Assistant/Associate Professor of Illustration
Winthrop University

Assistant/Associate Professor of Illustration

Location:
Department of Design, College of Visual and Performing Arts
Open Date:
Oct 31, 2023
Description:
Winthrop University, a highly ranked, public, comprehensive university, announces a national search for an Assistant/Associate Professor of Illustration. This is a 9-month, full-time, tenure-track appointment in the Department of Design within the College of Visual and Performing Arts. This position requires daily contact with students, faculty, and staff on campus. The ideal candidate will demonstrate expertise in traditional illustration: narrative, editorial, world building, and character building. The ideal candidate will be committed to an interdisciplinary approach to design studies, with the ability to teach foundations such as drawing and two-dimensional design and layout, with a focus on print media such as children's literature, as well as comic books and graphic novels. The department seeks candidates whose design process emphasizes multimedia storytelling, using a variety of tools applied to not only the individual's personal research but also relevant client and professional experience. Candidates should have the desire to teach in an interdisciplinary, diverse, and highly collaborative undergraduate environment. Winthrop enrolls a diverse student body, which closely mirrors the racial and ethnic diversity in the state and has recently received accolades for its success in graduating students of color.  Start date as early as Fall 2024.Responsibilities

• Teach all levels in the undergraduate Bachelor of Design degree program, primarily in illustration and design foundations
• Teaching load is 9-12 credit hours
• Approximately 18 contact hours per semester, predominantly studio courses
• Advise and mentor undergraduate design majors
• Maintain creative and scholarly activity as demonstrated by an active research profile
• Participate in curriculum development, accreditation, assessment, and program planning
• Fully support and participate in the department's student recruitment efforts
• Engage in professional stewardship and academic responsibilities to the department, college, university, discipline, and community, with committee work as appropriate
• Assume other responsibilities according to departmental needs and candidate's qualifications.

Qualifications:
Required Qualifications

• Terminal degree in a design discipline 
• Candidates holding a bachelor's degree in a design discipline along with significant teaching and professional experience deemed equivalent to a terminal degree, can be considered
• Record of teaching, scholarship, and professional activity
• Evidence of effectiveness in teaching
• Willingness to collaborate, communicate, and contribute to the growth of the department

Desirable Qualifications

• Minimum two years of university-level teaching experience, including experience working with diverse student populations, experience could include graduate-level teaching, assistantships, and advising, as well as adjunct teaching
• Minimum of two years of professional experience in illustration

Application Instructions:
Interested individuals are encouraged to submit their credentials as soon as possible for full consideration. Application review will begin November 15, 2023, but we are still seeking applicants until a suitable candidate is identified. Complete applications should be submitted electronically and should include:

• A cover letter addressing interest in and qualifications for the position
• Current curriculum vitae
• Evidence of teaching excellence:
• A one-page statement of teaching philosophy
• Candidate's commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Up to 20 images of student work with descriptions for each
• Examples of creative or scholarly work (URL or PDF only please)
• 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 Professor of Design, and Design Dept. Chair, Jason Tselentis [tselentisj@winthrop.edu].

About Winthrop University Founded 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 Administration; 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.

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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