Assistant Professor of Graphic Design

Tenure-track Assistant Professor role in Graphic Design at the University of Arkansas (Fayetteville), starting August 2027 in a nine-month, in-person appointment.

Responsibilities

• Teach with a 2/2-equivalent load across the Graphic Design BFA, Master of Design in Communication Design, the upcoming design minor, and/or the school’s foundations program.
• Apply future-focused approaches in teaching, creative practice, and scholarly research, with attention to how AI is reshaping visual communication, design authorship, image-making, typography, branding, interaction, publishing, and related areas of graphic-design practice.
• Maintain regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance.
• Build and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships.
• Conduct research/creative activity in emerging technologies.

Workload

• 40% teaching
• 40% research/creative activity
• 20% service

Requirements

• Terminal degree (PhD, MFA, MDes, or MGD) in Graphic Design (or closely related field) conferred by the first date of appointment.
• At least 1 academic year of university-level teaching experience as a graduate teaching assistant with classroom teaching responsibilities or as instructor of record in graphic design or a closely related field.
• Evidence of an active research agenda and/or scholarly/creative activity in emerging technologies.
• 2 or more years of university-level teaching experience as instructor of record in graphic design or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience in interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary, and/or cross-campus collaborations.
• Demonstrated research trajectory related to emerging technologies including VR/AR, artificial intelligence, and data visualization.
• Experience mentoring undergraduate and graduate students and coordinating within a design program.
• Evidence of strong interpersonal communication as demonstrated in application materials.

Technologies

• Artificial intelligence
• Machine learning
• Virtual reality
• Augmented reality
• Extended reality
• Data visualization

Position Details

• Position type: Faculty - Tenure/Tenure Track
• Job type: Regular
• Workstudy position: No
• Onsite location: Fayetteville, NC
• Sponsorship available: Yes

Department / Contact

• Institution: University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
• Department: School of Art Graphic Design Program Director
• Department website: https://art.uark.edu
• Recruitment contact: Professor Bree McMahon ([email protected])

Compensation

• Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits

• Benefits eligible: Yes
• University contributions to health, dental, life, and disability insurance
• Tuition waivers for employees and their families
• 12 official holidays
• Immediate leave accrual
• Choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5% to 10% of employee salary

Required Application Materials

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• Curriculum Vitae
• List of three Professional References (name, email, business title)
• Other (see special instructions for details)
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy

Optional Documents

• Proof of Veteran Status

Special Application Instructions

• Completed applications received by December 31, 2026 will be assured full consideration; late applications will be reviewed as necessary to fill the position.
• Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
• For additional inquiries, contact the search committee chair, Bree McMahon ([email protected]).
• Submission must include: Curriculum vitae; Cover letter/letter of application; List of three professional references (name, title, email address, and phone number) willing to provide letters of recommendation if requested; Research/creative scholarship statement; Teaching philosophy statement; Syllabi of 1-3 relevant courses taught or proposed plus one project brief/description (single PDF); and 20 examples of professional/research work, identified with title and date.

Pre-Employment Screening

• Criminal Background Check
• Sex Offender Registry

Required Degree Details

• Terminal degree in Graphic Design (or closely related field) required; must be conferred by the first date of appointment.

Start date: August 2027