UCDA : connecting, inspiring, and supporting a creative community in education

Assistant Professor of Design (Revised)

Job Information

  • Overview:

    The School of Arts and Humanities at Truman State University seeks applicants for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position to begin August 2026.

    This position is a full-time, nine-month appointment located on Truman’s campus in Kirksville, Missouri. In addition to the duties and responsibilities described below, faculty are expected to contribute to the campus culture of the Liberal Arts and Sciences and interdisciplinarity by teaching in the University’s core curriculum (The Dialogues) and contributing to interdisciplinary initiatives and coursework as needed.

    Position:

    The Truman State University Department of Art and Design is seeking a tenure-track Assistant Professor who will teach courses within the design program in both face-to-face and online modalities, as well as courses that support the department and university. We seek an inventive colleague with outstanding visual skills in graphic design, with preferred additional experience in one or more of the following: animation, 3D modeling, video production design, game design. The candidate will demonstrate the ability to contribute to the department and teaching within a liberal arts and sciences setting.

    Qualifications

    Applicant preferred qualifications include the ability to teach in other areas as needed, including art foundations and general education topics for the wider university. The ideal candidate will also be able to clearly demonstrate a commitment to the Liberal Arts mission of Truman State University and will have an affinity for working at a selective, public liberal arts university located in a largely rural area. Therefore, community service in the form of educational outreach, arts advocacy, and support for community arts is also desirable.

  • URL: https://apply.interfolio.com/178797
  • Starts On: Aug. 10, 2026, 8 a.m.

Job Requirements

  • Job Description:

    Responsibilities:
    ● Teaching Graphic Design in both face-to-face and online modalities
    ● Research, scholarship, and/or creative activity
    ● Student advising
    ● University service
    ● Other duties as assigned

    Required Qualifications:
    ● Terminal degree in Design or closely related professional field(s)
    ● Ability to teach foundations and advanced courses in graphic design
    ● Extensive knowledge of the Adobe Creative Cloud Ecosystem

    Preferred Qualifications:
    ● Preferred Design focus in Illustration, Animation, 3D Modeling, and/or Game Design
    ● Experience with alternative design production, platforms, and applications, such as time-based media, VR, and/or audio
    ● Evidence of professional or scholarly activity demonstrated in an outstanding portfolio
    ● Teaching or professional experience in design, modeling, animation, and/or game design
    ● Ability to mentor undergraduate research and create transformative learning experiences
    ● Evidence of commitment to liberal arts education with undergraduate student development and accomplishment
    ● Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills

  • Education Required:

    Terminal degree in Design or closely related professional field(s) by the start date.

Company Information

  • Truman State University
    100 E Normal Ave.
    Kirksville MO 63501

Contact Information

  • Aaron Neeley

    http://employment.truman.edu
  • Contact Method:

    Applications must be submitted electronically at https://apply.interfolio.com/178797 For assistance with submitting an application, please contact Human Resources at 660-785-4031 or hrstaff@truman.edu.

    Complete applications must include:
    • a letter of application (which addresses the required and preferred qualifications for the position, and a statement discussing the applicant’s teaching philosophy and commitment to the liberal arts and sciences and student development);
    • current curriculum vitae;
    • professional creative portfolio;
    • a plan for how you would approach maintaining your creative practice or scholarly research, and how you would mentor and engage students in those pursuits;
    • evidence of teaching proficiency or student work (if available);
    • contact information for three references (including phone number and email address); and
    • official or unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts (official graduate transcripts are required at the time of hire).

    All materials must be submitted in PDF format.

    Review of applications will begin 01/07/2026 and will continue until the position is filled. If hired, applicants must provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States, official graduate transcripts, or documentation of degrees if transcripts are not available. Final candidates are required to successfully pass a background check. Questions about this position may be directed to the chair of the Department of Art and Design, Aaron Neeley, (aneeley@truman.edu). Please include “Design Search” in the subject line.

    Truman State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. In compliance with Truman State University is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring, promotion, or any other employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or Missouri law. We are committed to fair and equal treatment in all aspects of employment. Inquiries about these policies may be directed to the Institutional Compliance Officer, 660-785-4354, and titleix@truman.edu.

    Truman is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate form or to request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources, McClain Hall 101, 100 E. Normal, Kirksville, MO 63501, 660-785-4031 or hrstaff@truman.edu.