Visiting Professor of Two-Dimensional Studio Practice and Art Appreciation, Visual and Media Arts Department GVSU

“The Department of Visual and Media Arts at Grand Valley State University, located in Allendale, MI (www.gvsu.edu/vma) invites applicants for a Visiting Professor position in 2D Practices (Foundations, Drawing/Painting) and Art Appreciation, beginning August 2024. This is a nine month, full-time, teaching-focused appointment, with the possibility of renewal for up to three years pending institutional need.

These positions are part of a comprehensive hiring effort that seeks to bring two new faculty to our studio art program who can actively contribute to our teaching mission and commitment to inclusive excellence. The other available position is in 3D Practice (Foundations, Jewelry/Metalsmithing and Sculpture) and Art Appreciation (1 position). More information is available on the institution’s job portal.

The teaching responsibilities include 8 courses per year (4 fall/4 winter). Candidates with
teaching experience that encompasses major and non-major populations will receive special consideration. Teaching assignment continuity and consistency will be considered upon appointment. We will consider candidates whose application shows the ability to teach courses in any combination of these:
• Studio Art Foundations (2D Design and Color, Intro to Drawing, Making and Meaning)
• Drawing Courses (Introduction, Intermediate, Life, Advanced)
• Art Appreciation for non-majors

Candidates are expected to remain current by undertaking professional development
opportunities to improve their disciplinary knowledge, competence, or skills. Professional
Development funding is provided yearly to help offset general costs.
As a community of educators, artists, and scholars, the Department of Visual and Media Arts values the examination of the world through diverse cultural discourses which inform pedagogy and scholarship, and diverse forms of collaboration with university, local, and regional communities. We seek a candidate committed to being excellent in undergraduate teaching and students’ career-connectedness. The chosen candidate will help support GVSU’s student centered mission and the institution’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. We encourage applications from candidates from underrepresented groups, and from candidates who have interest and/or experience in working with diverse student and community populations.

Required Qualifications and Education:
• One of the following professional experience paths: a terminal degree in Painting,
Drawing, Printmaking, Illustration, or a related field from an accredited university by
August 6, 2024; or a combination of in-progress graduate work and 2+ years of full-time
experience in Art or related discipline; or a bachelor’s degree in art or related field and 3+
years of full-time experience in Art or related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience teaching studio art foundations
• Ability to teach courses in Drawing and Art appreciation.
• Experience in or demonstrated understanding of social justice education and/or initiatives,
and/or inclusion, diversity, and/or intercultural training.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, such as the ability to interact with others
with respect and empathy.

Preferred Qualifications and Education:
• Terminal Degree in Painting, Drawing, Printmaking, Illustration or a related field from an
accredited university by August 6, 2024
• Teaching experience in 2D practices (assistantships will be considered)
• Experience in teaching studio art practices to majors and non-majors
• Experience teaching art appreciation courses

Responsibilities – Essential Functions:
• Teach 8 courses/year (4/4) in a NASAD-accredited undergraduate program. Teaching
responsibilities will primarily be focused on Studio Art Foundations focused in 2D
practices.
• Remain current by undertaking professional development opportunities to improve their
disciplinary knowledge, competence, or skills. Teaching assignment continuity and consistency will be considered upon appointment and may include additional courses in the Department of Visual and Media Arts.

We will consider candidates whose application show the ability to teach additional courses in any combination of these areas:
• Introduction to Art
• Foundations (2D Design and Color, Making and Meaning, Introduction to Drawing)
• Drawing (Introduction to Drawing II, Life Drawing, Intermediate Drawing, Advanced
Drawing)
• Studio Art (Painting/Illustration)
• Senior Seminar (Career preparation for studio art: statements, resume, documentation of
work, application for residencies and graduate school)

Responsibilities – Non-Essential Functions
• Support the area coordinator in area operations.
• Participate in student portfolio reviews if needed.

Salary:
The salary will be commensurate with experience. The university offers a comprehensive
package that includes health and life insurance, tuition waiver, adoption resources, wellness
coaching, and free access to campus fitness facilities. Family and childcare options on and off campus are also available. For a detailed description of benefits, please visit
https://www.gvsu.edu/hro/benefitswellness/visiting-faculty-benefits-466.htm.

How To Apply
Apply online at https://www.gvsu.edu/vma/open-positions-20242025-283.htm and select “”Apply now”” and include the following credentials:

  1. a letter of application addressing qualifications, interests, proficiencies, and your motivation to teach at GVSU
  2. a curriculum vitae
  3. a teaching philosophy that highlights your experience with student-centered
    teaching/learning techniques
  4. a statement on commitment to inclusive excellence that includes a summary of ongoing and anticipated activities to promote diversity, inclusion, and equity in your teaching
  5. a url for a portfolio of scholarly/creative works with 8–10 samples
  6. a url for a portfolio of student works with 5–10 samples of works

The online application will allow you to attach these documents electronically. On the
application, you will be required to provide names, phone numbers, and e-mail address for three professional references. Applicants selected for the position will be required to submit official transcripts upon hiring. If you need assistance, call the department of Visual and Media Arts office at 616-331-3486 or email the search chair, Renee Zettle-Sterling at zettlesr@gvsu.edu. Please allow 3–5 business days for a response.

Application Deadline
Consideration of applications will begin on June 10, 2024 and will remain open until they are
filled. Early applications are encouraged. The posting may be closed at any time at the
discretion of the University.”