Southern Methodist University
SMU #54017 Assistant Professor of Art (Foundations)
🇺🇸Dallas, Texas, United States23 days ago
Full TimeEN
The Division of Art in the Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University invites applications for a tenure-track position in Foundations at the rank of Assistant Professor of Art, beginning August 1, 2026.
We seek an artist with at least one year of full-time teaching at the university level, and a record of creative work that demonstrates engagement with national and international art communities.
The Division of Art educates students in the study and practice of art within an interdisciplinary, rigorous, and supportive environment. Foundations in our program introduces students to the conceptual, perceptual, processes and material bases of studio art. We value candidates who approach this area as an essential part of contemporary art education rather than as a medium-specific practice.
Responsibilities include maintaining an active artistic presence on a national or international level through exhibition or other forms of professional recognition, teaching introductory through advanced undergraduate studio art or seminar courses, and graduate teaching and mentoring. Other responsibilities include university service, especially but not limited to supervision of the Foundations area with the support of the Art Technical Manager.
Minimum Qualifications
• An MFA or equivalent in Art
• An extensive creative portfolio with an active exhibition record
• Extensive knowledge of traditional and recent Foundations pedagogy with the ability to teach across the broadest spectrum of materials, concepts, and processes within the world of art today
• At least one-year full-time teaching at the university level
• An interest in curriculum development
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment
Applications must include:
• Letter of application highlighting the candidate’s accomplishments and interest in the position
• Artist statement (one page or less) describing the artist’s work in relation to historical and contemporary art practices
• Teaching statement (one page or less) describing the candidate’s philosophy of teaching undergraduate and graduate students
• CV
• Names and contact information of three recommenders (the committee will request letters when appropriate)
• 20 images of applicant’s work samples with descriptions in a single portfolio
• 10 images of student artwork completed in courses taught by the applicant
Applications must be submitted electronically via Interfolio at the following
link: URL. To ensure full consideration for the position, the application must be received by December 7, 2025, but the committee will continue to accept applications until the position is filled. Hiring is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background check.
Position Start Date: 1 August 2026.
Contact for further questions: Philip Van Keuren, Professor of Art, pvankeur@smu.edu
The Division of Art provides a challenging environment for the study of studio art within a multi-faceted arts school at a major liberal arts university. We offer a B.A., B.F.A., and M.F.A. in studio art. Each of our undergraduate degrees is based in a rigorous and innovative program of Foundation studies and broad experiences in ways of seeing, ways of making, and ways of thinking. We place emphasis on the development of our students’ knowledge in ceramics, drawing, installation, new media, painting, performance, photography, printmaking, sculpture, sound, and/or time-based media. Students are encouraged to work across media and in ways that integrate with other studies to develop their awareness of the context of art today and its future possibilities. Traditionally each degree culminates in focused exhibition, based in intensive work and critical discussion that is individual and true to students’ ideas and ambitions. In addition to faculty actively engaged in exhibition and research at the highest levels, SMU’s Division of Art hosts an ongoing series of lectures, open studios, panels and studio visits by artists, critics and curators.
Founded in 1969, the Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University is one of the foremost arts education institutions in the United States. The Meadows School offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in advertising, art, art history, arts management and arts entrepreneurship, creative computation, music, theatre, dance, film and media arts, public affairs & corporate communication, journalism and fashion media. The goal of the Meadows School of the Arts, as a comprehensive educational institution, is to prepare students to meet the demands of professional careers. The Meadows School is a leader in developing innovative outreach and community engagement programs, challenging its students to make a difference locally and globally by developing vital connections between art, entrepreneurship and change. The Meadows School of the Arts is also a convener for the arts in North Texas, serving as a catalyst for new collaborations and providing critical industry research.
SMU, a private nonsectarian university of roughly 12,000 students, is an inclusive and intellectually diverse community of teachers and scholars that values diverse research and creative agendas and is dedicated to academic excellence. The Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex is a culturally rich arts and global business center and home to over eight million people, offering exceptional museums, diverse cultural attractions and a vibrant economy.
SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.
