Grand Valley State University

Assistant Professor of Studio Art Foundations

Full Time

R103782

Summary: The Department of Visual and Media Arts at Grand Valley State University invites applications for a tenure‑track Assistant Professor of Studio Art Foundations position to begin Fall 2026. Applicants should hold an MFA in Studio Art or a related field and be capable of teaching Foundations‑level studio art courses.

• MFA in Studio Art, Design, or related field.
• Documented ability, experience, and knowledge to teach Foundations‑level courses in visual composition, color theory, observational drawing, digital workflows, and creative processes informed by an active studio practice.
• Potential for successful college‑level teaching, service, and an active, creative/research practice.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with respect and cultural humility.

• Vision of the future of Studio Art foundations, integrating digital and analogue processes and addressing emerging technologies and social change.
• Two or more years of college or university‑level studio art teaching (teaching assistantships considered).
• Proficient knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud and other digital production applications.
• Knowledge of arts production processes and presentation techniques (printing, mounting, etc.).
• Experience teaching Studio Art Foundations to students in art, design, photography, and media‑based arts.

• Teach 9 (nine) credits/semester in the Studio Art Foundations program.
• Maintain an active scholarship and/or creative practice.
• Participate in service activities commensurate with rank, interests, and departmental needs.
• Mentor and advise students in Foundations and related emphasis majors.
• Contribute to shared responsibilities—program vision, curriculum development, scheduling, and staffing.
• Participate in student portfolio reviews at the sophomore, junior, and senior levels.
• Complete a significant focus (equivalent to 3 credit hours) of additional responsibilities in teaching, scholarship/creative activity, or service.

Salary: $63,892 (commensurate with experience).

Benefits: Medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources, and tuition waiver effective on date of hire.

• A cover letter addressing qualifications and motivation to teach at GVSU, focusing on visual composition, color theory, observational drawing, creative processes, and contemporary issues.
• Curriculum vitae and contact information for three professional references.
• Teaching philosophy statement and research statement.
• Graduate transcripts (unofficial acceptable).
• Online links to 15–20 samples of personal creative works and 15–20 anonymized student works for Foundations‑level courses.

Submit all documents through the online application (maximum 5 MB per candidate). Application reviews begin January 16, 2026; the posting may close at any time thereafter.

To request reasonable accommodations or for general inquiries, email Human Resources stions about the position may be directed to Professor Bill Hosterman at hostermw.

Grand Valley State University is an Antidiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal opportunity for protected veterans, individuals with disabilities, and additional protected identities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. See http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). for more information.