Position Details

Position Information

Position TypeFaculty, Tenure TrackClassification TitleAssociate ProfessorPosition's Functional TitleAssistant Professor, Graphic DesignPosition Start Date08/10/2020Position End Date (if temporary)Position Summary

Governors State University (University Park, IL) is a minority-majority institution inviting applications for a tenure track position as an Assistant Professor in Graphic Design to begin in the Fall 2020 semester.

We seek a Graphic Design scholar who is committed to enhancing our culture of diversity, equity and inclusion and will complement existing faculty strengths. We seek a candidate who exhibits leadership in curriculum development and innovation. Teaching responsibilities include instructing scaffolded Graphic Design courses within the BFA major and the MFA graduate programs. Additional courses may be taught in the program based on area(s) of expertise. The successful candidate will contribute to our program by designing curriculum and offering courses that include topics such as design history and theory, typography, branding and identity, portfolio development, professional practice, advertising, print and production, client relationships, account management, internships, and freelancing, while utilizing current Mac OS/Adobe software and technology. Specifically, we seek a teacher-scholar with a focus in Graphic Design as an artistic tool. This person would be able to actively recruit new students to the program, do interdisciplinary work with other programs on campus (such as Computer Science, Media Studies, Communication), actively participate in University service, and mentor students to becoming professional designers.

The Art and Film Program at Governors State University offers an undergraduate B.F.A. degree and two M.F.A. degrees, one focusing on Studio Art and one in Independent Film and Digital Imaging. Our faculty exhibit nationally, are active members of the Chicagoland arts community, and are dedicated to advancing the teaching, research, and service missions of the university.

Governors State University is the only regional public comprehensive university in Chicago’s south suburban area, serving more than 5,500 students annually. Since its founding in 1969, GSU has offered accessible, high-value educational opportunities to a culturally diverse student body of first-generation students, returning adults, and veterans. With the lowest undergraduate tuition in Illinois, GSU offers accredited programs that have earned high praise from national accrediting agencies. In 2014, GSU accepted its inaugural class of first-year students as it transitioned from an upper-division and graduate institution into a regional comprehensive university with a state-of-the-art general education program. New faculty at GSU must demonstrate enthusiasm and ability to work with students at all levels, from first-year to graduate.

Through its strategic plan, Vision 2020, GSU emphasizes excellence, access, and innovation. Students benefit from the university’s academic quality, range of convenient class times, increasingly numerous hybrid and online offerings, and outstanding educational value. Our innovative lower-division program uses high-impact practices to foster student engagement with ethics, citizenship, and innovative thinking. Every first-year class is taught by a full-time faculty member to ensure that students have a strong foundation for their studies. GSU is a national leader in successful transfer of community college students to universities and is leading through the Kresge-supported Dual Degree Program, with features such as tuition lock-in at GSU for academically eligible community college students who commit to earn an Associate Degree and attend college full-time. GSU offers a wide variety of master’s programs and several applied doctoral degrees in health, counseling fields, and Interdisciplinary Leadership.

GSU’s 750-acre campus encompasses the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park yet is conveniently located within easy reach of Chicago and surrounding communities with a wealth of cultural and natural attractions. The highly diverse region GSU serves has a number of high-performing schools and engaged communities as well as struggling urban, suburban, and rural communities. GSU serves as a public square, working to foster educational opportunities for all populations.

It is the policy of Governors State University, in its role as educator, employer, and purchaser of goods and services, to provide equal opportunity and affirmative action. Discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status is strictly prohibited.

Salary and benefits package are commensurate with education and experience.

Minimum Qualifications

1.Terminal degree in Graphic Design, or closely related field, by August 16, 2020. Terminal degrees include M.F.A., MDes, M.A.D., MGraph, and earned doctorates.
2.Two or more years teaching experience at the college level.
3.Nationally established and active professional design career evidenced by creative publication and/or scholarship.

Preferred Qualifications

1.Experience with non-traditional, first-generation, and/or traditionally underserved student populations.
2.Teaching experience at graduate level.
3.Experience with teaching online courses.
4.Demonstrated ability to infuse course content with scholarship.
5.Demonstrated record of scholarship/creative activity through publication and/or exhibition.

Posting Date09/16/2019Closing DateOpen Until FilledYesPosting NumberFA0277PType of SearchExternalQuicklink for Postinghttp://employment.govst.edu/postings/4608Employee IDDepartmentSpecial Instructions to Applicants

To apply, applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, cover letter, unofficial transcripts, artist/research statement, teaching philosophy, list of professional references, and digital portfolio* (PDF, max 5MG total) by November 15, 2019 to receive full consideration, although applications will be accepted until the position is filled. References will only be contacted prior to candidate interviews.

*Portfolio should consist of 15 examples of professional work in graphic design as well as 10 examples of student work. All video, web & interactive work should be embedded in the PDF or shown externally through links provided in the PDF.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * What is the highest level of education attained?
   • GED
   • High School Diploma
   • Associates Degree
   • Bachelors Degree
   • Masters Degree
   • Doctorate Degree
   • ABD
2. * What academic discipline did you earn your degree(s) in?

   (Open Ended Question)

3. * Do you have experience teaching at the college/university level?
   • yes
   • no
4. * Do you have experience in developing and/or teaching online (web-based) courses?
   • No
   • No but interested and able to do so
   • Yes I have taught online courses
   • Yes I have developed online courses
   • Yes, I have developed and taught online courses

Required DocumentsRequired Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Transcripts
4. Teaching Philosophy
5. List of References
6. Portfolio

Optional Documents

1. Other
2. Other2
3. Other3
4. Other4
5. Other5
6. Writing/Media Samples
7. Letter of Recommendation