JOBS AT EIU

Assistant Professor of Art + Design Foundations

The Department of Art + Design seeks a dedicated and dynamic artist and educator to join our vibrant, innovative, and forward-thinking department. As Assistant Professor of Foundations, this individual will play a pivotal role in shaping the development of the foundations area and our students by teaching a combination of design fundamentals and drawing courses.

Responsibilities: This candidate will engage and challenge students in two- and three- dimensional design, drawing, and other courses as needed, fostering their creative growth and critical thinking skills. This individual will articulate a vision for foundations education and actively revise curricula accordingly as well as oversee and maintain the studio areas for foundations classes, ensuring a conducive learning environment.

As a Unit A (tenure-track) position, the successful applicant is expected to demonstrate commitment to creative practice through an impressive and sustained exhibition record as well as contribute to the department, college, and university through committee service and community engagement.

Qualifications: MFA in Studio Art or related field. Minimum three years teaching experience at the university level with a proven ability to connect with and inspire students as demonstrated by course evaluations. The candidate will also have the opportunity to serve as the Graduate Coordinator of the department’s prestigious nine- month studio MA program, guiding advanced students towards artistic excellence. Prior experience as program coordinator or related administrative experience is strongly preferred. Demonstrated commitment to diversity and experience promoting inclusive excellence is required.

About the Department: The Department of Art + Design is located in the Doudna Fine Arts Center, home to the School of the Arts, the creative center of Eastern Illinois University’s Charleston campus. The Department’s outstanding facilities include numerous digital labs, dedicated areas for two- and three-dimensional practice, the Glen Hild Student Gallery, and the Burl Ives Studio building.

In addition to a post-baccalaureate MAs in Studio Art and Art Education, The Department of Art + Design offers undergraduate programs in Art Education, Art History, Graphic Design, 2D studio, 3D studio, and Fashion Merchandising.

The Department consists of 15 faculty members, department chair, and administrative support staff. The Department of Art + Design is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Salary and Benefits: Salary is negotiable and is commensurate with training and experience. EIU offers diverse benefits, contributing to employees’ retirement plans, medical coverage, and life insurance. To learn more about these benefits, please visit: https://www.eiu.edu/humanres/benefits/. 

Application Process: To apply for this position, go to http://apply.interfolio.com/135393.

All applications must be in .pdf format and contain the following: (1) Letter of application detailing the match between the applicant’s skills and experience and the position description. (2) Curriculum Vitae (3) Portfolio of creative work consisting of 15 – 20 labeled images of work from the past three years. (4) Portfolio of student outcomes consisting of 15 – 20 labeled images (course and media) (5) Artist’s Statement. (6) Teaching Philosophy that describes the applicant’s approach to foundations education and vision for a forward-thinking foundations curriculum. (7) Sample Course Evaluations or related materials that speak to the candidate’s ability to teach effectively. (8) Diversity Statement (9) Contact information for three references including phone number, mailing address, and email address.

Review of applications will begin on February 2, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled. The anticipated start date for a successful candidate is August of 2024.

If you have questions regarding this opportunity, please contact Alan Pocaro, Search Committee Chair, at adpocaro@eiu.edu.

Diversity and Inclusion: Eastern Illinois University is committed to fostering a learning community where all members feel welcomed and valued. The university provides equality of opportunity in all areas of campus life and we strive to recognize and appreciate the unique value of our students, faculty, and staff. Every member of campus has the right to learn and work in an environment free of discrimination and harassment, and beyond that, our goal is for all members of our community to develop a strong sense of belonging to Eastern Illinois University.

The University and Community:  Eastern Illinois University takes pride in creating a warm, welcome environment for all faculty, staff and students. EIU boasts a rich, tradition of preparing students for their personal and professional goals. A traditional regional residential institution, EIU offers a superior education at a relatively low cost while consistently earning high rankings and distinctions for its affordability, academic program quality, career placement rates, campus safety, online degree options, student support, and sustainability initiatives. EIU focuses on individualized attention and superior student relationships and has earned recognition as the highest- ranking independent public regional university in Illinois and a place among the Midwest’s top public regional universities according to U.S. News and World Report. Eastern offers faculty a wide range of research and public service activities. EIU hosts more than 175 student organizations on campus, and offers a variety of cultural events, NCAA Division I athletics, and active research opportunities for its students to enjoy and to thrive. EIU has become recognized for providing the resources of a large institution while creating the kinds of individual relationships that support student and alumni success.

Eastern Illinois University is located in Charleston, Illinois – a comfortable and safe east central town within a two-to three-hour drive of three major metropolitan areas -- Chicago, Indianapolis, and St. Louis. 

Eastern Illinois University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer - minority/female/disability/veteran - committed to achieving a diverse community.