Assistant/Associate Professor, Ceramics

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

Winthrop is located in Rock Hill, South Carolina, approximately 20 minutes from Charlotte, North Carolina. The growing Charlotte metropolitan region offers a vibrant arts and cultural community and convenient access to Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

We seek a dynamic, forward-thinking artist-educator committed to material exploration, technical excellence, and contemporary ceramic practices. The successful candidate will bring expertise in both traditional and contemporary approaches to ceramics, with the ability to teach a broad range of techniques, from functional wheel-thrown vessels to large-scale sculptural forms.

The position combines teaching, curriculum development, studio management, and program coordination. The teaching load is three courses per semester (3/3), plus BFA student advising. Teaching responsibilities span all undergraduate levels, from foundational ceramics to advanced studio practices, including mentorship of senior-level Bachelor of Fine Arts students.

As the sole faculty member in ceramics, the successful candidate will lead curriculum development and oversee studio facilities, equipment maintenance, and safe studio operations. Candidates should demonstrate an active, nationally or internationally recognized studio practice through regular exhibitions, gallery representation, or juried shows. At least three years of teaching experience in higher education is preferred.

Position Responsibilities      

The successful candidate will:

• Teach three studio courses each fall and spring semester, with primary responsibility for two ceramics courses and one course in either foundations or jewelry/metals.
• Provide instruction in traditional and contemporary approaches to ceramics, including wheel throwing, hand-building, functional pottery, sculptural forms, surface treatments, glazing, and firing processes.
• Develop and regularly update course content to provide rigorous instruction in ceramics while engaging historical and contemporary practices, material exploration, technical proficiency, conceptual development, 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.
• Oversee and maintain the ceramics facilities, including teaching studios, indoor kiln room, clay mixing room, glaze mixing room, and outdoor kiln area, ensuring safe operation, equipment maintenance, and appropriate studio practices.
• Supervise student employees and coordinate responsibilities related to studio maintenance, organization, and upkeep.
• Lead the continued development of the Ceramics area, including curriculum, facilities, 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 student recruitment and retention efforts, including portfolio reviews, prospective-student events, and departmental outreach activities.
• Contribute professional service to the Department of Fine Arts, College of Visual and Performing Arts, University, discipline, and broader community, demonstrating collegiality, professionalism, and ethical conduct.
• Maintain appropriate office hours and availability for students and 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) Degree in related area

Preferred Qualifications       

• Demonstrated knowledge of historical and contemporary ceramic practices and related three-dimensional art and design disciplines.
• Successful experience teaching ceramics at the undergraduate level.
• An active and sustained creative and scholarly practice in ceramics, demonstrated through exhibitions and other forms of professional engagement.
• Strong organizational, management, and communication skills.
• Experience managing and maintaining safe ceramics facilities, including expertise in kiln operation, firing processes, glaze formulation, and studio equipment.
• Knowledge of best practices in ceramics studio safety, including silica exposure prevention, material handling, ventilation, and studio housekeeping.
• Ability to teach foundational three-dimensional design courses or courses in jewelry and metalsmithing.

Employment Conditions      

Full time, tenure-track, 3/3 teaching load

Application Instructions       

Applicants should submit the following materials in a pdf:

•  Cover letter (addressing qualifications and why candidate is a good fit for the position)
•  CV
•  Statement of Teaching Philosophy (one page)
•  Artist Statement
•  20 images of professional work (for video work please include link to video sample)
•  Professional portfolio image list (title, date, materials, short description of work)
•  10-15 images of student work (for video work please include link to video sample)
•  Student work image list (title, date, materials, short description of work)
•  List 3 professional References (reference will be contacted upon final round of interview process)
• Graduate degree transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application but official transcripts will be required for an offer of employment).