Art and Design (Foundations) Tenure-Track Faculty

Job Title

Art and Design (Foundations) 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 applicants for a full-time, tenure-track faculty position (#124020) at the rank of assistant or associate professor in foundations. The start date for the position is August 1, 2026.

Join A Creative And Collaborative Community

MTSU’s Department of Art and Design is a vibrant, NASAD-accredited program that fosters innovation, critical thinking, and artistic excellence. We seek a passionate educator and practicing artist to join our foundations team and help shape the creative journeys of our students.

Position Highlights

As a foundations faculty member, the successful candidate will:

• Teach core undergraduate courses, including Drawing I & II, 2D Design, and Foundations of Digital Art and Design.
• Contribute to curriculum development and program enhancement.
• Engage in student advising and mentorship.
• Participate in recruitment, retention, and outreach initiatives.
• Maintain an active, creative research and exhibition practice.
• Collaborate on grant writing and departmental service.
• Lead and support student programming and Foundations-related activities with enthusiasm.

Required Education

An MFA in Studio Art with an emphasis in 2D or digital practices is required by the appointment date.

Other Desirables

Applicants with the following will receive special consideration.

• Two (2) years of full-time teaching experience in foundations beyond a graduate assistantship.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite programs, digital fabrication, or time-based / interactive media.
• A strong record of professional accomplishments.

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 portfolio (20 images) as JPEGs, a PDF, or a link to an online portfolio. The student work samples must include each image's date, title, media, dimensions, and course name.
• Personal portfolio of creative activity (20 images) as JPEGs, a PDF, or a link to an online portfolio. The portfolio must include the dates, title, media, and dimensions for each image.

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: 11/04/2025