and related fields
•Participate in professional, university, and departmental service
•Maintain active scholarship appropriate to discipline
•Advise and mentor students
•Assess and evaluate student learning
•Facilitate and respond to diverse student learning needs
•Employ an inclusive and inventive approach in the classroom, demonstrating global and critical approaches to art history.
•Maintain strong working relationships with students, faculty, and staff of diverse backgrounds
•Implement a variety of teaching methods, with potential teaching in diverse instructional modalities
•Contribute to recruitment and retention efforts
•Collaborate with colleagues and department head to plan, implement, and evaluate curriculum
•Support student organizations and related activities
•Devise and implement off-campus learning experiences, both in the US and abroad, as funding allows
•Attend and participate in all faculty and administrative meetings, Student Research Symposium, commencement ceremonies, and other meetings/events as required
•Maintain a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner to foster teamwork and by providing leadership to subordinates.
•Perform consistent on-time attendance.
•Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

•Ph.D. in Art History; Ph.D. in related discipline may be considered with demonstrable evidence that scholarship and training is in Art History.
•Documented publishing and/or professional experience, or demonstration of strong scholarly potential, in Art History or related disciplines.
•Experience teaching at the college or university level.

ABD candidates considered if Ph.D. completion date is prior to date of hiring. Please ensure that all relevant application materials include details addressing the minimum qualifications. Applicants not meeting the minimum qualifications will be disqualified from consideration.

License(s)/Certifications Preferred Qualifications

•Area of expertise is open; those with interests or training in more than one subject area are preferred.
•Preferred additional research interests include the work of underrepresented groups and communities; History of Design; and/or Book Studies/History.
•Membership in professional organizations related to field of expertise is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

To perform the job successfully, the following competencies are required for the essential functions of this position:
•Diverse knowledge in the field of art history;
•Ability to teach art history from a global perspective
•Excellent pedagogical knowledge and skills;
•Excellent organizational and communication skills;
•Demonstrated commitment to working with a team;
•Knowledge and experience with assessment of student learning in the discipline, as well as in general education.
•Ability to appropriately use instructional technologies

Special Job Dimensions

Work performed primarily in an office/classroom/studio setting. Ability to accommodate multiple teaching modalities and respond to a variety of student learning styles. Occasional travel may be required. Employee regularly speaks and listens.

Work Schedule

Work week is typically Monday through Friday. Work hours are dependent upon teaching load, office hours, and other duties as assigned.

This is a 9-month position.

Salary $50,000 - $55,000 Benefits

Competitive benefits package.

Background Check / Pre-Employment Screening

This position may be subject to a pre-employment criminal background check, sex offender registry check, financial history background check, and/or drug screening. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication and/or adverse financial history alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background checks and drug screening information will be used in a confidential, non- discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

Does this position require a background check? Criminal Background Check and Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) Check. Position requires employee complete Arkansas Mandated Reporter training prior to employment.
Open Date 02/15/2021 Close Date 03/15/2021 Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants

For full consideration, applications must be submitted by March 15, 2021.

Anticipated start date 08/09/2021 EEO Statement

The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution, dedicated to attracting and supporting diverse student, faculty, and staff populations. The University welcomes applications without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors. Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment. All applicant information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

UA Fort Smith provides equal employment, admission, and educational opportunities without regard to race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, disability, veterans’ status, sexual orientation, or gender identify. The University abides by all applicable employment laws.

As an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, the University is committed to provide equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees with regard to recruitment, hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation, training, fringe benefits and all other aspects of employment.

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover Letter
3. Unofficial College Transcripts
4. Teaching, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement
5. Writing Sample - Publication
6. Sample Syllabi - one lower-level course and one upper-level course

Optional Documents

1. Unofficial College Transcripts - Additional 1
2. Letter of Recommendation
3. Proof of Veteran Status
4. Portfolio or Link to Portfolio

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Do you understand that failure to complete the Employment History section of the application will result in automatic elimination?
   • Yes
   • No
2. * Did you complete the Employment History section of the application?
   • Yes
   • No
3. * Do you understand that failure to upload your unofficial transcript(s) may result in an incomplete application packet?
   • Yes
   • No
4. * Did you upload your unofficial transcript(s)?
   • Yes
   • No
5. * Have you ever been fired or asked to resign from a job?
   • Yes
   • No
6. If yes, please describe.
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   
7. * How did you learn of this employment opportunity?
   
   (Open Ended Question)