Assistant Professor of Art

West Virginia State University

Founded in 1891, West Virginia State University (WVSU) is a public-land grant institution, which was originally founded as a historically black university, but which has evolved into a fully accessible, diverse, and multi-generational institution serving approximately 2,600 students. WVSU offers 23 undergraduate and 6 graduate degrees, along with one doctoral degree. WVSU competes in athletics at the NCAA Division II level in 7 men’s sports and 8 women’s sports. WVSU is located in Institute, WV, a suburb of Charleston, the largest city and the capital of West Virginia. With more than 200,000 people living in the metropolitan area, it is an active, exciting and engaging community, boasting cultural and historical events, music, festivals and entertainment.

Position Description

The Department of Art at West Virginia State University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Art with an emphasis in studio art for the 2026–27 academic year. This is a nine-month position. The anticipated appointment date is August 1, 2026. The Art Department is housed within the College of Arts and Humanities, which encourages interdisciplinary collaboration across a range of disciplines. This position is benefits eligible.

Responsibilities for the Assistant Professor of Art
Primary responsibilities include teaching 12 credit hours per semester (with course release time available). The successful candidate will teach undergraduate courses in ceramics, printmaking, and darkroom photography, as well as lower-level general education courses in art appreciation or introductory studio art.

Beyond the classroom, the candidate is expected to: ● Maintain an active creative/scholarly practice and exhibit work professionally. ● Prepare external and internal grants to advance creative work. ● Take part in graduation senior faculty panels ● Engage undergraduate students in creative activity and provide academic advising. ● Participate in departmental and university service activities. ● Foster connections with regional arts organizations and community partners.

Requirements for the Assistant Professor of Art

A Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Art or a related studio field from a regionally accredited college or university is required. Candidates with the ability to teach introductory drawing and foundational design courses will be preferred. The successful candidate must demonstrate a strong potential for collaboration with faculty in related fields and will need to complete a background check.

Salary Statement

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Benefits of Full-Time Employment West Virginia State University offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, financial security, and work-life balance of its employees. Benefits include employer-sponsored health insurance through PEIA with prescription coverage, access to wellness programs, and the option to enroll in dental, vision, hearing, and other supplemental insurance plans. Employees may also participate in health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts.

The university provides employer-paid basic life insurance and offers optional additional coverage. Retirement benefits are provided through the TIAA retirement plan with a 6% employer match for employees contributing 6% of their salary.

Full-time employees accrue two days of annual leave and one and a half days of sick leave per month – (If applicable), along with eligibility for family medical leave, military leave, workers’ compensation, and unemployment coverage. Additional benefits include educational assistance opportunities, access to the university’s Employee Assistance Program, and other university amenities.

To Apply:

First consideration will be given to applicants who submit a resume, cover letter, academic transcripts, and the names and email addresses or phone numbers of three professional references by Friday, May 15, 2026. The position will remain open until filled. All requested information must be submitted for your application to be considered.

Please submit application materials via email to jobs@wvstateu.edu or mail to:

West Virginia State University

Department of Human Resources

P. O. Box 1000, 324 Ferrell Hall

Institute, WV 25112

West Virginia State University conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. Any offer of employment is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background check.