Assistant Professor of Studio Art - Design

Transylvania University; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Transylvania University invites applications for a 9-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Studio Art - Design starting August 25, 2027. The successful candidate will join a liberal arts program that values interdisciplinary dialogue and collaborative work, teaching Graphic Design and related design courses while contributing to the Digital Arts & Media offerings.

The position carries a three-course-per-term load (plus a May term short course).

Qualifications

• MFA in studio art, design, or a related field by start date.
• Experience in graphic design, product design, and/or digital design.
• Commitment to teaching and interdisciplinary dialogue.
• Ability to develop and lead a design curriculum across courses.

Responsibilities

• Teach introductory Graphic Design courses and contribute to a comprehensive design curriculum.
• Contribute to core Studio Art courses and cross-listed Digital Arts & Media offerings.
• Supervise community internships and independent research.
• Maintain an active creative practice and participate in university service.

Skills

MFA in studio art/design

Design theory

Graphic design

UI/UX design

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

MFA in studio art or related field

Job description

Assistant Professor of Studio Art - Design

Transylvania University (www.transy.edu) invites applications for a 9-month, tenure-track position in Studio Art, beginning August 25, 2027. Rooted in a strong liberal arts curriculum, Transylvania’s art program encourages the interplay of ideas from a variety of disciplines. Students explore personal and global issues in their studio work and analyze these ideas in their classes. The program’s philosophy rests on the firm belief that the best art draws from both broad social issues and aesthetic concerns. The studio art program introduces students to the fundamentals through courses in drawing, design, painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics, and art history.

Why Join Transylvania University?

Founded in 1780, Transylvania University is one of the nation’s oldest institutions. Ranked in the Top 100 Best Liberal Arts colleges for 2025 by Niche, we’re a vibrant campus in the heart of Lexington, Kentucky full of curious minds, creative energy, and people who genuinely love what they do. We are mentors and community builders who help shape the next generation of thinkers, creators and leaders. We cultivate independent thinking, open-mindedness, creative expression and commitment to lifelong learning and social responsibility in a diverse world. With approximately 1,000 students, Transylvania is a student-centered institution with small class sizes. We offer additional opportunities for travel and team-taught courses, and a focus on experiential learning.

Who are we looking for?

Eligible candidates will have an MFA in in studio art, design, or a related field by the start date. All relevant design experience, both professional and academic, will be considered. Preference will be given to candidates with expertise in Design, including but not limited to design theory, graphic design, product design, and/or digital design (UI/UX). Applicants with an art practice that extends beyond design and includes digital and/or print media are particularly encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will have a commitment to teaching, value interdisciplinary dialogue, and work collaboratively with other faculty. The teaching load consists of three courses per term, plus one short-term course in May term (3-3-1). Responsibilities include:

• Teach introductory courses in Graphic Design and will be responsible for building a comprehensive design curriculum, including courses on topics within their area of specialty. Contributing to core classes—such as Guided Studio and senior capstone sequence in Studio Art—as well as teaching courses that are cross-listed in the Digital Arts & Media program is expected.


• Supervision of community internships and independent research.


• Maintain a recognized creative practice and service to the university through various committee appointments, divisional recruiting, and academic advising.

The successful candidate will be asked to provide official graduate transcripts and be subject to a background check.

Transylvania University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to enhancing the diversity of the university community. In support of this goal, we embrace diversity and encourage applications from qualified candidates with a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.