Faculty - Assistant Professor: Art & Design

Position Overview

The Department of Art & Design at Utah Valley University (UVU) invites applications for a tenure‑track Assistant Professor position beginning August 2026. We are seeking a visionary and collaborative artist/educator who will be responsible for teaching a range of undergraduate courses that cross over and between mediums, supporting the Art & Design Bachelor of Science (ART‑BS) degree programs and offering recommendations in curriculum, program assessment, graduation/retention rates, and other matters that affect students pursuing this pathway.

UVU, located in Orem, Utah, is a comprehensive state institution of higher education with over 46,000 students. Orem offers numerous outdoor activities and rich cultural opportunities in the arts, including proximity to the Sundance Film Festival and world‑class music and dance companies. The UVU campus is served by a public transit system, including a rail line that traverses the Wasatch Front corridor.

The UVU School of the Arts maintains strong ties with other universities and with Utah’s arts professionals, supporting undergraduate creative activities and service‑learning.

• Teach undergraduate courses in Art & Design – prepare course materials (outlines, syllabi, exams, audio/visual aids) and guide studio and classroom sessions using demonstration, discussion, visual aids, audio aids, video conference, and field trips/community engagement. Evaluate instruction and learning through written, oral, practical, and performance assessments, maintaining accurate student records.
• Other teaching duties – establish and maintain office hours, advise students, support faculty and staff in curriculum development, and continuously improve teaching practices.
• Creative and scholarly activity – engage in research and produce scholarly work that aligns with interdisciplinary objectives and the academic goals of the department.
• Service – contribute to departmental, school, and university committees and initiatives; perform other responsibilities as assigned.
• Area coordination – maintain an ongoing creative, scholarly, and professional agenda and may act as Area Coordinator, overseeing adjunct faculty and assisting the department chair in area management.

• MFA in a field of visual art/design or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
• College‑level teaching experience.
• Demonstrated ability to teach a broad range of media and conceptual approaches.
• Experience mentoring diverse student populations.
• Administrative or leadership experience in academic settings (e.g., area coordination, budget oversight).

• Curriculum Vitae
• Teaching Philosophy
• Portfolio (Web Link)
• Artist Statement
• Student Portfolio (Web Link)

• In‑depth knowledge of historical observational and contemporary theories in the arts, with the ability to teach these concepts to students.
• Knowledge in student management, motivation, and evaluation techniques.
• Knowledge and experience of entrepreneurial career development in the arts.
• Knowledge of gallery management in an academic and/or professional setting (experience beneficial).

• Visibly apparent technical skills in traditional and contemporary media and techniques.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Interpersonal, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.

• Teach with an interdisciplinary approach and demonstrate how a variety of mediums can work together.
• Develop curriculum, mentor students, maintain facilities, collaborate with faculty, and promote areas of concentration.
• Relate well with students and colleagues.
• Evaluate student work effectively both orally and in writing.
• Apply appropriate technology in classroom teaching.
• Teach, mentor, and motivate students in inclusive and engaging ways.
• Teach courses in a variety of formats, including hybrid/online/live‑stream, weekends, and evenings.

Applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.