Assistant Professor of Studio Art (Photography)

Assistant Professor of Studio Art (Photography), position #6574

Division of Art at SMU, Meadows School of the Arts

The Division of Art at SMU, Meadows School of the Arts invites nominations and applications in photography, for an opportunity to be involved in the shaping of a dynamic interdisciplinary curriculum in Art. The candidate selected will be expected to be a significant partner in connecting the Division to an increasingly diverse and globally-connected community at the university and in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.

As a faculty committed to interdisciplinary dialogue, we are interested in an artist and educator working dynamically within photography and its position within contemporary art. Teaching responsibilities will include introductory and advanced courses.  Other responsibilities include graduate teaching and advising the Division of Art’s technician to support and maintain photography labs as well as related equipment and facilities.

Minimum qualifications

  • An MFA or equivalent in art
  • An active professional practice within the field of photography
  • Proficiency in both black and white darkroom techniques and digital photographic processes
  • An understanding of contemporary art and the theory and history of photography
  • One year full-time teaching at university level  

Preferred qualifications:

  • Two years full-time teaching at university level
  • A demonstration of an artistic practice and/or teaching that can integrate photography with the broad practices of contemporary art.

Applications must include:

  • Letter of application highlighting the candidate’s accomplishments
  • Artist statement describing the artist’s work in relation to historical and contemporary photographic practices.
  • Teaching statement
  • CV
  • Name and contact information of three references
  • 20 work samples

Applications must be submitted via Slideroom at the following link: https://smu.slideroom.com/#/permalink/program/45165  and are due by January 15, 2019. The committee will continue to accept applications until the position is filled. Hiring is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background check. Start Date: August 2019.

The Division of Art provides a challenging environment for the study of studio art within a multi-faceted arts school at a major liberal arts university. We offer a B.F.A. and B.A. in studio art. We also offer a unique relationship with the Center for Creative Computing and the Guildhall, SMU's school of video game development. Each of our undergraduate degrees is based in an innovative program of Foundation studies which develops experiences in ways of seeing, ways of making, and ways of thinking. We place equal emphasis on the development of our students’ formal, conceptual and critical knowledge. Through studies in art history, critical seminars and directed tutorials, students develop their awareness of the context of art today and its future possibilities. Students are encouraged to work across media and in ways that integrate with other studies. Each degree culminates in a focused concentration, based in intensive work and critical discussion.

The Meadows School of the Arts, formally established in 1969 at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, is one of the foremost arts education institutions in the United States. The Meadows School offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in advertising, art, art history, arts management and arts entrepreneurship, communication studies, creative computation, dance, film and media arts, journalism, music and theatre. The goal of the Meadows School of the Arts, as a comprehensive educational institution, is to prepare students to meet the demands of professional careers. The Meadows School is a leader in developing innovative outreach and community engagement programs, challenging its students to make a difference locally and globally by developing connections between art, entrepreneurship and change. The Meadows School of the Arts is also a convener for the arts in North Texas, serving as a catalyst for new collaborations and providing critical industry research.

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.