Assistant Professor of Art (Graphic Design)

Posting Details

Come and join the Bearkat community!

Named after Texas' legendary hero, General Sam Houston, the university boasts a rich historical legacy that resonates with the spirit of Texas, which provides a balance between a peaceful, natural setting and proximity to urban amenities. With a student population of over 21,000, SHSU offers a vibrant and dynamic community. SHSU has a small town feel with large scale opportunities. Located in the Piney Woods region of East Texas and just an hour drive north of Houston, Huntsville provides area residents with a sense of community and belonging.

SHSU offers compelling options for individuals seeking a fulfilling and impactful career including a superior benefit package, competitive salaries and a flexible work environment fostering work/life balance. SHSU offers programs that support a healthy work-life balance, contributing to employee well-being and job satisfaction, as well as, professional development opportunities with our educational assistance and dependent assistance programs.

Position Information

This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information.

Refer Applicants To

Position Details

Duties Performed in the Usual Course of the Job

The Department of Art at Sam Houston State University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Art in Graphic Design, beginning Fall 2027.

We are seeking an innovative and dedicated educator whose practice bridges print, interactive, and emerging design fields, with demonstrated expertise in contemporary design technologies and a willingness to explore and integrate AI-driven tools and emerging workflows. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to adapt to evolving industry standards and to prepare students for careers in a rapidly changing creative landscape. A strong commitment to foundational design principles, conceptual development, and research-based, forward-thinking design pedagogy is essential.

Duties include teaching 5 courses per year (3/2 course load), service on departmental, college, and university committees, and include an expectation of sustained, peer-reviewed creative activity or scholarly research.

Educational Requirements for the Position

Candidates must possess an MFA or terminal degree in Graphic Design or Visual Communications and demonstrate outstanding potential in research and/or creative activity.

Experience Required for the Position

Teaching experience at the undergraduate level is strongly preferred. Professional Design experience is also an asset.

Other Requirements for the Position

The successful candidate will be expected to teach a range of undergraduate Graphic Design courses, including, but not limited to Principles of Graphic Design, Typography, Corporate Identity Design, UX/UI, Motion Graphics, and Senior Studio in Graphic Design. Applicants should present a professional portfolio demonstrating significant achievement in graphic design and/or related areas of contemporary design practice.

Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite is required. Proficiency in web development practices, Figma, and other relevant interactive design tools is expected. Additional responsibilities include:

• Incorporating AI applications and emerging technologies into coursework
• Guiding students in production design using equipment such as 3D printers and die cutters
• Developing and maintaining a forward-thinking curriculum aligned with current industry standards
• Demonstrating strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills
• Contributing to the growth and vision of a regionally competitive Graphic Design program
• Mentoring students in career preparation, internships, and professional development
• Building connections with design professionals, organizations, and industry partners

Special Instructions Summary

Applicants should submit the following documents as PDF:

• cover letter
• a detailed CV
• statement of teaching philosophy
• statement describing research and goals
• names and contact information of three references
• samples of personal work
• samples of student work- – for time-based media work examples, please provide URLs for each specific project within the PDF document.

Please note: References provided in the References section of the application will receive an automated email reference request at the time the application is submitted.

The Department of Art www.shsu.edu/art has about 700 undergraduate majors in Graphic Design, Studio Art, Photography, and Animation, and offers an MFA in Art and Social Practice. The Dana G. Hoyt Fine Arts Building includes state of the art lecture halls and classrooms, studios, computer labs, and galleries. In addition to the University Art Gallery on campus, the Department exhibits student work at a Satellite Gallery in downtown Huntsville and has MFA studios in the Natural Science and Art Research Center a few blocks away. Sam Houston State University is located 70 miles north of Houston in Huntsville, TX, surrounded by the Sam Houston National Forest.

Open Until Filled

Yes

EEO Statement

Sam Houston State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and Smoke/Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or protected veteran status. The University takes seriously the initiative to ensure equal opportunity in the workforce and to comply with Title VII as interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court. Sam Houston State University is an “at will” employer. Employees with a contract will have additional terms and conditions. Security-sensitive positions at SHSU require background checks in accordance with Education Code §51.215.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report