Visiting Assistant Professor in Visual Art

29950BR

Visual Art

Position Overview

The Visiting Assistant Professor is a non-tenure track appointment comprising teaching, research, and service responsibilities. This is a 2-year term appointment for the academic years (Fall 2025 – Spring 2027).

The Visual Art Department at the University of Kansas is seeking an emerging artist who possesses a solid understanding of both traditional and contemporary drawing methodologies. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a robust and dynamic creative studio practice, with drawing serving as the central focus of their artistic work. This may include conceptual, time-based, abstract and/or performative approaches. This individual will exhibit enthusiasm and a deep commitment to pedagogy, being prepared to instruct courses across all levels, including beginning, intermediate, and advanced drawing, as well as foundational art classes. The successful applicant will contribute to the academic community through both their teaching and their ongoing professional practice, fostering an environment of artistic exploration and innovation.

KU’s excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe.  At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other’s success.  We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard and valued.  When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things.  The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. by the effective date of the appointment.

Job Description

Teaching Responsibilities (60%)

• Teach three courses per semester (six per academic year) in drawing and foundations.
• Strive for excellence in the classroom by preparing for and attending all class meetings. In case of absence, arrange for a substitute to teach the class. Classes should not be canceled.
• Develop assignments, administer tests (if applicable), evaluate student work, provide feedback, and assign grades.
• Hold regular office hours for students. Be available for reasonable appointments if a student cannot meet during scheduled office hours.
• Adhere to departmental, college, and university policies.
• Treat students with courtesy and respect for their rights, including academic freedom and those outlined in the Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities.
• Work with independent study students, participate in occasional graduate seminar sessions, and serve on master thesis committees if invited and time allows.

• Develop and maintain a research program that significantly advances beyond the MFA thesis level, demonstrating dedication to scholarly growth and ongoing development in depth and importance throughout the career.
• Stay current with research and scholarly literature in the field. The Visual Arts Department supports visiting faculty in achieving this goal. Evidence of currency includes an active and productive research program, scholarly publications, presentations at research conferences, and up-to-date course syllabi.

• Participate in professional activities such as serving on committees, panels, co-organizing workshops/conferences, and reviewing portfolios for incoming students or regional portfolio review sessions.
• Contribute to departmental work by attending meetings and participating in departmental committees.
• Treat colleagues with courtesy and respect for their rights, including academic freedom.

All faculty members are expected to comply fully with the Faculty Code of Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct, currently viewable at http://policy.ku.edu/FacultyCodeKULawrence/faculty-code-of-rights.

Evaluation:

Required Qualifications

Additional Candidate Instruction

A complete application packet will include the online application and the following items: 

• Cover letter (in brief): 
  • A description of your creative research and research interests. 
  • A summary of your teaching history.
  • Your interest in drawing and teaching drawing. 
  • Reasons why you are interested in this position. 
• Curriculum Vita.
• 20 images of recent artworks - please send one PDF document to visualartadmin@ku.edu  with subject "search". 
• Contact information for three professional references. 

Application Review Begins

03-Apr-2025

Anticipated Start Date

18-Aug-2025

Conditions of Employment

Limited Term

Primary Campus

University of Kansas Lawrence Campus

Limited Term End Date

16-May-2027

Advertised Salary Range

Commensurate with experience

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.