Assistant Teaching Professor of Art and Design
Job Description
Special Instructions to Applicants
The Art and Design Program in the School of Performing and Visual Art at The University of Southern Mississippi—an NASAD accredited and Carnegie R1 Top-Tier Research Institution—invites applications for a permanent, non-tenure Assistant Teaching Professor of Art and Design with an emphasis in Drawing and Painting to start in August 2027.
Review of applications will begin November 9, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Please contact Jennifer Courts (jennifer.courts@usm.edu) to inquire about the position.
A completed application will include following PDF’s that must be 5mb or smaller:
Cover Letter. Title of File: LastName.FirstName_CoverLetter.pdf.
Current CV with contact information for three references. Title of File: LastName.FirstName_CV.pdf
Artist Statement. Title of File: LastName.FirstName_ArtistStatement.pdf
Teaching Philosophy. Title of File: LastName.FirstName_TeachingPhilosophy.pdf
Portfolio of twenty samples of the candidate’s personal work demonstrating knowledge & application at a professional level. Title of file: LastName.FirstName_PersonalWork.pdf. Each work in the portfolio must be labeled with title, size, medium, and date. Please include an inventory list of the work at the end of the document.
Portfolio of twenty samples of the candidate’s student work from relevant courses. Title of file: Lastname.FirstName_StudentWork.pdf. Each work in the portfolio must be labeled with title, size, medium, date, and course of instruction. Please include an inventory list of the work at the end of the document.
A single PDF containing sample syllabi from relevant courses that the candidate has experience teaching.
A single PDF containing sample assignments from relevant courses.
Academic Transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable until final hiring process).
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).
Job Summary
The Art and Design program seeks applicants for a full-time, 9-month faculty position with a 4/4 course load at the rank of Assistant Teaching Professor of Art and Design. The successful applicant will be prepared to teach 2D design, color design and all levels of undergraduate drawing and painting, with the potential to also teach printmaking. Participation in Art and Design activities and service to the program, school, college and university is expected.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- Teach undergraduate courses in Studio Art in Art and Design.
- Advise and mentor undergraduate art majors.
- Attend all faculty/staff, school, and area meetings.
- Engage in recruitment as well as service to the program, school, and university.
- Teach a 4/4 course load.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
M.F.A. in Studio Art or relevant area.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Comprehensive knowledge and skill to teach courses in foundations drawing, and upper-level undergraduate courses in drawing, painting, and printmaking; course content areas include but are not limited to 2D composition (linear and tonal), working from direct observation, figure anatomy and structure, and visual form problem solving.
Preferred Qualifications
Ability to teach all forms of printmaking.
About The University of Southern Mississippi
Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.
Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.
We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.
The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.