Visiting Assistant Professor or Instructor of Fiber Arts

About Augustana College:

Augustana College is a selective liberal arts and sciences college of 2,500 students, including 22 percent first generation college students, 22 percent Pell Grant students, 23 percent students of color, and 17 percent international students.  Our beautifully wooded and largely residential campus is located in Rock Island, IL, a diverse Illinois-Iowa Quad Cities metropolitan area along the Mississippi River with 400,000 residents less than three hours west of Chicago. 

Strengthening our diverse and inclusive community is central to the college's mission and strategic plan. We seek applicants with an interest in fostering rigorous, inclusive, and high-impact learning environments for a diverse student body. Details about Augustana College, faculty life, and the Quad Cities all are available at Teaching at Augustana .   

Job Description:

Augustana College, Rock Island, Illinois, invites applications for a visiting assistant professor or instructor position for fiber arts and sculpture beginning in August of the 2024-2025 academic year, with possible renewal upon mutual agreement for the 2025-2026 academic year.

The candidate is expected to have expertise in fiber art and 3D sculpture but strong preference will be given to individuals with research and teaching background that can connect fiber/studio arts to urgent and contemporary social issues like environmental concerns. The teaching load is typically six courses per academic year. We welcome applications from candidates who examine fiber arts from the perspectives of underrepresented communities, including, but not limited to, the following communities: Latinx, African-American, Native American, and LGBTQI+. Experience with digital looms, screen printing, book arts, and other fabrication techniques is preferred but not required. It is desirable for candidates to have a strong understanding of the interdisciplinary potential of studio arts and demonstrated ability to connect historical context to modern studio practice in a way that students can both understand and see as relevant to our contemporary moment.   

The candidate will join the art department which comprises four programs: studio art, art history, art education and graphic design. While teaching responsibilities will be concentrated in the studio art program,  interdisciplinary interests beyond fiber arts are welcomed including departmental and college programs such as Graphic Design, Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGWSS), Environmental Studies, and more.

Appointment will be at the rank of visiting instructor or visiting assistant professor, depending on whether a terminal degree is completed. 

We require no research or campus service in this position. Visiting faculty are welcome to be involved in the life of the department and college beyond their teaching. All faculty at Augustana are invited to engage in professional development and mentoring opportunities consistent with their needs throughout their appointment at the college.

Requirements:

Preference will be given to candidates who will have completed their MFA by the time of appointment. Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate teaching effectiveness, a commitment  to fostering equity and inclusion,  interdisciplinary collaboration, and value the development of broadly educated persons.  

Additional Information:

Augustana College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Augustana College provides equal opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, and any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. In particular, applicants who require the H-1B visa cannot be considered, and applicants who require sponsorship for visas other than the H-1B visa will be required to pay all costs associated with visa applications. 

Application Instructions:

A complete application includes: a cover letter indicating an interest in and understanding of teaching in a liberal arts setting, curriculum vitae, copy of graduate transcript, and a statement of teaching philosophy. Questions may be directed to the chair of the department, Vickie R. Phipps at [email protected].  To guarantee full consideration, please submit all application materials by April 8th.