Assistant Professor - Photography

Bowling Green State University; Bowling Green (OH); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Bowling Green State University’s School of Art seeks a dynamic teacher and artist to lead its Photography Area, with a tenure-track nine-month appointment starting August 9, 2027. Candidates should have experience teaching traditional and digital photographic processes with secondary expertise in video and digital imaging.

The successful candidate will contribute to teaching, scholarly/creative work, and service, supervise internships and capstone projects, and maintain an active creative

Qualifications

• University-level teaching photography (traditional and digital) experience.
• Experience teaching video and digital imaging courses.
• Experience with narrative formats and digital illustration; interdisciplinary collaboration evident in portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Teach traditional and digital photography at the university level.
• Supervise internships, capstone projects, and student research.
• Maintain a creative research agenda and engage in School of Art, University, and professional service.

Skills

University-level teaching photography

Video and digital imaging

Narrative formats & digital illus.

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

MFA or equivalent terminal degree in photography or related area

Job description

The School of Art at Bowling Green State University seeks a dynamic teacher and artist to lead its Photography Area. Candidates should possess experience teaching traditional and digital photographic processes with secondary expertise in video and digital imaging. This is a full-time, tenure-track, nine-month appointment with a start date of August 9, 2027.

Program and College Information

Established in 1940, the School of Art supports traditional and emerging studio and scholarly practices across five academic divisions: Art History, Studio Art, Digital Arts, Graphic Design, and Art Education. The School offers a BA Art degree with specializations in Art History, Studio Art and Digital Art; BFA degrees in Studio Art, Graphic Design, Digital Arts and Art Education; MA degrees in Art History and Art Education (online); an MFA degree with specializations in Two-Dimensional Studies, Three-Dimensional Studies and Digital Arts; and a MDes degree in Integrative Design (hybrid/online). The RING Center for Experiential Learning, established two years ago through a major gift, has opened an exciting new chapter in the School of Art’s history. The RING Center provides funding to enable every School of Art student, regardless of their economic circumstances, to engage in significant experiential learning activities such as travel to conferences and workshops, study abroad, and creative and scholarly research.

The School of Art is located within the College of Arts and Sciences. The vision for our College, aligned with the university’s strategic plan, is to ensure that our students graduate career-ready to meet the world’s challenges, and that our faculty research and creative activity contribute to the public good. We achieve this through robust collaboration across departmental boundaries, with particular attention given to increasing experiential learning for our undergraduate and graduate students and connecting our scholarly and creative work to the needs of our region. We are especially interested in recruiting candidates who can contribute excellence in teaching, scholarly/creative work, and/or service toward achieving excellence throughout the university and to the greater community. The College is committed to faculty success, providing resources and support within the Dean’s Office and through collaboration with Arts and Sciences departments and schools, leadership teams in other colleges, and university-serving partners such as the Center for Faculty Excellence. Through these connections, we have developed a comprehensive, cohort-based mentorship program to support the professional growth and advancement of faculty across all disciplines and ranks. We value and practice shared governance and are committed to maintaining a vibrant and supportive working environment.

As a Public University for the Public Good, Bowling Green State University is a comprehensive, high research university located in northwestern Ohio committed to driving economic and cultural vitality in the region and beyond. Through innovative teaching, research and creative activities, BGSU fosters a collaborative and inclusive learning community where inspired ideas, knowledge and achievements support the region, state and nation. More than 760 talented and passionate faculty members teach across more than 200 undergraduate majors and programs, 17 doctoral programs, and 57 master’s programs. A focus on promoting research, scholarship, and creative activities has resulted in a significant increase in extramural funding over the past several years. Guided by Forward, BGSU’s strategic plan, the University is focused on redefining student success. For the fifth year in a row, The Wall Street Journal ranks BGSU as the No. 1 public university in the Midwest that students would choose again. BGSU also holds the Wall Street Journal distinction of being the No. 1 public university in Ohio for the student experience.

In addition to formal teaching, faculty foster student success through academic advising, supervision of internships, and supervision of capstone and research projects. Tenure-track faculty must also maintain a creative research record commensurate with the School’s RPT guidelines and engage in School of Art, University and professional service.

• MFA or equivalent terminal degree in photography or related area (i.e. digital arts, video, new media). Applicants whose degrees are in progress may apply, but all the requirements for the degree must be satisfied before the position start date.
• University-level experience teaching traditional and digital photography (as a Teaching Assistant, Instructor of record, or guest lecturer).
• Documented record of professional achievement through exhibitions, residencies, and presentations.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2 years of university-level experience teaching photography (traditional and digital) courses.
• Experience teaching video, and digital imaging courses.
• Experience with narrative formats and digital illustration, as evident in professional portfolio.
• Experience with interdisciplinary research and collaboration, as evident in professional portfolio.

Application Materials Required

• Letter of Interest
• Current Curriculum Vita
• Teaching Statement centered on student success
• 15-20 examples of student work (submitted as a URL or consolidated and organized PDF)
• 15-20 examples of creative work (submitted as a URL or consolidated and organized PDF)
• Names and Contact information of three (3) professional references.

Unofficial transcripts of highest degree earned are required for candidates invited for in-person interviews. The search finalist will be required to submit official transcripts. BGSU policy requires finalists to authorize and pass a background check prior to receiving an offer of employment.

Application Deadline

November 15, 2026

Salary & Benefits

Competitive and commensurate with candidate’s experience and credentials. Full benefits package available.

Further Information

Please direct questions about the application process to the Photography Search Committee Chair, John Balistreri ([e-mail])