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Assistant Professor of Graphic Design

LOCATION: 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ Baptist University – Plainview Campus 

SCHOOL: Creative Arts 

SUPERVISED BY: Dean, School of Creative Arts 

POSITION CLASSIFICATION:  Exempt (Faculty) 

POSITIONS SUPERVISED: Student workers 

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES: This individual will serve as the coordinator of the graphic design program, responsible for curricular oversight and development, recruiting/retention initiatives, and software/hardware maintenance, as well as teaching courses within the specialization. The successful candidate will demonstrate a willingness to collaborate with faculty across the school preparing students for 21st-century career success while emphasizing the cultivation of creative expression, effective communication, and entrepreneurial vision. As a faculty member of 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ, he/she will represent the university’s academic and spiritual emphasis to the students, faculty, staff, and the community in a manner consistent with the University’s mission and purpose. This is an in-person position, located on the main WBU campus in Plainview, Texas.                                                                                                                                                           

SPECIFIC TASKS AND DUTIES

  • Teaching load will total 24 semester hours per academic year.
  • Annual contract dates run mid-August – mid-May. This is a 9-month position.
  • Advising undergraduate students as assigned.
  • Active engagement in School of Creative Arts recruiting and retention initiatives.
  • Serving on University and School of Creative Arts committees as assigned
  • Active engagement in professional development and creative/scholarly activities.
  • Active engagement in service appropriate to a university faculty member.

The above statements are not a complete list of all responsibilities and duties performed by employees in this job. Employee may perform other related duties as assigned by the Dean of the School of Creative Arts or by the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

QUALIFICATIONS: A commitment to Christian Higher education and agreement with the purposes and philosophy of Christian higher education as promoted by the Baptist General Convention of Texas/Texas Baptists in general and 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ Baptist University in particular.

Education, Certification, and License: MFA in Graphic Design preferred. Candidates with other graduate degrees in related areas combined with significant professional experience in graphic design will be considered. Must have strong familiarity with Mac computers and Adobe software.

Experience & Knowledge:      

  • Experience in teaching, scholarship, and service in higher education is preferred.
  • Experience in graphic design and other art forms as appropriate; a background working collaboratively across media disciplines is advantageous.
  • Basic understanding and support of diverse approaches within higher education with a willingness to embrace innovative pedagogy and distance learning programs as necessary.

Skills & Abilities:         

  • Demonstrate a well-rounded understanding of current and emerging trends specifically in graphic design and visual art in general.
  • Ability to teach courses in graphic design and other courses as appropriate to the specialization.
  • Be technologically current with industry-standard software and hardware relevant to the position, e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Indesign. Ability to maintain and troubleshoot Mac software and hardware.
  • Willingness to design and deliver innovative and relevant curricula with colleagues within the School of Creative Arts and with those across the institution with interdisciplinary interests.
  • Willingness to coordinate art and design adjunct faculty as needed.
  • Willingness to coordinate recruiting activities and to represent the School of Creative Arts to area high school teachers and students.
  • Willingness to participate enthusiastically in long-range planning initiatives within the School of Creative Arts and within the university.
  • An interest in teaching at a university where teaching excellence and innovation are highly valued.
  • A strong Christian commitment and the willingness to be involved in the life of the university.
  • Willingness to occasionally travel off-campus for representation and recruiting events.
  • Excellent communication skills and flexibility in working with others.
  • Commitment to leveraging the Blackboard learning management system to facilitate instruction, as well as to learning other instructional technologies needed to perform the tasks and responsibilities detailed in this job description.

 Additional Requirements:

  1. Endorsement by the Vice President of Academic Affairs.
  2. Able to pass Background Checks.
  3. Must have no delinquent or defaulted items on Credit Report. A credit check will be conducted to ensure the requirement is met.

THE SCHOOL OF CREATIVE ARTS: The school includes the areas of art, communication, graphic design, media/broadcasting, and music. The School of Creative Arts unites future professionals and dedicated faculty and staff within a mentor-apprenticeship culture devoted to the promotion of artistic excellence, entrepreneurial vision, and Christ-centered servant-leadership.

FACILITY: Dedicated Mac lab of 12 computers (Mac Pro M2s) with color and B/W printers for design students, plus a smart TV for screen mirroring/casting. Continually updated Adobe Creative Suite with full access for all faculty and students.

THE UNIVERSITY:        

51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ Baptist University is a liberal arts university affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas/Texas Baptists. The 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ Baptist University System is comprised of the main campus in Plainview, nine external campuses, and WBUonline, and offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a broad range of academic areas.

LEARN ABOUT US: Candidates may learn more at

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Employment is subject to an introductory period to monitor employee performance. If hired, the prospective employee must present documentation within three (3) days of hire date to establish their identity and employment eligibility as required by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).  Employee must be able and willing to travel and teach at external campuses. Must be able to operate a licensed motor vehicle, have access to a dependable motor vehicle, and possess a valid state driver’s license.  Must have and maintain a satisfactory driver’s record.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Interested individuals should submit the following information in PDF formats:

  • Letter of Interest/Cover Letter
  • Completed University Application of Employment with Faith Statement and Teaching Philosophy
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • List of three current references with contact information
  • Copies of transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate academic work
  • Link(s) to creative work samples and/or 10 images professional work and 10 images of student work if available in a PDF

Formal review of material will begin April 15, 2025 and continue until position is filled. Anticipated start date is August 11, 2025.

Specific questions regarding the position may be addressed to Dr. Richard Fountain, Dean, School of Creative Arts, at fountainr@wbu.edu or 806-291-1068.

51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ Baptist University does not illegally discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or genetic information. Under federal law, the university may discriminate on the basis of religion in order to fulfill its mission and purposes.

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