The Department of Art and Art History in the Sarofim School of Fine Arts at Southwestern University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Art position with an emphasis in sculpture to begin in August 2024. The successful candidate will hold an MFA in sculpture, potential for excellence in teaching undergraduate students, and a strong record of professional achievement. This position will teach classes in all levels of sculpture, seminars and capstone classes in the faculty member’s area of expertise, with a course load of five classes per year. Applicants should be knowledgeable and proficient in traditional sculpture and alternative practices, including the expanded fields of the discipline. The ability to collaborate as part of the foundations program, as well as a secondary interest in digital processes, is highly desired.

Southwestern’s intimate and dynamic Art and Art History department, recognized annually in the Fiske Guide as among the top small art departments nationally, seeks to educate students as global citizens who approach art theory and practice through the interdisciplinary perspective characteristic of a broad-based liberal arts education. Among liberal arts colleges, Southwestern’s large sculpture facility is enviably well-equipped for wood, metal, welding, mold making, and 3D printing, with an adjacent covered outdoor facility and a 400 square foot faculty office/studio. In addition, the department’s full-time 3D technical assistant is dedicated half-time to the sculpture area: ordering materials, maintaining equipment and tools, monitoring the budget, hiring work-study students, and supervising the labs.

We seek an artist whose artistic production is engaged with contemporary issues and demonstrates significant potential for national recognition in the field. In addition to maintaining an active creative research agenda, studio art faculty participate in university governance, departmental collaboration, recruitment activities, and academic advising. Because our institution is a small liberal arts college, we especially welcome candidates who will contribute to interdisciplinary programs such as Design Thinking, Race and Ethnicity Studies, Latin American and Border Studies, Feminist Studies, and International Studies and who would be open to developing close teaching and scholarly relationships with other relevant departments and programs.

Candidates must possess an MFA degree from an accredited institution with an emphasis in sculpture with an active exhibition record and evidence of sustained academic achievement.

The Art and Art History Department and Southwestern University are committed to recruiting candidates who both excel in teaching and research/creative work and can best serve our diverse student population. As of the fall 2022 semester, 36% of students enrolled at Southwestern were members of groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education, and we are committed to further increasing and supporting the diversity of our students, faculty, and curriculum. The Department seeks candidates who have a demonstrated commitment to, and will take an active role in, enhancing diversity, inclusion, and equity across the University, including fostering a sense of community and belonging for students. Please include specific and detailed information about how you have worked to enhance diversity and inclusion through your teaching practices, research, and/or service experiences within the college or university setting.

To apply, candidates should submit the following application materials through Interfolio at apply.interfolio.com/136127:

• cover letter
• CV
• teaching philosophy
• a statement describing the candidate’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• a 20-image portfolio of professional work
• a 20-image portfolio of students’ work

The committee will review applications beginning December 22 and continue until the position is filled.

Southwestern University (Georgetown, Texas) is a selective undergraduate residential liberal arts institution located in the greater Austin area. Established in 1840, Southwestern enrolls approximately 1,500 students and maintains a student–faculty ratio of 12 to 1. The university provides a highly interdisciplinary and holistic education that values high-impact learning experiences, such as study abroad, internships, and faculty-student research. A member of the recently formed Liberal Arts Colleges Racial Equity Leadership Alliance, Southwestern is committed to fostering a diverse educational environment and encourages applications from members of groups traditionally underrepresented in academia. Additional information about the university can be found at our website: www.southwestern.edu.

Southwestern University is committed to inclusive excellence that provides access and support, enables participation, and removes barriers so that all people within our community are empowered and can thrive in a campus that is welcoming and validating. Inclusion is the deliberate effort to create an environment in which people from all backgrounds - including but not limited to people of color (race, ethnicity, nationality), sex, sexual identity, gender identity, age, physical and mental disabilities, socioeconomic status, religion, immigrants, and the intersection of these identities - are not only included but welcomed, valued, respected, considered, and supported within our community. People from marginalized (i.e., devalued) and/or minoritized (i.e, underrepresented) groups are heard, seen, respected and accepted in all aspects of our community.

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time appointment begins. Sponsorship for an employment-based visa may be an option depending upon university needs and the applicant’s qualifications.

All offers of employment are contingent on successful completion of the University’s Background Check Policy process. Southwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All offers of employment are contingent on successful completion of the University’s Background Check Policy process. Southwestern University is an E-Verify employer. EOE/M/F

Inclusion is the deliberate effort to create an environment in which people from all backgrounds* are not only included but welcomed, valued, respected, considered, and supported within our community. People from marginalized (i.e., devalued) and/or minoritized (i.e, underrepresented) groups are heard, seen, respected and accepted in all aspects of our community. Southwestern University is committed to inclusive excellence that provides access and support, enables participation, and removes barriers so that all people within our community are empowered and can thrive in a campus that is welcoming and validating.

*including but not limited to people of color (race, ethnicity, nationality), sex, sexual identity, gender identity, age, physical and mental disabilities, socioeconomic status, religion, immigrants, and the intersection of these identities.

Jeanne Clery Statement: Notice of Availability of Annual Security and Fire Safety Report— Southwestern University Annual Safety and Fire Report is available online at https://www.southwestern.edu/life-at-southwestern/safety-security/annual-security-reports/ containing mandated information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, required statistics, and other related information for the past three calendar years. To obtain a paper copy of the report, please call 512-863-1435.