Assistant Professor - Art

University of West Georgia · Newnan, United States

Animation Faculty Position

The Art program invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in Animation at the rank of Assistant Professor or Associate Professor, contingent upon qualifications and professional experience. The successful candidate will begin employment on August 1, 2027. This position involves teaching animation courses across undergraduate levels, contributing to curriculum design and enhancement, supporting student success, participating in service activities, and maintaining an active research and creative agenda. We seek a dedicated educator who fosters creativity and innovation, promotes student growth, and integrates contemporary industry practices into both instruction and program development within this specialized area of study. Commitment to Excellence: The successful candidate will contribute to a dynamic and evolving Animation program through outstanding teaching, student mentorship, creative scholarship, service, and engagement with both the university and broader community. The position offers an opportunity to help shape the future direction of animation education while preparing students for success in contemporary creative industries.

Key responsibilities associated with this position include: Teaching a range of Animation courses across all levels. Advising and mentoring students regarding academic and professional development. Developing and supporting internship opportunities that enhance student career readiness. Contributing to program planning, assessment, and curriculum development initiatives. Assisting with the recruitment and retention of a diverse student population. Engaging with community partners and supporting outreach efforts. Advancing the mission and goals of the Art Program and the University of West Georgia. Assisting in the management of animation studios, labs, and related equipment. Supervising and coordinating student employees. Participating in departmental, college, and university service activities.

Required Qualifications: A terminal degree in Animation or an equivalent field prior to August 2027. Demonstrated proficiency with industry-standard animation software, technologies, workflows, and professional practices. Extensive experience in animation fundamentals, including both traditional and digital approaches to animation. Ideal Candidate Profile Preferred candidates will demonstrate expertise in two or more of the following areas: 2D Animation 3D Modeling and Animation Stop-Motion Animation Storyboarding Digital Illustration Character Design Visual Storytelling Animation Pipeline Development and Production Workflows Additionally, successful candidates should: Demonstrate experience and/or a strong commitment to teaching and mentoring students from diverse backgrounds and demographics. Possess substantial knowledge of the history of animation as well as current trends, issues, and developments within the field. Show strong potential for excellence in teaching, service, student success initiatives, and research or creative scholarship.

Preferred Qualifications Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated experience in one or more of the following areas: University-level teaching experience beyond graduate assistant responsibilities Collaborative creative practice and/or collaborative teaching environments. Curriculum design, development, and assessment. Instruction in animation fundamentals, including both traditional methodologies and contemporary industry practices. Application and integration of emerging technologies relevant to the animation discipline.

Salary is commensurate with experience.

Required Application Materials Applicants should submit the following materials in PDF format through the UWG employment portal: Cover Letter Curriculum Vitae Professional Portfolio A single PDF containing: Twenty (20) images or equivalent amount of time-based work. Materials may include still frames, sketches, storyboards, illustrations, animation samples, or other examples demonstrating professional creative achievement. Student Work Portfolio A single PDF containing: Twenty (20) images or equivalent amount of time-based work created by students. Materials may include still frames, sketches, storyboards, illustrations, animation samples, or other evidence of student learning outcomes and success. Note: When alternative presentation formats are necessary, applicants should include links within the PDF to external portfolio platforms such as Vimeo, YouTube, personal websites, or similar repositories. Any required passwords or access credentials should be provided. Teaching Portfolio Submit the following as three separate PDF documents: Teaching Statement or Teaching Philosophy Recent Student Evaluations (if available) Up to three course syllabus samples (if available) Academic Transcripts Copies of all academic transcripts. Official transcripts will be required from finalists. References Contact information for a minimum of three professional references. Formal letters of recommendation will be requested from finalists. Contact: John Morris or Professor Mark Schoon