About this role
Position Description
The School of Art in the J.T. & Margaret Talkington College of Visual & Performing Arts at Texas Tech University invites applications for a full-time, 9-month Assistant Professor of Practice to begin September 2027.
All prospective employees are encouraged to visit Work at Texas Tech to learn more about becoming a part of our campus community.
About the University
Founded in 1923, Texas Tech University began with a mission to serve the needs of West Texas, but its impact has always reached far beyond. Today, Texas Tech, located in Lubbock (pop. 300,000+), is home to a vibrant community of more than 42,000 students. Texas Tech's 1,800-acre campus showcases Spanish Renaissance architecture and is home to one of the country's largest public art collections. Its 13 colleges include a prestigious School of Law and a distinguished School of Veterinary Medicine. These programs equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their respective fields.
Built on the values of West Texas — hard work, grit and authenticity — the university graduates students who are deeply engaged in service to their communities and well-positioned to succeed in the world. Texas Tech is committed to achieving research and scholarly accomplishments that compare favorably to the member institutions of the Association of American Universities (AAU). For more than 100 years, Texas Tech has been a premier destination for those seeking a world-class education and a unique, personalized experience as a member of the Red Raider family.
About the College
The J.T. & Margaret Talkington College of Visual & Performing Arts (TCVPA) is the beating heart of Texas Tech University. We are a Values Based Organization, and a creative community with the resources of a world-class public university. Our students from all over the world shine with Texas-sized ambition, curiosity, and compassion. Across the School of Art, School of Music, School of Theatre & Dance and the Department of Interdisciplinary Arts, our schools provide a supportive visual and performing arts education.
New students join a community of 1,150 arts dedicated undergraduate and graduate students—including D.M.A. and Ph.D. candidates, and over 135 faculty members. The arts are relevant, critical, and essential to contemporary life. An education in the arts inspires students to communicate through artistic tradition while embracing and creating innovative technologies as vehicles for individual expression and social change. For more information visit: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/visual-performing-arts/.
About the Department/School/Area
The School of Art is NASAD accredited and offers the BA in Art (Studio Art, Art History), BA in Arts, Media, and Technology; BFA in Art (Art Education, Graphic Design, and Studio Art [Ceramics, Digital Narrative Arts, Jewelry Design and Metalsmithing, Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture]); MA in Art History; Master of Art Education; MFA in Studio Art; PhD. in Fine Arts with a Track in Art and multiple concentration options. The faculty of 34 full-time professors serve over 250 undergraduate students and 39 graduate students.
Administrative and facilities support includes 12 full-time staff positions. The School of Art offers state of the art facilities in two buildings in the Art and Architecture complex and the Art 3D Annex. Research, teaching, service, and outreach & engagement are central to the mission of the School of Art, fostering interdisciplinary opportunities that enrich learning, collaboration, and expand the school’s impact within and beyond the community.
Landmark Arts promotes international fine arts programming, including exhibitions, symposia and workshops, publications, and hands-on experience with artists through on-campus galleries and the Satellite Gallery, located in the vibrant downtown Arts District. For more information, visit https://www.depts.ttu.edu/art/.
Major/Essential Functions
- At Texas Tech University, the Professor of Practice title is used to recruit individuals with exceptional backgrounds and achievements in academic, business, government, or other professional practice.
- Primary responsibilities normally will be to teach in an area of expertise, mentor students in professional and career preparation, and liaise with professional contacts and entities on behalf of the department or program.
- In line with TTU’s strategic priorities to engage and empower a dynamic student body, enable innovative research and creative activities, and transform lives and communities through outreach and engaged scholarship, applicants should have experience working with a breadth of student populations at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels within individual or across the areas of teaching, research/creative activity, and service.
As a faculty member in the School of Art Area in Painting, you will be expected to:
- contribute to the teaching mission of the School of Art via a 3-3 course load, spanning all levels of undergraduate and graduate study in Painting, and as needed, introductory courses in Drawing and/or foundational Design; or courses that align with the candidate’s area of expertise.
- maintain and continue to develop an active public art practice (emphasizing two-dimensional forms and media), staying abreast of current and emerging techniques, ideas, and materials, and gaining recognition in the area of public art;
- participate in end-of-semester reviews of graduate work and development of undergraduate curriculum, including at least one new course in the candidate’s area of expertise;
- provide service to the school, college, and university, including but not limited to: shared responsibility for all aspects of the Painting program, advising of students, supervision of graduate assistants, membership on school committees, attendance at faculty meetings, school and college events, and serving on graduate student guidance committees.
Faculty Qualifications
- MFA or terminal degree in painting or closely related area
- Proven record of achievement in contemporary 2D public art including projects selected through peer review.
- Experience teaching studio art or design at the university or college level as the instructor of record
Preferred Qualifications
In addition to the required qualifications, individuals with the following preferred qualifications are strongly encouraged to apply:
- Minimum of 2 years teaching experience at the university or college level beyond graduate student appointments
- Evidence of artistic collaborations with community and higher education organizations
- Experience writing grants supporting public art practice, and community partnership
- Working knowledge of current practice and theory in painting.
Safety Information
Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please include the following documents in your application:
- CV
- Letter of interest describing how the candidate experience relates to the position description
- A PDF portfolio of recent work with 20 images of professional work and 10 images of student work. Identify each with title, media, size, and date
- Unofficial transcripts of graduate degrees
Pay Statement
Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as the institutional pay plan.
EEO Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.