Assistant Professor in Art

POSITION:Western Colorado University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track faculty position in Art, with a specialization in Jewelry, Ceramics, and Sculpture. We seek a dynamic teacher-scholar who is committed to student-centered learning, professional preparation, and inclusive, interdisciplinary education. This is an in-person, on-campus position on our vibrant residential campus in Gunnison, Colorado.

The standard teaching load is 24 credit hours per academic year. The successful candidate will deliver engaging, well-designed courses such as Introduction to Art, Ceramics, Jewelry, 3D Design, Sculpture, Art History and may teach other courses aligned with their expertise and departmental needs. We especially value faculty who engage students in high-impact practices such as internships, research, community-based learning, and who participate in our Western Watershed General Education and First-Year Seminar Headwaters courses.

We value faculty who work to prepare students for a livelihood based on their values and aid students in gaining post-graduate opportunities.

The School of the Arts serves nearly 200 students across its majors and minors and contributes to the general education program via a wide range of courses. Within Art, students can earn BA degrees in Art, BFA degrees in Art with an emphasis in Painting, Photography, Ceramics, Sculpture, Jewelry, or Printmaking and Secondary Licensure in K-12 Art, combining rigorous academic preparation with high-impact experiential learning.

Western supports its faculty by fostering a collaborative and innovative academic community. Our Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) actively engages faculty, staff, and administrators in cross-campus initiatives designed to reimagine WCU’s educational landscape-rooted in diverse expertise and committed to continuous growth. The Professional Activity Fund (PAF) provides financial support for faculty engaged in research, artistic projects, grant writing, and other scholarly or creative activities, with three application opportunities each year.

Western’s faculty are teacher-scholars who contribute meaningfully to their discipline, the campus, our community, and beyond. We seek candidates who will actively support our institutional mission and strategic priorities, including:

• Participating in our innovative Western Watershed General Education program;
• Promoting wellness, inclusion, and belonging;
• Collaborating within and across disciplines to grow enrollment and deepen student engagement;
• Expanding career-connected learning and professional pathways.

QUALIFICATIONS:An MFA or other terminal degree with an emphasis in a Three-Dimensional Area is required. Candidates must have a demonstrated commitment to undergraduate education, excellence in teaching, and willingness to work with and be sensitive to the educational needs of all students. Candidates must also be able to use technology in instructional delivery, including the ability to teach online and hybrid courses.

Collegiality and professional flexibility are sought in the successful candidate. Preference given to candidates with 3 years of full-time teaching experience.

SALARY/BENEFITS:$55,000-$59,000 annualized salary. Western offers an excellent benefits package including shared premiums for a comprehensive health insurance plan, dental insurance, retirement plan, life insurance, and other insurance options. After one year of employment, Western provides free tuition for dependents enrolled full time in undergraduate programs for up to four years.

START DATE:August 17, 2026

Apply online atwww.western.edu/jobs .
Required attachments to the application include:letter of application, curriculum vitae, evidence of successful teaching and mentoring, evidence of successful scholarly and creative work including a portfolio of 20 student works examples and a portfolio of 20 personal artworks, and a reference list with names and contact information of three references, including one from a current supervisor.

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