Assistant/Associate Professor, Painting

Winthrop University invites applications for an Assistant or Associate Professor of Fine Arts specializing in Painting. This is a full-time, nine-month, tenure-track appointment in the Department of Fine Arts, part of the College of Visual and Performing Arts. The College also includes the departments of Design, Arts Administration, Theatre and Dance, and Music and also the Winthrop University Galleries.

Winthrop’s beautiful campus is located in Rock Hill, South Carolina, within the rapidly growing Charlotte metropolitan region and approximately 20 minutes from Charlotte, North Carolina. The area offers a thriving arts and cultural scene as well as convenient access to Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

We seek a dynamic and forward-looking artist-educator who will contribute to Winthrop’s commitment to rigorous study of image-making, material exploration, and technical excellence while helping advance the curriculum in contemporary painting practices. The successful candidate will be prepared to teach both traditional and contemporary approaches to painting using a wide range of media and substrates.

Teaching responsibilities will span all undergraduate levels, from foundational studies in pictorial composition to advanced and interdisciplinary studio practices, including senior-level mentorship within the Bachelor of Fine Arts program.

Position Responsibilities      

The successful candidate will:

• Teach 3 studio courses each fall and spring semesters, with primary responsibility for undergraduate painting courses at the beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels.
• Teach foundational studio courses as needed, which may include Drawing, 2D Design, Media Studies, and related foundation-level offerings. The ability to teach introductory printmaking courses is an asset, but not required.
•  Provide instruction in both traditional and contemporary approaches to painting, including technical proficiency with oil, acrylic, water-based, and other media; preparation and construction of painting surfaces and supports; and conceptually driven approaches to studio practice.
•  Develop and regularly update course content to provide rigorous instruction in painting while engaging historical and contemporary practices, material exploration, technical proficiency, formal visual principles, and interdisciplinary approaches to studio art.
• Advise and mentor undergraduate Fine Arts majors, including supporting students in portfolio development, professional preparation, advanced studio work, and senior capstone exhibitions.
• Maintain an active record of creative and scholarly activity consistent with expectations for tenure and promotion, demonstrated through exhibitions, juried or curated opportunities, professional presentations, publications, commissions, residencies, or other relevant forms of professional engagement.
• Contribute to the continued development of the Painting area, including curriculum, teaching and learning spaces, studios, equipment, and related resources in response to evolving pedagogical and program needs.
• Participate in departmental and programmatic responsibilities, including curriculum development, annual assessment, accreditation activities, and other initiatives supporting the academic mission of the department.
•  Actively support and participate in student recruitment and retention efforts, including portfolio reviews, prospective-student events, and other departmental outreach activities.
•  Contribute professional service to the Department of Fine Arts, College of Visual and Performing Arts, University, discipline, and broader community.
• Support the effective and safe operation of studio facilities and equipment and maintain appropriate office hours and availability for students.
• Assume other responsibilities consistent with departmental needs and the candidate’s areas of expertise.

About the College     

To learn more about the College of Visual & Performing Arts please visit: https:/ www.winthrop.edu/cvpa/.

About Winthrop University   

Founded in 1886, Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina, offers its 5,200-plus undergraduate and graduate students an educational experience that blends liberal arts, professional programs, global awareness, and civic engagement. In its colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business and Technology; Education, Sport, and Human Sciences; and Visual and Performing Arts, Winthrop embraces only those programs and activities that can be delivered at an exemplary level. Winthrop University is achieving national stature as a competitive and distinctive co-educational, public, residential, comprehensive, values-oriented institution. The values of service, excellence, community, and leadership provide the foundation for Winthrop’s continuing development and shape Winthrop’s continuing success. Numerous national accolades reflect the sustained high quality and value of the Winthrop Experience, including the most recent U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of Winthrop as one of the top-10 public comprehensive universities in the South. Winthrop is an active member of the Rock Hill community and recognized as a key component of the region’s economic resurgence. Approximately 20 minutes from Charlotte, North Carolina, Winthrop has direct access to and is engaged in a broad and expansive regional business community. Winthrop’s beautiful campus encompasses a rich architectural blend of neo-Georgian buildings and is included in the National Register of Historic Places. The attractive recreational and research complex area that surrounds Winthrop Lake is home to Winthrop’s 18 Division I men’s and women’s sports.

Benefits          

At Winthrop University, we are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that significantly enhances the total compensation for our employees. In partnership with the State of South Carolina and the Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), our benefits include health and life insurance, generous paid leave, parental leave, and retirement programs. These benefits reflect our commitment to supporting the well-being and financial security of our employees. For more information please visit: https://www.winthrop.edu/hr/employee-benefits.aspx.

Background Check   

Winthrop University is committed to providing a safe campus community. Winthrop conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

Position Availability: 08/16/2027

Required Qualifications        

• Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Painting or Studio Art
• Minimum of 2 to 3 years of successful college-level teaching experience (full-time or adjunct), supported by a portfolio of student work, personal work, and a robust personal exhibition record.
• Extensive mastery of traditional oil, acrylic, water-based, and mixed-media painting techniques, alongside proficiency in structural drawing and design principles.
• Exceptional grasp of studio pedagogy, objective grading standards, and formal design elements.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required for rigorous student evaluation and collaborative faculty governance.

Preferred Qualifications       

• Familiarity with and the ability to teach introductory printmaking courses.

Employment Conditions: Full time, tenure-track, 3/3 teaching load

Application Instructions       

Applicants should submit the following materials in PDF Format:

• Curriculum vitae (CV), including the names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of three (3) professional references from whom letters of recommendation have been requested.
• Cover Letter (addressing how the candidate’s qualifications align with position responsibilities)
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy
• Portfolio of 20 student works (provide project brief and course name, date, materials used, etc.)
• Personal Artist Statement including a portfolio of 20 images of professional work (title, date, materials, short description of the work)
• Portfolio of up to 20 examples of the candidate’s professional, creative, or scholarly work, submitted as a PDF or URL.
•  Transcript and evidence of highest degree achieved (unofficial transcripts are acceptable for the initial review; official transcripts must be provided for a final appointment)

Three letters of recommendation will be requested from semifinalists at a later date. (The CV must include the names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of all references.)

Questions about the position and applications should be directed to Department of Department of Fine Arts, Mark Hamilton, chair, hamiltonm@winthrop.edu.