Assistant Professor of Animation, Department of Art & Design (Non-Tenure Track)

Title
Assistant Professor of Animation, Non‑Tenure Track, Department of Art & Design

Overview
Virginia State University (VSU), a public and comprehensive 1890 Land Grant institution and historically black college/university (HBCU) founded in 1882, is seeking qualified applicants for the Fall 2026 – Spring 2027 academic year in the Department of Art & Design. This is a 9‑month, term instructional (teaching/research) faculty appointment in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Exceptionally qualified applicants may be considered for additional assignments and affiliated appointments, subject to the needs of the college and university.

Responsibilities

Lead the Animation concentration, taking primary responsibility for its curriculum development and programmatic direction.

Teach a full studio course load covering courses in 2D or 3D animation, filmmaking, and sound editing, leveraging professional expertise to prepare students for the industry.

Serve as the primary academic advisor for all students within the animation concentration, mentoring them on professional practices and portfolio development.

Maintain an active personal creative/scholarly research agenda, collaborate with the faculty team on student exhibitions and events, and actively contribute to shared governance through service on department, college, and university committees.

Teach up to 15 credit hours per semester in‑person and/or online (both synchronous and asynchronous).

Provide and engage students during regular office hours to meet and promote student engagement and success.

Conduct research; advise, recruit, and retain students.

Participate in designated academic ceremonies such as Convocation, Founder’s Day, and Commencement.

Attend departmental, school, and university meetings; serve on departmental, school, and university committees; and perform duties defined and assigned by the departmental chair.

Key Skills, Abilities, Knowledge, and Other Attributes (KSAOs)

Demonstrated ability to lead, administer, and develop curriculum for a first‑year Foundations program.

Expertise in teaching a broad range of foundational courses, including art history, art theory, studio practices, and critique.

Proven skill in mentoring and advising first‑year students to ensure their successful academic progression.

An active personal creative or scholarly research agenda that demonstrates contemporary practice.

Strong collaborative skills for working with faculty on events and a commitment to departmental/university service.

Comprehensive knowledge of historical/contemporary art theory, design principles, and research practices for artists.

Qualifications

Must hold one of the following degrees: Master of Fine Arts in Animation/Kinetic Imaging/Film/related discipline, or PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies or other related to visual animation.

Graduate or terminal degree in teaching discipline from an accredited university; minimum of 18 graduate credits hours required.

Significant contribution to the area of specialization, higher education, or profession/industry.

Engagement in professional development activities related to research, such as attending workshops, seminars, or training sessions to enhance research skills and knowledge.

Teaching proficiency in the respective areas of interest.

Demonstrated proficiency in engaging diverse and non‑traditional students effectively.

Ability to effectively promote and enhance the culturally and educationally diverse student populations.

Proficiency and willingness to adapt and implement emerging pedagogies through traditional instruction and experiential learning methodologies.

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated research experience in a higher education setting, including a track record of scholarly publications, conference presentations, or externally funded research projects.

Experience with designing and conducting research studies, including quantitative and qualitative research methods.

Demonstrated record of teaching experience at the university level, including online instruction.

Demonstrated proficiency and prior experience utilizing instructional technologies/learning management systems (i.e. Banner/Canvas).

Demonstrated experience or ability to measure, assess, and align curricular outcomes with academic courses/programs.

Benefits

Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) – Immediate vesting | Portable | Investment choice

Virginia Retirement System (VRS) – Defined benefit pension | Lifetime monthly income

457 Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP)

403(b) (TIAA)

Comprehensive medical & dental plans

Employee Assistance Program

Paid annual and sick leave

Paid state and federal holidays

Employer‑paid life insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility

Telework opportunities (where applicable)

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Virginia State University is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all persons and applicants, without regard to age, color, disability, gender, national origin, political affiliation, genetic information, race, religion, sexual orientation, sex (including pregnancy), or veteran status. VSU encourages and invites minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

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