The faculty of the School of Visual Art and Design (SVAD) at the University of South Carolina, Columbia campus, invites applications for a 9-month, full time tenure-track faculty position in Studio Art and Design at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin August 16, 2025.

Candidates must have an MFA or PhD in Studio Art by the start date of employment, plus research expertise in the discipline of painting, as well as either the potential for or a demonstrated record of excellence in teaching.

The successful candidate will have a research profile and exhibition record that demonstrates national and/or international contributions to the field and confirms the vitality of painting as an engaged and contemporary research practice. A research profile will consist of juried exhibitions, but may also include peer reviewed publications, articles for exhibition catalogs, external grants for project development, and related academic pursuits. Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of the tradition and evolution of historical and contemporary painting and pursue research which resonates with topics in contemporary image-making. The successful candidate’s research and/or teaching record will also demonstrate a commitment to collaboration across disciplines within studio art and design and will address diverse approaches to image-making that bridge modalities, disciplines, and ideas. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to a dynamic, interdisciplinary learning environment in the school that fosters innovation and formal, technical, and conceptual engagement with the practice of painting. We welcome this future faculty member to build connections with other disciplines; we seek leaders in the field who will create opportunities for interdisciplinary research and pursue initiatives within and beyond the University of South Carolina.

The faculty member will teach a 2:2 course load (2 courses per semester), mentor undergraduate and graduate students in the Studio Art and Design degree programs and collaborate successfully with faculty on studio art curriculum matters. The faculty member will also contribute expertise and oversight in the safe operation of painting studios and classrooms and provide additional service and leadership to the Studio Art and Design program, the School of Visual Art and Design, and the College and University. Expectations include maintaining a high level of research accomplishment and exhibition record, successful procurement of internal and external grants, active pursuit of professional opportunities in the field, and strong and engaged teaching.

At the University of South Carolina, we strive to cultivate an inclusive environment that is open, welcoming, and supportive of individuals of all backgrounds. We recognize diversity in our workforce is essential to providing academic excellence and critical to our sustainability. The University is committed to eliminating barriers created by institutional discrimination through accountability and continuous process improvement. We celebrate the diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences of our employees.

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

The School of Visual Art and Design employs 38 full-time faculty members who teach classes for approximately 650 majors in four disciplines: art education, art history, media arts, and studio art and design. The school, which is accredited with NASAD and NCATE, offers BA, BFA, MA, MAT, and MFA degrees. For more information about the School of Visual Art and Design visit our website at http://artsandsciences.sc.edu/art.

The University of South Carolina is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution. Women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online via USC Jobs: https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/174188

Review of applications will begin on December 5, 2024. The position is open until filled. Inquiries about this position may be directed to the Chair of the search committee, Prof. Dawn Hunter at DMHUNTER@email.sc.edu 

1. A cover letter that describes their research and teaching expertise and interests
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Research statement (maximum 3 pages)
4. Teaching statement that describes candidates’ teaching philosophy
5. Portfolio of 20 images of personal artwork and 20 images of students’ artwork, provided as a URL link to a website or online file. If a password will be needed to view, please include the login and pwd along with the URL.
6. Names and contact information for 3 professional references, including current email address. Letters will be solicited from the search committee at the semi-finalist stage.

The faculty of the School of Visual Art and Design (SVAD) at the University of South Carolina, Columbia campus, invites applications for a 9-month, full time tenure-track faculty position in Media Arts at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin August 16, 2025.

The position requires an MFA or PhD in film, media or closely related field by the start date of employment, plus research expertise in 2D animation, and either the potential for or a demonstrated record of excellence in teaching. We welcome applications from individuals who are interested in moving from industry to academia. The successful candidate will have a research profile in media production with a focus on 2D animation and demonstrate the potential for ongoing contributions to the field as an artist-researcher. We are especially interested in candidates who use a wide range of 2D animation concepts and techniques in their work to produce novel and exciting contributions to industry and/or arts and culture. While the research profile must align with the Media Arts program’s existing focus on the media industries (video game production, 3D animation, film production, and manga), it may also expand upon it through interdisciplinary research with other fields. For example, the research profile could interface with storytelling-based animation production for entertainment or could extend to other industries such as engineering and biomedical fields (i.e., simulations, visualization, and generative AI).

The faculty member will teach 4 courses per year (2 per semester) and develop new courses in 2D animation that create synergy with existing courses in 3D animation, game design, new media, and manga. The position’s location in an art and design school means that courses and curriculum can intersect in exciting ways with school disciplines such as drawing, graphic design, and illustration. The faculty member's teaching contributions will accentuate student skills and career readiness so that they can enter industries of multiple kinds where animation is applied (entertainment, industrial, medical, etc.). The faculty member will also provide service and leadership to the Media Arts program, school, college, and university. Expectations include maintaining a high level of research accomplishment and exhibition record, active pursuit of professional opportunities in the field, and strong and engaged teaching. 

At the University of South Carolina, we strive to cultivate an inclusive environment that is open, welcoming, and supportive of individuals of all backgrounds. We recognize diversity in our workforce is essential to providing academic excellence and critical to our sustainability. The University is committed to eliminating barriers created by institutional discrimination through accountability and continuous process improvement. We celebrate the diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences of our employees.

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

The School of Visual Art and Design employs 38 full-time faculty members who teach classes for approximately 650 majors in four disciplines: art education, art history, media arts, and studio art and design. The school, which is accredited with NASAD and NCATE, offers BA, BFA, MA, MAT, and MFA degrees. For more information about the School of Visual Art and Design visit our website at http://artsandsciences.sc.edu/art.

The University of South Carolina is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution. Women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online via USC Jobs: http://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/175009

Review of applications will begin on November 22, 2024. Inquiries about this position may be directed to the Chair of the search committee, Prof. Northrop Davis, DAVISNF@mailbox.sc.edu

1. A cover letter that describes research and teaching expertise and interests
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Portfolio of animation production and work samples with brief narrative that clearly describe the applicant’s contributions. The portfolio may be provided either as a URL link to a website or online file. If a password is needed to view, please remember to include it.
4. Names and contact information for 3 professional references, including current email address. Letters will be solicited from referees at the semi-finalist stage.

The faculty of the School of Visual Art and Design at the University of South Carolina, Columbia campus, invites applications for a full time, professional-track position at the rank of Instructor to begin August 16, 2025. The position is a 9-month appointment with a teaching load of 8 courses for the academic year. The instructor position is an annual appointment that may be renewed contingent upon Dean’s approval, satisfactory performance, departmental needs, and the availability of funding.

Candidates must have an MA or MFA in media production or closely related field by the start date of employment, and the potential for or a demonstrated record of excellence in teaching. We welcome applications from candidates who are interested in moving from industry to academia.

Candidates will have expertise in some combination of the following digital media technologies and their application: video production and editing, raster and vector image editing, creative coding, video game engines, 3D modeling, sound production and editing, 2D animation, and web coding. The position is focused on pedagogy at the foundational level in media arts and requires creative approaches to the teaching of foundational media production skills that are critical for student advancement in the major and for career readiness. The candidate must also be able to collaborate successfully with faculty, staff, and adjunct instructors on day–to-day operations and curriculum matters.

The successful candidate will teach a course load of 4/4 (fall/spring) with a focus on digital media arts fundamentals at the beginning and intermediate levels. There is also the opportunity to contribute to teaching at an advanced level, pending the candidate’s expertise and staffing needs of the media arts program. Research activities are not required. The faculty member will also be an active participant in faculty governance and is expected to contribute to the program and school's advancement, including contributions to new courses as the program grows.

At the University of South Carolina, we strive to cultivate an inclusive environment that is open, welcoming, and supportive of individuals of all backgrounds. We recognize diversity in our workforce is essential to providing academic excellence and critical to our sustainability. The University is committed to eliminating barriers created by institutional discrimination through accountability and continuous process improvement. We celebrate the diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences of our employees.

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

The School of Visual Art and Design employs 38 full-time faculty members who teach classes for approximately 650 majors in four disciplines: art education, art history, media arts, and studio art and design. The school, which is accredited with NASAD and NCATE, offers BA, BFA, MA, MAT, and MFA degrees. For more information about the School of Visual Art and Design visit our website at http://artsandsciences.sc.edu/art.

The University of South Carolina is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution. Women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online via USC Jobs: http://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/174998

Review of applications will begin on January 2, 2025. The position is open until filled. Inquiries about this position may be directed to the Chair of the search committee, Prof. Kelly Wolf, WOLFKM@mailbox.sc.edu

1. A cover letter that describes teaching expertise and interests
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Portfolio of digital media production and work samples with descriptions that describe the applicant’s contributions. Portfolio should be provided as a URL link to a website or online file. If a password is needed to view, please include it with the documentation.
4. Names and contact information for 3 professional references, including current email address. Letters will be solicited from referees at the semi-finalist stage.

The faculty of the School of Visual Art and Design at the University of South Carolina, Columbia campus, invites applications for a full time, professional-track position at the rank of Instructor to begin August 16, 2025. The position carries a 4/4 teaching load per academic year and is an annual 9-month renewable appointment contingent upon Dean’s approval, satisfactory performance, departmental needs, and availability of funding.

Candidates must have an MFA, MDes, or a PhD degree in graphic design, illustration or closely related field by the start date of employment, and have expertise in the discipline of graphic design, current design technology, and the ability to collaborate successfully with faculty and adjunct instructors on curriculum matters. The position focuses on design pedagogy at the beginning and intermediate levels. Research activities are not required of this position.

The successful candidate will be a designer and design educator who demonstrates a record of or the potential to: contribute thoughtfully to the school’s design curriculum; prepare students for success in their application to the BFA concentration in Graphic Design and Illustration (GD+I); engage with discourses of historical and contemporary design, as well as design methods; maintain deep connection to current pedagogical practices; demonstrate strong interest in/commitment to an academic career and coursework that fosters an inclusive, diverse, and accessible experience for all students. The successful candidate will collaborate with design faculty to teach foundational skills in graphic and digital design, including support of an annual student portfolio review for student progression into the Graphic Design and Illustration (GD+I) BFA concentration.

About the University of South Carolina

At the University of South Carolina, we strive to cultivate an inclusive environment that is open, welcoming, and supportive of individuals of all backgrounds. We recognize diversity in our workforce is essential to providing academic excellence and critical to our sustainability. The University is committed to eliminating barriers created by institutional discrimination through accountability and continuous process improvement. We celebrate the diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences of our employees.

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

The University of South Carolina is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution. Women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.

About the Graphic Design + Illustration program

The Graphic Design + Illustration (GD+I) program is a concentration of the Studio Art BFA in the School of Visual Art and Design. Students undergo a portfolio review before admission into the program, pursue internships, and have a capstone experience before graduation. Students in the program regularly win awards and recognition with the American Advertising Federation, AIGA, Creative Quarterly, and more. The GD+I program has an engaged student body and five full-time faculty who teach courses in motion, interaction, interface and experience design, augmented reality, design with AI and machine learning, product and packaging design, typography, branding, systems, traditional illustration, drawing, and digital illustration. Designers and illustrators in our program understand the objects and interactions we create are part of larger systems and that we have responsibilities as message-makers. We lead with research and data to make informed solutions. For more information about the GD+I program, please visit http://www.bit.ly/uofsc_design

About the School of Visual Art and Design

The School of Visual Art and Design, http://artsandsciences.sc.edu/art, employs 38 full-time faculty members who teach classes for approximately 650 majors in four disciplines: art education, art history, media arts, and studio art. The school, which is accredited with NASAD and NCATE, offers BA, BFA, MA, MAT, and MFA degrees. For more information about the School of Visual Art and Design visit our website at http://artsandsciences.sc.edu/art.

How to apply:

Applications must be submitted online via USC Jobs: https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/166065

Review of applications will begin on January 2, 2025. The position is open until filled. Inquiries about this position may be directed to the Chair of the search committee, Prof. Meena Khalili: MKHALILI@mailbox.sc.edu

Completed applications will include:

• A letter of application
• CV that includes URLs to relevant design artwork and/or design publication, and list of college level courses taught
• At least five samples of student design work (PDF format or URL link), unless the applicant is seeking to transition from an industry career into academia
• Sample syllabi developed and taught by the candidate, unless the applicant is seeking to transition from an industry career into academia

Names and contact information for three references; the search committee will request letters from referees of candidates who are selected as finalists. Reference letters must be signed and on letterhead.

The faculty of the School of Visual Art and Design at the University of South Carolina, Columbia campus, invites applications for a full time, professional-track instructor position at the rank of Instructor to begin August 16, 2025. The position is a 9 month appointment with a teaching load of 8 courses for the academic year. An additional administrative appointment opportunity with this position may extend the position to an 11-month appointment and a 3/3/1 load with the inclusion of responsibilities to manage the Design Studio and the Design Print Lab. The instructor position and the administrative appointment are annual appointments that may be renewed contingent upon Dean’s approval, satisfactory performance, departmental needs, and the availability of funding.

Candidates must have an MFA or MDES in design or a PhD degree in design or terminal degree in a closely related field by the start date of employment. Applicants must have expertise in graphic design, current design technologies, and the ability to collaborate successfully with faculty, adjunct instructors, and graduate students on curriculum matters.

The successful candidate will lead and support the expansion of the award-winning Graphic Design and Illustration (GD+I) BFA program through teaching, mentorship, and service. The position requires teaching courses across the design curriculum, mentoring students, and leading The Design Studio, a public facing, student-run studio housed in the School of Visual Art and Design. The Design Studio is an experiential learning capstone experience for BFA design students; students work with local, regional and national clients to develop strategy-based branding and marketing materials. Additional courses taught by this position include introductory courses in design technology foundations and typographic design. New courses in entrepreneurship and business strategies for creatives could also be developed.

At the University of South Carolina, we strive to cultivate an inclusive environment that is open, welcoming, and supportive of individuals of all backgrounds. We recognize diversity in our workforce is essential to providing academic excellence and critical to our sustainability. The University is committed to eliminating barriers created by institutional discrimination through accountability and continuous process improvement. We celebrate the diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences of our employees.

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

The University of South Carolina is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution. Women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.

About the Graphic Design + Illustration program

The Graphic Design + Illustration (GD+I) program is a concentration of the Studio Art BFA in the School of Visual Art and Design. Students undergo a portfolio review before admission into the program, pursue internships, and have a capstone experience before graduation. Students in the program regularly win awards and recognition with the American Advertising Federation, AIGA, Creative Quarterly, and more. The GD+I program has an engaged student body and five full-time faculty who teach courses in motion, interaction, interface and experience design, augmented reality, design with AI and machine learning, product and packaging design, typography, branding, systems, traditional illustration, drawing, and digital illustration. Designers and illustrators in our program understand the objects and interactions we create are part of larger systems and that we have responsibilities as message-makers. We lead with research and data to make informed solutions. For more information about the GD+I program, please visit http://www.bit.ly/uofsc_design

About the School of Visual Art and Design

The School of Visual Art and Design, http://artsandsciences.sc.edu/art, employs 38 full-time faculty members who teach classes for approximately 650 majors in four disciplines: art education, art history, media arts, and studio art. The school, which is accredited with NASAD and NCATE, offers BA, BFA, MA, MAT, and MFA degrees. For more information about the School of Visual Art and Design visit our website at http://artsandsciences.sc.edu/art.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online via USC Jobs: https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/175215

Review of applications will begin on January 3, 2025. This position is open until filled.

Inquiries about this position may be directed to the search committee chair, Prof. Marius Valdes, valdesm@mailbox.sc.edu

Completed applications will include:  

• A letter of application
• CV that includes URLs to relevant design artwork and/or design publication, and list of college level courses taught (if applicable)
• Sample syllabi developed and taught by the candidate, unless the applicant is seeking to transition from an industry career into academia
• At least five samples of student design work (PDF format or URL link), unless the applicant is seeking to transition from an industry career into academia
• A statement describing the candidate’s commitment to teaching and mentoring
• Names and contact information for three references. The search committee will request letters from referees of candidates who are selected as finalists. Reference letters must be signed and on letterhead.