Visiting Assistant Professor of Graphic Design

University of Missouri-Columbia
College of Arts and Science
School of Visual Studies

The University of Missouri, Columbia is seeking a Full-time Visiting Assistant Professor, 9-month appointment, non-tenure track position in the School of Visual Studies, College of Arts & Science, with the potential for renewal. The ideal candidate will be able to teach 6 courses per academic year (3 courses per semester) using in-person and online modalities. Courses will include: Intro to Typography, Design Methods & Production, History of Graphic Design and/or Corporate Identity and Branding.

Teaching faculty will work with the SVS Director and Graphic Design program Coordinator to teach Graphic Design courses with a focus on engaging, educating, and mentoring a diverse group of learners, which includes creating high-impact opportunities such as sponsoring student research or internships, developing collaborative teaching opportunities with other disciplines, and using innovative pedagogies. Teaching in SVS also requires mentoring students as appropriate in academic, research and professional development to support student success.

The School of Visual Studies service expectations include participation in recruitment and retention efforts, serving on program, school or college committees as appropriate, and participation in professional academic organizations outside the University, including professional and community-based groups that advance SVS's goals of student success. The ideal candidate will strengthen collaborations with local and national design companies and organizations for the BFA in Graphic Design program.

About the Graphic Design Program:
MU's Graphic Design program is a distinct area within the School of Visual Studies. Our graduates are hired into jobs from coast to coast in all areas of design. From MCA records in Los Angeles to Cosmopolitan Magazine in NYC, from Hallmark cards to Nestle Purina, they are making their mark in the world of design. Our alums have won Grammys, Emmys, Addys, have been featured on TheDieline and the Today Show, and won many other awards for design. They are entrepreneurs starting businesses small and large, from design studios to hand lettering businesses, freelance design to international companies selling all over the globe.

About the School of Visual Studies:
The School of Visual Studies, including degree programs in Art, Art History, Digital Storytelling, Film Studies and Film Production, and Graphic Design, resides in the College of Arts & Science, and was launched in 2017 to create a collaborative, interdisciplinary, cutting-edge education that reflects 21st century studio practice and visual culture. SVS offers Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Master of Arts (MA), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees within the five programs. SVS is also home to the George Caleb Bingham Gallery featuring exhibitions by visiting artists, faculty and students.

Minimum Qualifications:

• MFA, or equivalent terminal degree in Studio Art, Design, or related field OR related BFA with ten+ years of experience at time of appointment
• Documented record of two or more years of teaching.

Candidates will be evaluated on:

1. Experience, especially beyond graduate teaching assistantships, in teaching introductory and advanced level Graphic Design courses.
2. Experience with a variety of teaching strategies and modalities, including online teaching.
3. Demonstrated ability to work well with other faculty and students on collaborative projects.
4. Demonstrated evidence of engaging, educating, and mentoring earners.
   

Please apply online at: https://hr.missouri.edu/job-openings (Job Opening ID 59352). Use the online application and be prepared to upload your:

1. Cover letter that clearly outlines key interests and qualifications and addresses the application evaluation points noted above.
2. Current, comprehensive CV, including list of courses taught.
3. Professional statement that includes your teaching philosophy and discusses your professional experiences and expertise, linking them to how they might relate to teaching and engagement with university students. This should also include:

• Links to samples of relevant creative design work
• Links to samples of students' work.

4. Two examples of Graphic Design-related course syllabi.

5. List of three references with email address, affiliation, and reason for including.

Applicants may contact the Chair of the Search Committee Applicants may contact the Co-Chairs of the Search Committee, Ric Wilson (wilsonra@missouri.edu) or Deborah Huelsbergen (huelsbergend@missouri.edu) with any questions about the job duties. Contact Sonam Patel (sonam.patel@missouri.edu) for any questions about the application process. Review of applications will begin on May 11, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. Early applications will be given preference. Interviews will be conducted via Zoom.

Visa Sponsorship Information:

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The University will not sponsor applicants for this position for employment visas.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.