Professor – Director of the School of Art and Design Job at University of Texas

Overview The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) invites applications for the position of Director of the School of Art and Design. This is a tenured, full‑time, 12‑month administrative faculty position. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. The appointment begins in July 2026. The School of Art and Design offers Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in studio art and visual communication design and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art (Teacher Certification). The school also offers Master of Fine Arts degrees in design and studio art and a Master of Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Art History. New minor programs to the school include Art and Entrepreneurship and Visual Communication Design. Responsibilities The Director will be responsible for: Providing leadership and direction to all the academic and scholarly activity programs within the School of Art and Design, leading by example with the highest standards of personal and professional integrity. Advancing the school’s academic and research/scholarly activity programs, working with faculty to articulate a shared vision of excellence, and focusing on developing, expanding, and strengthening excellent academic programs across the Rio Grande Valley. Working with the Dean, Associate Deans, and fellow school directors and department chairs to implement UTRGV’s core priorities and the College of Fine Arts Strategic Plan. Contributing to UTRGV’s goal of becoming an R1 institution (very high research activity) by 2028, developing, expanding, and strengthening the school’s research/scholarly activity portfolio, with a focus on increasing externally-funded research and building graduate programs. Leading School of Art and Design faculty and staff to apply for initial accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Maintaining budgetary and administrative oversight. Overseeing the School of Art and Design facilities. Building and maintaining relationships with external partners, including educational institutions, arts non-profit organizations, and financial supporters. Integrating student engagement and experiential learning initiatives throughout the student-life cycle to enable students to contribute locally, regionally, and globally. Promoting, encouraging, and supporting shared governance. Cultivating a college environment that promotes and values communication, collaboration, and collegiality. Fostering leadership within the School of Art and Design. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications All Ranks: A terminal degree (MFA, PhD or EdD) from an accredited institution in studio art, design, art history and/or art education. 3 years of substantial administrative experience in a department of the above disciplines. Active record of scholarly and/or creative achievement on a national and/or international level respective to the candidate’s discipline. Full Professor: record of scholarly and/or creative achievement that meets the UTRGV and School of Art and Design standards of a full professor with tenure. Associate Professor: record of scholarly and/or creative achievement that meets the UTRGV and School of Art and Design standards of an associate professor with tenure. Discipline Specific Required Qualifications The successful candidate should show a demonstrated capacity to contribute to the scholarly and creative life of the School of Art and Design at UTRGV. Candidates from all scholarly backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Below are some discipline-specific expectations of a candidate for Director: If the candidate has a Graphic Design background, the candidate is expected to have an advanced working knowledge of the leading technology and software in the field and have fluency in new media tools and digital skills. Evidence of innovative professional achievement and an active practice of exhibiting is essential at the national and international level. The candidate is also expected to show activity in creating interdisciplinary digital projects for both undergraduate and graduate students. Experience in illustration and/or sequential narrative imaging is a plus. If the candidate is from the field of Art History, the candidate is expected to have a substantial record of publication in this discipline, as well as demonstrate excellence in teaching and mentorship. The successful candidate will help train our graduate students to work in academic fields and be accepted into competitive PhD programs nationwide. If the candidate has a background in a studio discipline, the candidate is expected to possess a demonstrated, recognized studio practice and a substantial record of exhibition at the national and/or international level relative to one or more creative visual disciplines. The UTRGV School of Art and Design currently supports concentrations in multiple studio areas including painting and drawing, printmaking, photography, jewelry and metals, ceramics, and sculpture. Within the 3-D areas there are rapid prototype and 3-D printing capacities. If the candidate has an Art Education specialization, the candidate is expected to demonstrate a record of national and/or international scholarly and artistic achievements with the understanding that pedagogy in the field has both visual and scholarly applications. The successful candidate will be expected to assist in developing a graduate program in this discipline. The position can also serve as a liaison between the College of Education and School of Art and Design. Preferred Qualifications The successful candidate will be a forward-thinking leader with the demonstrated ability to develop a nationally competitive School of Art and Design and cultivate an environment conducive to growth. Other preferred qualifications include: a proven track record as a qualified administrator. Demonstrated experience with recruitment at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Minimum of six years of experience teaching full-time in an institution of higher education. Experience working with graduate students and part-time faculty. Demonstrated experience in development of new degree plans and a graduate program. A commitment to promoting excellence in research, art practice, and teaching across the undergraduate and graduate programs. Ability to contribute to UTRGV’s bilingual, bicultural mission. Experience with the NASAD accreditation process. Evidence of external grant awards. Additional Information License or Certification Required? No Salary Commensurate with Qualifications and Experience Desired Start Date 07/01/2026 EEO and Open Dates EEO Statement: It is the policy of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to promote and ensure equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information or protected veteran status. In accordance with Title VII, Title IX, Section 504, and the Americans with Disabilities Act, our University complies with government requirements and ensures non-discrimination in its education programs and activities, including employment. We encourage women, minorities and differently abled persons to apply. Open Date: 09/25/2025 Close Date: 10/31/2025 Required Documents Curriculum Vitae Unofficial Transcripts List of 3 References Letter of Interest Additional Document Optional Documents: Resume, Cover Letter/Letter of Application, Teaching Philosophy, Writing / Publication Sample, Reference Letters 1-3, Multi Media, Certifications and Licenses, Training Certificates, Other Document, Evidence of Teaching Effectiveness, Unofficial Transcripts 2/3, Unofficial Graduate Transcripts, Teaching Statement, Research Statement, NCCPA Certification, State Licensure, Representative Research Publication/Grant Documents Special Instructions: Complete all sections on the application. If you are applying for the first time, please complete all biographical information, including address, email, and phone number. You may update this at any time by editing your profile in the application. Security sensitive; All UTRGV employees are required to have a criminal background check (CBC). CBCs will be conducted for all candidates invited for an on-campus interview. To be considered for this position, a complete application must be filled out online: visit careers.utrgv.edu. Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*). #J-18808-Ljbffr