Assistant Professor of Painting and Drawing

Department

School of Visual and Performing Arts - Art and Design

Job Posting Title

Assistant Professor of Painting and Drawing, Art and Design

Job Description

Fort Hays State University’s Art and Design Program is seeking applications for a full-time, tenure-track faculty position in Painting and Drawing to begin fall 2026 (9-month contract). Art and Design seeks a candidate who is engaged in traditional and experimental explorations of painting as well as practical applications to real-world problems. The candidate is expected to provide students with inspiration, leadership, mentorship, and technical guidance. We are looking for a candidate who can foster growth in the painting and drawing concentrations. The candidate should be able to adapt to new developments in the field and incorporate them into interdisciplinary teaching and practice. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• MFA degree in painting or a related area (must be completed by August 1, 2026).
• Professional portfolio demonstrating creative achievement in painting, as well as excellence in writing and collaboration.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum teaching experience of two years (graduate teaching assistantship is acceptable); additional weight assigned to those with experience beyond graduate school.
• Evidence of innovative teaching strategies in painting and drawing with a focus on, but not limited to, oil, acrylic, watercolor, pencil, charcoal, color theory, digital, and emerging technologies.
• Experience using or teaching industry-standard design software such as Adobe Creative Suite and Procreate.
• Membership in professional art organizations.
• Documented record of exhibitions at the national level. 
• Evidence of interdisciplinary cooperation.
• Evidence of collaboration with a broad range of students, faculty, and staff, and incorporation of multiple perspectives within the curriculum.

Responsibilities: 

• Teach 12 credit hours per semester (4/4 load) of introductory and advanced painting courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Teach supplemental classes in drawing and foundations courses.
• Participate in recruitment efforts.
• Mentor undergraduate drawing and painting students, and advise and mentor graduate-level drawing and painting students.
• Maintain painting equipment and resources.
• Perform departmental and university service and maintain an active scholarly/creative activity agenda: 60% Teaching, 20% Service, and 20% Scholarship/Research.
• Demonstrate collegiality, professionalism, and a strong commitment to teaching excellence and the University’s mission.

Rank: Assistant Professor of Painting and Drawing, Tenure-Track
 

Appointment Date: August 2026

Salary: Commensurate with education and experience.

Benefits: To review our competitive benefit package, please visit FHSU Benefits.

Application Deadline: Priority deadline for review is November 3, 2025.

Application Process: To apply for this position, please visit FHSU Careers. Only electronic applications submitted through the webpage will be accepted.

Required Application Documents:

Applicant documents must be submitted in one PDF.

• Cover letter.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Statement of teaching philosophy.
• A portfolio containing 20 images of personal research or professional work (the portfolio can be in the form of a PDF or a website).
• 10-20 images of student work that display evidence of teaching effectiveness.
• Copies of unofficial university transcripts showing graduate coursework. If the MFA has not been completed at the time of application, documentation stating the date of completion is required, along with a letter from the applicant’s academic advisor.
• Names and contact information for three professional references. 

About the Program:
The Art and Design Program is housed within the School of Visual and Performing Arts at Fort Hays State University. With a state-of-the-art facility and art gallery, which opened in 2019, the 47,000+ square foot art facility, along with the newly constructed 8,000+ square foot sculpture facility, is equipped with the latest technology and innovation in studio and design, allowing for future growth and opportunities.
 

The Art and Design Program offers a Bachelor of Arts in Art History, Art Education, or Studio Art, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts with seven concentrations: Graphic Design, Motion Design and Animation, Interior Design, Photography, Studio Art (Drawing and Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture, and Ceramics), and Community Engaged Art. Our innovative Master of Fine Arts program allows students to enroll year-round or as a low-residency program in some of the programs. The program also offers a Master of Liberal Studies with a concentration in Art History. In addition, the Art and Design Program offers courses in the general education program, including Approaches to Creativity, Fundamentals and Appreciation of Art, and Survey of Art History. Art and Design students at Fort Hays State University are part of a vibrant community of student and faculty artists who enjoy producing their own artwork and collaborating on group projects. They work closely with mentor professors, who guide hands-on learning experiences and help develop students’ talents and gain confidence as an artist, designer or arts educator. For more information about the department, please visit http://www.fhsu.edu/art-and-design/.

School of Visual and Performing Arts Mission Statement

The School of Visual and Performing Arts is a vibrant and diverse artistic community that fosters and inspires the creative potential of students, cultivating their artistic visions for the future as they prepare for meaningful and successful lives in the arts. We promote and respect creativity, expression, and diversity in all its forms.  

School of Visual and Performing Arts Vision Statement

The School of Visual and Performing Arts is dedicated to advancing human creativity and inspiring students to be change-makers within their communities. 

If you have questions regarding the position, please contact:

Thomas Giebler

[email protected]

Community of Hays

FHSU is located in Hays, a vibrant college town of approximately 20,000, located halfway between Kansas City and Denver on Interstate 70. Hays is the regional center for education, health care, professional services, shopping, culture, and recreation for the western half of Kansas. The community boasts excellent recreational programs and facilities, including the comprehensive Center for Health Improvement, Hays Aquatic Park, Smoky Hill Country Club, Hays Municipal Golf Course, and extensive walking, running, and biking trails. Hays is within 45 minutes of two large lakes that offer great opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. The Hays Municipal Airport provides connecting service to Denver with several flights daily. The Hays community is home to excellent Pre-K and K-12, public and private schools. With over 60 restaurants, major retail outlets, a low unemployment rate, and very short commute times, the city provides a safe, welcoming, low-cost, high-quality living environment for the residents who call "Hays, America" home.

Notice of Non-discrimination – Fort Hays State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, religion, national origin, color, age, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability or veteran status.

Background Check: Final candidate will have consented to and successfully completed a criminal background check.

Notice to KPERS retirees applying for a position: Recent legislation changes working-after-retirement rules for both you and your employer if you go back to work for a KPERS employer. Please contact your KPERS representative or www.kpers.org for further information on how this might affect you.