Position Function:
The Department of Art seeks an energetic, collaborative, and inspiring candidate to lead the department in its pursuit of developing the next generation of leaders in the fields of art and design. The successful candidate will assume this leadership role at an exciting period of advancement for the department with a strong desire for enrollment growth, innovation in curricular design, and planned investments in new facilities and research infrastructure. Working in collaboration with the faculty and staff of the department, the department head will provide strategic vision that builds on the strengths of the department and supports the development of new and innovative curricular, research, and outreach opportunities, especially in the areas of new media, illustration, and animation. The new department head is expected to bring an innovative perspective regarding the future of higher education in the arts and design disciplines, a robust entrepreneurial spirit, and a collaborative management style that values transparency and shared governance. As members of a leading public, land-grant, research institution, our faculty view our tripartite mission of excellent teaching, high-quality research, and public engagement as synergistic. We seek a colleague who embraces this view and further strengthens this synergy. The department head is expected to provide a strategic vision and work with faculty to develop processes and procedures to advance the department’s mission and continued operational excellence. We seek a candidate committed to inclusive excellence and student success, and who is committed to and integrating those values into all aspects of departmental operation.
Salary Grade: UC
For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile:
Since its establishment in 1968, the Department of Art has grown to become Mississippi’s largest undergraduate Bachelor of Fine Arts program, with 20 full time faculty members. We provide dynamic, hands-on studio instruction in the areas of graphic design, photography, and fine arts — covering ceramics, drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture. By balancing in-depth studio experiences with thorough art history, theory, & criticism, our students benefit from an immersive and rigorous learning environment. Our accomplished faculty lead inspiring and innovative courses in global contemporary art, video art, typography, furniture making, life drawing, among many other advanced techniques and topics. In addition to preparing students for professions in the fields of fine arts, graphic design, and photography, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and creative culture. The Department of Art actively positions art in the service of the University, the community, and region through our innovative gallery programming, a student-led design agency, and contributions to local public art.
Recently, the College of Architecture, Art and Design has developed a flexible, interdisciplinary Bachelor of Arts degree designed to integrate the disciplines of our four units: Architecture, Art, Interior Design, and Building Construction Science. We have also welcomed several new faculty members to the Department of Art who specialize in digital and multimedia processes. These changes reflect our dedication to keeping our program relevant and technologically current. As we expand our existing coursework in digital design, animation, digital painting, digital fabrication, and other media-based arts, we look forward to bringing on new talent and new leadership to enable us to grow these areas in the immediate future. To learn more about the Department of Art, the College of Architecture, Art, & Design, and Mississippi State University, please visit: https://www.caad.msstate.edu/faculty-staff/employment.
Area of Specialization:
Art
Anticipated Appointment Date:
July 1, 2025
Tenure Track Status:
Tenured
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Lead, manage, and administer all aspects of the Department of Art, including curriculum, program development, faculty and student recruitment and retention, human resources, physical resources, and fiscal resources in a collegial and collaborative manner.
• Articulate and promote the department’s goals and interests through both academic and professional venues, associations, and organizations.
• Serve as the institutional representative to NASAD. Work with the Office of the Dean, the Office of Research and Economic Development, and the MSU Foundation to increase private and institutional support for research, facilities, scholarships, endowments, and advancement.
• Develop and maintain University and community relationships and outreach.
• Continue individual research/creative achievement at the national and/or international level.
• Duties shall include those outlined in the job description and other such duties, including teaching, as mutually agreed upon with the Dean of the College.
• As an employee of the University, the Department Head is expected to comply with all federal and state laws, all policies of the Board of Trustees, and all University policies.
• The Head of the Department of Art reports to and serves at the pleasure of the Dean of the College of Architecture, Art, and Design. This appointment is subject to approval by the University President.
• The successful candidate is expected to begin employment on or before July 1, 2025.
Minimum Qualifications:
The candidate must have an earned MFA/Ph.D. or equivalent degree in art, design, or related field and experience to qualify for appointment at the rank of professor with tenure at Mississippi State University.
Preferred Qualifications:
• The candidate’s vita must demonstrate effective teaching experience in art, design, art history, or related discipline.
• The candidate’s vita must demonstrate strong research and scholarly/creative accomplishments or relevant experience
• Prior experience with the NASAD accreditation processes
• Prior leadership experience in academia or industry
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
The successful candidate must meet or exceed the following criteria:
• Demonstrated effectiveness to serve as a dynamic, effective leader, advocate, and mentor.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively with diverse internal and external audiences through written, oral, and social media.
• Proven ability to interact with and support diverse students, alumni, faculty, staff, administrators, and external stakeholders.
• Commitment to the philosophy and mission of the Department, the College, and the University, including values of excellence, diversity, global involvement, and accountability.
Instructions for Applying:
All applicants must apply online at http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu and attach a cover letter, current resume or curriculum vitae, and the complete contact information for at least three professional references. In addition, please upload the following application materials in the following format:
1. Cover letter (PDF)
2. Statement of administrative philosophy (PDF)
3. Artist Statement (PDF)
4. Curriculum Vitae (PDF)
5. Names and contact information (address, telephone number, and email address) of three references (PDF)
6. Supporting materials (Optional):
Applicants may submit their portfolio demonstrating teaching, research, and service accomplishments. Applicants are encouraged to include either a PDF with professional and student work or a link to a website highlighting their academic research and creative discovery. Also, applicants may submit their academic transcripts in pdf. Any social security numbers included on requested transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting online.
Please note: Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.