Lecturer (Art/Photography)

Position Title: Lecturer (Art/Photography)

Department: Art

Campus Location: Washburn University

Application Deadline:  Application review will begin as applications are received and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants can be assured of full consideration if submitted by: January 10, 2025.

Position Summary: Washburn University's Art Department invites applications for a Lecturer in Photography to begin August 1, 2025. This is a renewable 9-month, non-tenure track position that includes the potential for promotion to senior lecturer.

Each selected candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to pursuing teaching excellence at Washburn University, including a dedication to developing inclusive teaching practices that engage students from all backgrounds.

Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), Studio faculty in the Art Department enjoy a low student-to-faculty ratio in well-equipped studios that are robustly supported by the College, the University, and our larger Topeka community. We proudly promote the fact that we teach and support traditional darkroom photography alongside the latest in digital practices.

Washburn University is a teaching-focused, student-centered, public institution located in the metropolitan setting of Topeka that has earned national recognition for its high-impact programs for first-generation students. Washburn has a student body of over 5,500 undergraduate, graduate, and law students, many of whom are first-generation and Pell-Grant eligible. The University has created educational pathways for all students to be successful and achieve their educational goals,

Washburn is dedicated to recruiting and retaining a diverse faculty, staff, and student body and cultivating a vibrant and inclusive working environment and curriculum. We employ more than one thousand faculty and staff on our campuses throughout Topeka and strive to offer competitive wages, an excellent benefits program, and a supportive culture and a healthy work/life balance. Washburn seeks to create an environment that reflects our core values for creating positive IMPACT: inclusion, modernization, partnership, achievement, community and transformation. In 2024, Washburn was recognized as one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, according to Great Colleges to Work For® program.

Essential Functions:
• Fulfill teaching expectations associated with non-tenure-track appointment. Teach three studio courses per semester (12-hours per semester, either in-person or online, according to departmental needs) or equivalent full workload as outlined in the faculty handbook.
• Teach and develop undergraduate Photography courses as assigned and as dependent upon department needs, which may include courses in other media, foundation or capstone courses or some combination of classes consistent with the candidate’s training and interests.
• Effectively critique student art/design work, provide project mentoring to students, and thoughtfully work with faculty, students, and staff from diverse backgrounds to contribute to the growth and health of the Art Department.
• Fulfill service expectations associated with non-tenure-track appointment by engaging in service activities in the department, university, and profession.
• Maintain the Photography studio, darkroom/chemicals, and lighting studio; follow hazardous material training in order provide a safe environment.
• Perform additional job-related duties as assigned or as appropriate

Required Qualifications:
• A completed Master of Fine Arts (MFA).
• Demonstrated dedication to developing inclusive teaching practices that engage students from all backgrounds.
• Official educational transcripts required at time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Graduate training or experience appropriate to teach in both traditional darkroom/chemical processes and digital photography, including photo lighting processes, alternative photo processes, and new media.
• Graduate training or experience appropriate to teach in areas such as 2D, Graphic Design, and other foundation areas.
• Demonstrated ability to teach photography as evidenced by portfolio and/or exhibition record.
• Demonstrated experience as full-time faculty or instructor of record at the college level.

Special Instructions to Applicants: • Please upload the following items as a PDF to the “additional document” field via the electronic application: letter of application, statement of teaching philosophy, digital portfolio of 20 images of personal work, and 10 images of applicant’s students’ work. Link to personal website may be included. Contact information for three current professional references will be collected as part of the application form.
• If you have questions about the position, please contact Art Department Office Coordinator Kristina Hernandez at kristina.hernandez1@washburn.edu

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