Assistant Professor, Graphic Design Art & Design

Lamar University; Beaumont (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental & vision insurance

Life insurance

State of Texas Retirement plans

Tuition covered at 100% for employees,

Spouses and/or eligible dependents

Job summary

Lamar University in Beaumont, TX seeks a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Graphic Design to strengthen its undergraduate curriculum and advance creative, scholarly, or professional activity. This onsite role focuses on teaching core graphic design areas and supporting program growth through departmental and university service.

Responsibilities include teaching typography, brand identity, UX/UI, portfolio development, developing syllabi, advising students, and contributing to exhibitions and

Qualifications

• MFA, MDes, or terminal degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or related field.
• Ability to teach all levels of Graphic Design and Foundation Design courses.
• Ability to teach industry-standard software including Adobe Creative Cloud on Mac platforms.
• Evidence of ongoing creative, professional, or scholarly activity.
• Two years of college-level teaching experience.
• Professional practice or research in areas such as brand identity, typography, UX/UI, web, motion, or interactive design.
• Experience with web-based tools and/or AI-assisted design workflows.
• Experience mentoring students toward internships, exhibitions, and career readiness.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate graphic design courses (typography, brand identity, UX/UI, portfolio development).
• Develop course materials, syllabi, and instructional content aligned with industry practices.
• Assess student performance and provide feedback for academic and professional growth.
• Maintain office hours, advise and mentor students.
• Contribute to program growth through service and curriculum development.
• Lead or participate in exhibitions, publications, and other creative outputs.
• Support recruitment, retention, and program initiatives.

Skills

Typography

Brand identity

UX/UI

Portfolio development

Mentoring

Curriculum development

Creative output

Education

MFA, MDes, or terminal degree

Two years of college-level teaching

Evidence of ongoing creative/professional activity

Tools

Adobe Creative Cloud

Mac platforms

UX/UI prototyping tools

AI-assisted design workflows

Job description

Lamar University is seeking a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Graphic Design to strengthen its undergraduate design curriculum and advance creative, scholarly, or professional activity in the discipline. This onsite role in Beaumont, TX focuses on teaching core graphic design areas while supporting ongoing program growth through departmental and university service.

Role overview

• Teach undergraduate courses in graphic design, including typography, brand identity, UX/UI, and portfolio development.
• Develop course materials, syllabi, and instructional content aligned with current industry practices.
• Assess student performance and provide feedback that supports both academic and professional development.
• Maintain regular office hours and provide academic advising and mentorship.
• Maintain an active program of creative, scholarly, or professional work appropriate to graphic design.
• Produce recognized creative outputs such as exhibitions, publications, or other relevant work.
• Engage in ongoing professional development and contribute to advancement in the field.
• Participate in departmental, college, and university committees, including curriculum development and program assessment aligned with contemporary design practices.
• Support student recruitment, retention, and program growth initiatives.
• Assist with departmental events, exhibitions, and outreach activities.
• Teach all levels of undergraduate Graphic Design and Foundation Design courses as needed.
• Mentor students in senior thesis, portfolio development, and career preparation.
• Contribute to and/or lead curriculum development aligned with contemporary design practices.
• Participate in service at the department, college, and university levels.

Education and experience requirements

• MFA, MDes, or terminal degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or a related field.
• Ability to teach all levels of Graphic Design, and select Foundation Design courses as needed.
• Ability to teach industry-standard software, including Adobe Creative Cloud, with knowledge of Mac-based platforms.
• Evidence of ongoing creative, professional, or scholarly activity, including a demonstrated record or potential for sustained output.
• Two years of college-level teaching experience.
• Professional practice or research in areas such as brand identity, typography, UX/UI, web, motion, or interactive design.
• Experience with web-based tools and/or AI-assisted design workflows.
• Experience mentoring students toward internships, exhibitions, and career readiness.

Tools and technologies

• Adobe Creative Cloud
• Mac platforms
• UX/UI prototyping tools
• AI-assisted design processes

Compensation and benefits

• Health, dental & vision insurance
• Life insurance
• State of Texas Retirement plans
• Tuition covered at 100% for employees, spouses and/or eligible dependents
• Paid time off: vacation, sick, and holidays

Application materials

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Teaching philosophy
• Designer or research statement
• Portfolio of professional work (PDF, 9MB or less20 images of representative artworks with titles, dates, materials, and relevant details; may include a link to a website)
• Portfolio of student work (PDF, 9MB or less): include 15–20 relevant examples
• Sample syllabus designed by the candidate
• Names and contact information for three references
• Unofficial transcript

Important notes

• This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
• Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship now or in the future.
• Finalists are subject to a criminal history background check, employment history check, and off-list reference verification.
• Applicants must sign an authorization for release of prior employment records to Lamar University.
• Lamar University will only contact prior employers and off-list references for finalists.

Physical requirements and job conditions

• Standard academic environment; ability to sit, stand, walk, use a computer, and communicate effectively.
• May involve lifting and carrying light materials (up to 20 pounds).
• Visual acuity sufficient for reviewing materials and delivering instruction.
• Work occurs in classroom, studio, and computer lab environments.
• Use of specialized art and design equipment and software.
• Extended standing may be required, with occasional evening or weekend commitments for critiques, exhibitions, recruitment activities, and departmental events.