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

Assistant Professor of Animation, Non-Tenure Track

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.
This faculty member leads the Animation concentration, taking primary responsibility for its curriculum development and programmatic direction. They 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. A key responsibility is serving as the primary academic advisor for all students within the animation concentration, mentoring them on professional practices and portfolio development. Beyond the classroom, this position will 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.
Instructional (Teaching/Research) faculty’s primary responsibilities require them to teach up to 15 credit hours per semester in‑person and/or online (both synchronous and asynchronous). Faculty must provide and engage students during regular office hours to promote student engagement and success. Other responsibilities include conducting research; advising, recruiting, and retaining students; participating in academic ceremonies such as Convocation, Founder’s Day, and Commencement; attending departmental, school, and university meetings; serving on committees; and performing duties defined and assigned by the departmental chair.
It is a condition of employment that within thirty (30) days of hire, the appointment must submit documentation that the applicant has the academic qualifications for the position. Failure to comply or misrepresentation of credentials may result in revocation of the contract and/or termination of the appointment with VSU.
Faculty rank eligibility will be reviewed and determined in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the VSU Faculty Handbook.
KSAO’s Required

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.
Minimum 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 a teaching discipline from an accredited university; minimum of 18 graduate credit 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 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 (e.g., 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 Opportunity Employer

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. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.
Alternative Hiring Process

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service‑connected veterans are encouraged to answer veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to obtain an AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found by calling DARS at 800‑552‑5019. Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022–February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.
Contact Information

Name: Dominique M. Fisher
Phone: 804‑524‑5075
Email: dfisher@vsu.edu

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