Visiting Assistant Professor Art

Visiting Assistant Professor Art

Visual Studies Department

St. Edwards University a nationally ranked independent Catholic university and Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) invites applications for a fulltime 9-month Specialized Faculty position as an Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Visual Studies beginning August 2025 St. Edwards is characterized by its commitment to the Holy Cross educational mission of educating the hearts and minds of a diverse student body deeply committed to social justice.

The successful candidate will work effectively with colleagues across disciplines teach courses in the art degree program will contribute to other interdisciplinary programs in the Department of Visual Studies participate in program departmental and school service serve as academic advisor to students in the program and maintain an active record of creative research. The ideal candidates pedagogy will be informed by both a broad knowledge of drawing and painting but with a primary focus in figuration realism and narrative based image making.

At St. Edwards University the standard teaching load for visiting specialized faculty is a 5/5 however the faculty member will have course reassignment for service to the art area and department.

In addition experience engaging with a diverse student body is essential. Candidates should be able to demonstrate their capacity for empathy ability to meet students where they are and willingness to approach the classroom environment with generosity and care. Candidates with an educational philosophy consistent with a liberal arts education a commitment to undergraduate teaching and an ability to work in a collaborative and cooperative environment with a diverse faculty are preferred.

St. Edwards University embraces excellence through diversity and especially encourages applications from women and members of underrepresented racial ethnic sexual and gender minority groups. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to supporting a diverse student body.

For consideration candidate must have:

• MFA degree in Drawing/Painting/2D or related field.
• Previous teaching experience at the collegiate level of at least two or more years.
• A portfolio of their active creative research.
• A strong portfolio of student work and sample syllabi from 2 classes they have taught.
• Creative work examples that demonstrate a strong technical and theoretical foundation in their practice and teaching.
• Experience with working with the figure realism and narrative based 2d work which may include: drawing painting printmaking digital technology and new media.
• Experience in basic 2d studio management (ex. caring for easels paper and painting materials).
• Knowledge of environmental and safety policies related to the discipline.
• Successful completion of an employment and/or criminal history background check.

Essential Responsibilities Include: Candidates should have the interest and ability or potential to teach various undergraduate courses and support a diverse student body.

• Ability to teach undergraduate drawing and painting students applied lessons at all levels.
• Responsible for studio maintenance and supervision of the drawing/painting facilities.
• Work closely with faculty and staff on the maintenance of classrooms and purchasing.
• Work with VISU faculty and the Environmental Health & Safety Coordinator maintain safety procedures and policies for classrooms and equipment.
• Mentor work study students to work in the drawing and painting studio.
• Serve as academic advisor and creative mentor to a diverse body of students.
• Participate actively in university and department committees as needed.
• Demonstrate continuous professional development efforts throughout the academic year.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to interact effectively and professionally with the general public.
• Ability to plan organize and prioritize tasks.
• Ability to work under stress and with pressing timelines.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Perform other related duties as assigned and based on departmental need.
• Responsible for regulatory and policy compliance as it applies to the position.
• Other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands:

• This position requires physical exertion for extended periods including walking standing sitting repetitive actions lifting and frequently carrying objects weighing up to fifty (50) pounds.

For detailed information please see the job description.

The University offers an excellent TOTAL REWARDS package! An overview of St. Edwards University employee benefits is available at;

Medical & Rx Coverage BlueCross and BlueShield (HSA & FSA Available)

Dental MetLife Dental

Vision MetLife Vision Plan

Short Term Disability (STD) Insurance

Long Term Disability (LTD) Insurance

Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Pet Insurance

Annual Leave & Paid Sick Leave

Retirement Plan (TIAA) Employee 5%/Employer Match 7%

Tuition Benefits

Paid Holidays

Services & Discounts

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants should apply online at . Application packages should include a Application packages should include the following documents (PDFs preferred):

• cover letter
• curriculum vitae
• names and contact information for three references
• statement describing your teaching philosophy including your approach to working on projects with undergraduate students
• 20 professional and 20 student work samples in the form of a PDF (links to portfolios are acceptable)
• sample syllabi from 2 classes you have taught
• Mission Integration Statement on how the candidate would integrate the Universitys Holy Cross mission into their work. Your Mission Integration Statement should be included as a separate document. (see below)

Mission Integration Statement Prompt:

St. Edwards was founded by the Congregation of Holy Cross from which it acquired distinguishing characteristics that include the courage to take risks an international perspective and the commitment to provide educational opportunities for students of varied cultural religious educational and economic backgrounds. In support of the mission the different backgrounds of St. Edwards students faculty and staff enrich our community and represent a significant part of our culture and commitment to excellence. We value the individual differences life experiences unique capabilities and innovative talent our employees and students contribute to our vibrant academic environment. St. Edwards honors and respects all members of its community by fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment that respects the dignity and worth of each person and stresses the obligation of all people to pursue a more just world.

While serving as a faculty member at St. Edwards University how would your individual differences life experiences and unique capabilities contribute to the mission as described above Describe how your prior work aligns with the universitys mission.

Applicants should submit materials by June 30 2025 for full consideration; however the position will remain open until filled.

ABOUT THE ART PROGRAM

The Art program is student-centered and situates visual communication within a dynamic liberal arts context. Through a thoughtfully sequenced curriculum we challenge our students to think critically as they define their individual path within studio art. We guide them in understanding that their perspectives as artists are informed by where they come from and contribute to how they engage as citizens in an ever-changing world. Students develop skills to work towards their senior year where they define and propose a year-long investigation resulting in a thesis project senior exhibition and thesis paper. Graduates of the program are life-long learners who are poised to compete for jobs in the arts pursue graduate study or work in a related field.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF VISUAL STUDIES

The Department of Visual Studies one of seven departments within the School of Arts and Humanities engages students in the critical understanding and creative production of contemporary culture. A diverse and engaged faculty support students in their efforts to shape their futures within a complex interdisciplinary and technologically mediated world. We are dedicated to developing the creative and technical skills of students through our programs: Animation Art Art History Graphic Design Photography & Media Arts User Experience Design and Video Game Development.

ABOUT ST. EDWARDS UNIVERSITY Founded in 1885 by the Congregation of Holy Cross St. Edwards University is a private Catholic liberal arts institution of approximately 2500 undergraduate and 500 graduate students located in Austin Texas. It is an exciting time to be part of the St. Edwards community as the university increases its global engagement to educate students about the opportunities and challenges of a 21st-century world. SEU is a diverse community that appreciates faculty and students from all backgrounds. Consistent with its Holy Cross heritage the university is strongly committed to diversity and global initiatives. More information about St. Edwards University may be found at .

Commitment to the Holy Cross Mission St. Edwards University is a diverse community devoted to proactively nurturing a campus-wide culture that promotes and ensures equity respect inclusion and safety for all members regardless of race color national origin age gender religion sexual orientation and gender identity socio-economic background or physical ability. We are one University that opens our hearts and minds to conversations to learning and to creating a community that is welcoming of all. Regardless of position it is expected that each employee will embrace this commitment and demonstrate an attitude of respect toward and acceptance of all members of our community. For more information on our commitment to diversity please visit our website

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: St. Edwards University as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race color national origin age marital status sex sexual orientation gender identity gender expression disability religion or veteran status in employment educational programs and activities and admissions. We require U.S. citizenship or permanent residency for employment and we are not offering visa sponsorship at this time.

Background Checks:

A criminal history background check is required for the finalist(s) under consideration for this position.