Art and Design (Graphic Design), Tenure-Track Faculty

Job Title

Art and Design (Graphic Design), Tenure-Track Faculty

Department

Art And Design

University Expectation

MTSU seeks candidates committed to innovative teaching, robust research/creative activity, and meaningful service. We also seek to attract culturally and academically diverse faculty who value working with diverse students.

Salary

The salary is commensurate with education and experience.

Job Summary/Basic Function

The Department of Art and Design at Middle Tennessee State University invites talented and forward-thinking applicants for a full-time, tenure-track faculty position (#122100) in graphic design at the rank of assistant or associate professor. The start date for the position is August 1, 2026.

Join a dynamic, NASAD-accredited department committed to innovation, collaboration, and student success. We’re looking for a creative professional with a strong design portfolio and a passion for teaching to help guide the next generation of visual communicators.

The Successful Candidate Will:

• Demonstrate mastery of graphic design principles and practices.
• Show a strong command of typography and visual communication.
• Be fluent in current UI/UX design trends and theories.
• Be proficient with industry-standard tools, including Macintosh hardware and Adobe Creative Cloud.
• Exhibit a commitment to inclusive teaching and student engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Teach a broad range of courses across the graphic design curriculum—from introductory to advanced levels.
• Contribute to curriculum development and program growth.
• Advise and mentor students.
• Participate in high school outreach and recruitment efforts.
• Support active student groups and extracurricular programming.
• Engage in grant writing and committee service.
• Assist with computer lab oversight and technology integration.

Required Education

A terminal degree, such as an MFA or MDes in graphic design, visual communication, or a closely related field, is required by the appointment date.

Other Desirables

Applicants with at least two (2) years of full-time teaching experience in graphic design beyond a graduate assistantship, and those with five (5) years of professional industry experience, will receive special consideration.

Documents Needed To Apply

To successfully apply, applicants must include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy, and statement of research or creative activities (as appropriate to the discipline) as separate attachments at the time of online application.

NOTE:

In addition, work samples must be submitted as “Other Document 1.” The work samples must include the following:

• Student work projects (20 examples). Each example of student work should have been completed in courses where the applicant was the instructor of record. Each example should be labeled with the course title and a brief description.
• Personal, professional, research, or industry projects (20 examples). Each example should include a brief description.

Special Instruction To Applicants

For more information about serving as a faculty member at Middle Tennessee State University, please visit our faculty recruitment webpage.

If you need help applying, please contact Mitzi Dunkley, Faculty Recruitment Specialist, at (615) 898-5128. If you have position-specific questions, please contact Karla Barnes at Karla.Barnes@mtsu.edu.

MTSU offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to the following:  

• Sick Leave
• Vacation Leave for Administrative/Classified Staff/12-month Faculty
• 13 paid University holidays
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Retirement plans
• Optional 401K and 403B Deferred Compensation Plans
• Educational benefits for the employee and their spouse and dependents

Click here for additional information. 

MTSU is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer that values diversity in all its forms. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.

Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligibility for U.S. employment is required before employment (Immigration Control Act of 1986). Clery Act crime statistics for MTSU are available at https://police.mtsu.edu/annual-security-report/ or by contacting MTSU Public Safety at (615) 898-2424.

MTSU is a Tobacco & Drug-Free campus.

This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you will be required to provide information about your criminal history to be considered.

For individuals requiring reasonable accommodation to apply: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position with MTSU, please call 615-898-2929 or email emp@mtsu.edu.

Application Review Date: 111/04/2025