Assistant Professor of Art (Foundations) tenure-track

Assistant Professor of Art (Foundations) at Southern Methodist University: Meadows School of the Arts.

The Division of Art in the Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University invites applications for a tenure-track position in Foundations at the rank of Assistant Professor of Art, beginning August 1, 2026.
 
We seek an artist with at least one year of full-time teaching at the university level, and a record of creative work that demonstrates engagement with national and international art communities.
 
The Division of Art educates students in the study and practice of art within an interdisciplinary, rigorous, and supportive environment. Foundations in our program introduces students to the conceptual, perceptual, processes and material bases of studio art. We value candidates who approach this area as an essential part of contemporary art education rather than as a medium-specific practice.
 
Responsibilities include maintaining an active artistic presence on a national or international level through exhibition or other forms of professional recognition, teaching introductory through advanced undergraduate studio art or seminar courses, and graduate teaching and mentoring. Other responsibilities include university service, especially but not limited to supervision of the Foundations area with the support of the Art Technical Manager.

Minimum qualifications
–An MFA or equivalent in Art
–An extensive creative portfolio with an active exhibition record
–Extensive knowledge of traditional and recent Foundations pedagogy with the ability to teach across the broadest spectrum of materials, concepts, and processes within the world of art today
–At least one-year full-time teaching at the university level
–An interest in curriculum development
–Commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment

Applications must include:
–Letter of application highlighting the candidate’s accomplishments and interest in the position
–Artist statement (one page or less) describing the artist’s work in relation to historical and contemporary art practices
–Teaching statement (one page or less) describing the candidate’s philosophy of teaching undergraduate and graduate students
–CV
–Names and contact information of three recommenders (the committee will request letters when appropriate)
–20 images of applicant’s work samples with descriptions in a single portfolio
–Ten images of student artwork completed in courses taught by the applicant
 
Applications must be submitted electronically via Interfolio at this link. To ensure full consideration for the position, the application must be received by December 7, 2025, but the committee will continue to accept applications until the position is filled. Hiring is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background check.
 
Position start date: August 1, 2026. Contact for further questions: Philip Van Keuren, Professor of Art, pvankeur@smu.edu.

Application process
This institution is using Interfolio’s Faculty Search to conduct this search. Applicants to this position receive a free Dossier account and can send all application materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, free of charge.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.