Assistant/Associate Professor of Graphic Design
Winthrop University

Assistant/Associate Professor of Graphic Design

Location:
Rock Hill, SC. (4th-most populous city of the Charlotte metropolitan area)
Open Date:
Sep 30, 2024
Close Date:
Nov 6, 2024
Description:
Winthrop University, a highly ranked, public, comprehensive university, announces a search for an Assistant/Associate Professor of Graphic Design. This is a full-time, 9-month, tenure-track appointment in the Department of Design within the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Winthrop University enrolls a diverse student body, which closely mirrors the racial and ethnic diversity in the state. Our campus is in Rock Hill, South Carolina, just twenty minutes from Charlotte North Carolina's thriving design and art market and international airport.  This position requires daily contact with students, faculty, and staff on campus. Candidates should demonstrate commitment to an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach to design studies, especially at the foundation level. The ideal candidate will demonstrate expertise in design practices including drawing, layout, poster and super-graphic creation, and print production, including some traditional printmaking practices.  Responsibilities for this position include:

Teaching 15-18 contact hours a semester (3 classes)Teach all levels in the undergraduate Bachelor of Design in Graphic Design degree programTeach 1-2 printmaking classes annually to Graphic Design, Illustration and Fine Art StudentsParticipate in curriculum development, accreditation, assessment, and course planningAdvise and mentor undergraduate Graphic Design majorsEngage in creative and scholarly activityFully support and participate in the department's recruitment effortsEngage in professional service to the department, college, university, discipline, and communitySeek and maintain relationships with community and industry partners to support student internships, applied design projects, and our programsAssume other responsibilities according to departmental needs and candidate's qualifications

About The College of Visual and Performing Arts and its Department of DesignThe Department of Design is one of four academic units alongside the Departments of Fine Arts, Music, and Theatre and Dance within the College of Visual and Performing Arts. The Department of Design serves undergraduate majors pursuing a professional degree in design (Bachelor of Design) in Graphic Design, Game Design, Interior Design, and Illustration. Our dedicated faculty are practicing professionals who work nationally and internationally. The College of Visual and Performing Arts has all five of its undergraduate and graduate arts programs nationally accredited (NASAD, NAST, NASD, NASM, and CIDA). In addition, Winthrop's arts education programs in art, music, theatre, and dance are accredited through CAEP.About Winthrop UniversityFounded in 1886, Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina, offers its 6,000-plus undergraduate and graduate students an educational experience that blends liberal arts, professional programs, global awareness, and civic engagement. In its colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business and Technology;Education, Sport, and Human Sciences; and Visual and Performing Arts, Winthrop embraces only those programs and activities that can be delivered at an exemplary level. Winthrop is well known for its inclusive and supportive campus environment, with University College supporting programs in both academic and student affairs. Winthrop University is achieving national stature as a competitive and distinctive co-educational, public, residential, comprehensive, values-oriented institution. The values of service, excellence, diversity, community, and leadership provide the foundation for Winthrop's continuing development and shape Winthrop's continuing success. Numerous national accolades reflect the sustained high quality and value of the Winthrop Experience, including the most recent U.S. News & World Report's ranking of Winthrop as one of the top-10 public comprehensive universities in the South. Winthrop is an active member of the Rock Hill community and recognized as a key component of the region's economic resurgence. Approximately 20 minutes from Charlotte, North Carolina, Winthrop has direct access to and is engaged in a broad and expansive regional business community. Winthrop's beautiful campus encompasses a rich architectural blend of neo-Georgian buildings and is included in the National Register of Historic Places. The attractive recreational and research complex area that surrounds Winthrop Lake is home to Winthrop's 18 Division I men's and women's sports.Winthrop University is committed to providing a safe campus community. Winthrop conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a student loan default check, a criminal history record check, and, when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.BenefitsAt Winthrop University, we are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that significantly enhances the total compensation for our employees. In partnership with the State of South Carolina and the Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), our benefits include health and life insurance, generous paid leave, parental leave, and retirement programs. These benefits reflect our commitment to supporting the well-being and financial security of our employees. For more information please visit: https://www.winthrop.edu/hr/employee-benefits.aspx.
Qualifications:
Required

• Candidates should hold a terminal degree (MFA, MDES, MA) in Graphic Design or a related Design discipline.
• Candidates holding a bachelor's degree in graphic design, with significant teaching and/or professional experience equivalent to a terminal degree, may be considered.
• Candidates should have advanced knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud, layout tools such as Illustrator and InDesign, and print production knowledge.
• Candidates should have a record of and evidence teaching excellence, scholarship, and professional activity.
• Candidates should demonstrate a willingness to collaborate, communicate, and contribute to the growth of the department.

Desirable

• Two years of university-level teaching experience, which could include graduate-level and adjunct teaching. 
• Two years of professional experience in Industry. 
• Familiarity with Procreate and Procreate Dreams, as well as Adobe Fresco.
• Familiarity with some traditional and non-traditional printmaking processes.
• Knowledge of design history and theory. 

Application Instructions:
Interested individuals are encouraged to submit their credentials as soon as possible for full consideration. Applications will be accepted until November 6 at 11:59 pm EST.  Applications should include:

• A cover letter addressing interest in and qualifications for the position.
• A current curriculum vitae.
• Evidence of teaching excellence (narrative with teaching philosophy) and up to 20 images of student work with descriptions for each (URL or PDF)
•  A statement outlining the candidate's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion 
• Up to 20 images of the candidate's creative or scholarly work (URL or PDF) 
• The names, email, and phone numbers for three references familiar with the candidate's qualifications 
• Transcript and evidence of highest degree achieved (unofficial transcripts acceptable at this stage)

All applications and nominations will be handled in confidence. Questions about the position and nominations should be directed to Department of Design Chair, Jason Tselentis: tselentisj@winthrop.edu
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Winthrop University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group of individuals on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

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