Instructor/Assistant Professor, Graphic Design

Posting Number:

20270026FAC

Job Title:

Instructor/Assistant Professor, Graphic Design

Number of Vacancies:

1

About Murray State:

Murray State blends educational opportunities found at research institutions with collaborative interactions among students, faculty and staff found at smaller universities. Students receive personalized attention from supportive faculty and staff as the University offers a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Murray State University places our highest priority on student learning and excellent teaching, blending the range of educational opportunities often experienced at research institutions with the nurturing student-teacher interactions usually found at smaller universities.

Located in the West Kentucky region, Murray State University is a public, comprehensive University which offers a low cost of living, low property taxes, and a four-season climate. Murray has a friendly, small-town atmosphere with locally-owned specialty shops and restaurants, an acclaimed community theater, art guild and award-winning public schools. The area is home to Kentucky Lake and Land Between the Lakes, a 170,000-acre National Recreation Area, which offers a wide-range of activities and amenities for residents and visitors alike. Located in close proximity to major cities and nearby access to Interstate 24, Murray is just a few hours from Nashville, St. Louis, Louisville and Memphis. Learn more about Careers at Murray State University.

About Murray State Benefits:

Faculty and staff of Murray State University have access to a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement, tuition waivers, generous paid holidays, vacation, sick, and paid parental leave, as well as many other benefit offerings. Please refer to the Murray State Benefits page for more information.

Equal Opportunity Employment:

Equal Opportunity Employer/AA. Murray State University does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender, identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status, disability or political or social viewpoint. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Type of Employment:

Regular Full-Time

Work Location:

Murray, KY

Employment Term:

Academic Year

Position Type:

Faculty (Non-Tenure-Track)

Department:

Art and Design

Anticipated Start Date:

August 2027

Summary of Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Primary responsibilities include teaching 3 courses per semester in design and other departmental offerings (foundations, special topics, digital media, etc.); maintaining all studio facilities and equipment related to the graphic design area; and supporting the continued development of a strong, well-rounded undergraduate graphic design program in collaboration with both faculty in that area and in the department. Additional responsibilities include advising students; managing area budgets; meeting the teaching, research, and service expectations of the department and the university; and maintaining a high level of scholarly activity.

Minimum Education Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree and at least three years of professional experience in the field is required. MFA in Graphic Design or related field is highly preferred.

Minimum Experience and Skill Requirements:

The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong background in graphic design; familiarity with design, typography, and digital imaging is expected. The applicant should possess proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud essential programs in a Mac OS environment. Additionally, the applicant must demonstrate knowledge of contemporary design practice, theory, and history and evidence of excellence in teaching at the university level with an active exhibition record or client projects. Successful applicants must possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills and must be able to work well with students, faculty, staff, and community. The candidate must maintain an active professional practice of client-based projects and/or an academic research agenda.

Preferred Education and/or Experience Qualifications:

Preference will be given to candidates with in-depth experience and working knowledge in one or more of the following areas in order to broaden current course offerings beyond a standard graphic design curriculum: brand/corporate identity design, 3D character design, 3D modeling, 2D/3D animation, motion graphics, game design, illustration, package design, product design, UI/UX design, or responsive web design. Preference will also be given to experience teaching foundation courses. The preferred candidate will have a record of active participation or leadership roles in professional organizations. Knowledge of and application of contemporary theories and pedagogy in Interactive Multimedia is preferred for an appointment.

Note: If the successful candidate is bachelor’s prepared with experience, the position will be filled as a non-tenure track, instructor. If the successful candidate holds a terminal degree appropriate for the position, the position will be filled as a tenure-track, assistant professor.

Pay Plan:

Faculty II

Posting Date:

11/06/2026

Open Until Filled:

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Along with the application, the following items must be included:

• Letter of Application
• Curriculum Vitae
• Teaching Philosophy

The following items must also be included in order for candidates to be considered and should be submitted as “Other Documents”:

• 20 images of personal work (PDF)
• 20 images of student work (PDF)

NOTE: Files cannot exceed 9 MB per upload.

For best consideration, please submit a completed application along with all required materials by January 15, 2027. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.