Visiting Assistant Professor in Visual Art

Position Overview

The Visiting Assistant Professor is a non-tenure track appointment comprising teaching, research, and service responsibilities. This is a 2-year term appointment for the academic years (Fall 2025 – Spring 2027).

The Visual Art Department at the University of Kansas is seeking an emerging artist who possesses a solid understanding of both traditional and contemporary drawing methodologies. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a robust and dynamic creative studio practice, with drawing serving as the central focus of their artistic work. This may include conceptual, time-based, abstract and/or performative approaches. This individual will exhibit enthusiasm and a deep commitment to pedagogy, being prepared to instruct courses across all levels, including beginning, intermediate, and advanced drawing, as well as foundational art classes. The successful applicant will contribute to the academic community through both their teaching and their ongoing professional practice, fostering an environment of artistic exploration and innovation.

KU’s excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other’s success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things. The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. by the effective date of the appointment.

Job Description

Teaching Responsibilities (60%)

• Teach three courses per semester (six per academic year) in drawing and foundations.
• Strive for excellence in the classroom by preparing for and attending all class meetings. In case of absence, arrange for a substitute to teach the class. Classes should not be canceled.
• Develop assignments, administer tests (if applicable), evaluate student work, provide feedback, and assign grades.
• Hold regular office hours for students. Be available for reasonable appointments if a student cannot meet during scheduled office hours.
• Adhere to departmental, college, and university policies.
• Treat students with courtesy and respect for their rights, including academic freedom and those outlined in the Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities.
• Work with independent study students, participate in occasional graduate seminar sessions, and serve on master thesis committees if invited and time allows.
  
  
  

Research Responsibilities (20%)

• Develop and maintain a research program that significantly advances beyond the MFA thesis level, demonstrating dedication to scholarly growth and ongoing development in depth and importance throughout the career.
• Stay current with research and scholarly literature in the field. The Visual Arts Department supports visiting faculty in achieving this goal. Evidence of currency includes an active and productive research program, scholarly publications, presentations at research conferences, and up-to-date course syllabi.
  
  
  

Service Responsibilities (20%)

• Participate in professional activities such as serving on committees, panels, co-organizing workshops/conferences, and reviewing portfolios for incoming students or regional portfolio review sessions.
• Contribute to departmental work by attending meetings and participating in departmental committees.
• Treat colleagues with courtesy and respect for their rights, including academic freedom.
  
  
  

Faculty code

All faculty members are expected to comply fully with the Faculty Code of Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct, currently viewable at http://policy.ku.edu/FacultyCodeKULawrence/faculty-code-of-rights.

Evaluation:

• Descriptions of research in the letter of application.
• Narrative of educational and teaching experiences in the letter of application.
• Record of accomplishments and productivity addressed in the curriculum vitae (CV).
• The quality of visual art portfolio including but not limited to examples of drawing.
  
  
  

Required Qualifications

• MFA in Visual Arts or a closely related discipline is required.
  
  
  

Additional Candidate Instructions

A complete application packet will include the online application and the following items:

• Cover letter (in brief):
• A description of your creative research and research interests.
• A summary of your teaching history.
• Your interest in drawing and teaching drawing.
• Reasons why you are interested in this position.
• Curriculum Vita.
• 20 images of recent artworks - please send one PDF document to visualartadmin@ku.edu with subject "search".
• Contact information for three professional references.

Application review will begin on April 3, 2025. To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before the review date.

Contact Information to Applicants

visualartadmin@ku.edu

Advertised Salary Range

Commensurate with experience

Application Review Begins

Thursday April 3, 2025

Anticipated Start Date

Monday August 18, 2025