Position Function:
The Department of Art at Mississippi State University invites applications for a full-time tenure track faculty position in Foundations, with additional illustration and/or animation classes.
Recently, MSU's 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 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. Ambitious artists and designers are invited to contribute to this dynamic period of growth and opportunity!
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. 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. We actively position the Department of Art in the service of the University, the community, and the region through our innovative gallery programming, a student-led design agency, and contributions to local public art. http://caad.msstate.edu
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 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. Ambitious artists and designers are invited to contribute to this dynamic period of growth and opportunity!
Area of Specialization:
Illustration - Animation
Anticipated Appointment Date:
August 16, 2025
Tenure Track Status:
Tenure-Track
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Teach drawing, 2D design, and digital design courses in accordance with Foundations curriculum.
• In addition to foundations courses, develop and teach courses relating to skill and expertise in illustration and/or animation. Possible course topics include digital tools and media, 2D animation, 3D animation, and digital illustration.
• Maintain an active body of creative research and exhibition activities or equivalent commercial, client-based work.
• Advise students and serve on undergraduate thesis committees.
• Help maintain drawing/design studios and equipment.
• Serve on departmental, college, and university-wide committees.
Minimum Qualifications:
• MFA or equivalent terminal degree by time of appointment.
• Familiarity with traditional drawing and design processes, methods, and materials.
• Proficiency with a variety of digital processes relevant to illustration and animation.
• Knowledge of the illustration and animation fields.
• A record of professional activity, including creative research, exhibitions, publications, and/or industry experience.
• Evidence of teaching experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
• A distinguished academic and/or professional record of illustration and/or animation work at the national or international level.
• Teaching excellence with two or more years of experience beyond the TA level.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Proficiency in the use of standard creative software, including Adobe Creative Suites, 2D and 3D rendering software, and other special effects software as relevant to the area of expertise
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Moderate physical activity. Requires handling of drawing horses and easels, still life objects and drawing materials, and navigation of studios. Studio courses are approximately three hours in length.
Instructions for Applying:
All applicants must apply online at http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu and attach a cover letter, current resume or cv, and the complete contact information for at least three professional references.
File 1: Cover letter, cv, artist statement, one page statement of teaching philosophy, and complete contact information for at least three professional references.
File 2: PDF containing twenty images of personal creative work (or links to time-based media) clearly labeled with media, dimensions, and date.
File 3: PDF containing twenty images (or links to time-based media) of student work reflecting instruction in drawing and 2-dimensional design, as well as digital art, animation, or illustration. Images should be clearly labeled with course title, assignment name/objectives, media, dimensions, and date.
Applications will be reviewed beginning November 20th, 2024, and will continue until the position is filled.
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.
