Assistant Professor of Art (Foundation)

Department Art Department Budget Title Assistant Professor Local Title Assistant Professor of Art (Foundation) Proposed Posting Date Classification Duties

The Art Department at the State University of New York at New Paltz invites applications for a full-time (10-month) tenure track Assistant Professor position with a focus on foundation level drawing, with an anticipated start date of August 2026. The Foundation Year nurtures and challenges students to ask critical questions in art, craft, and design. Focusing primarily on first year students with a range of prior art experience, the year-long program encourages them to interrogate and develop their roles as thinkers, makers, and active participants in visual culture.

We seek an artist-educator with a rich creative practice who will collaboratively shape the future of the program. The successful candidate will have the skills to teach first year Foundation courses with a focus on the field of drawing, both traditional and expanded. The Foundation Year experience provides a basis for continued study in all areas of art and design. The ability to teach courses in Color and Form is a plus. There may be occasional opportunities to teach upper division courses. The candidate will demonstrate rigor, empathy, and generosity in the classroom working with a population that is in transition from high school to college.

The successful candidate will have a thriving studio practice that informs their teaching and actively contributes to the Art Department's vibrant community culture by modeling healthy and sustainable methods in the classroom. Candidates with varied cultural backgrounds and strong qualifications to mentor and advise our diverse student population are especially encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities for tenure track faculty in the Art Department include: a 3/3 teaching load, advising and mentoring students, maintaining creative and professional activity, and participating on departmental and college-wide committees. Administrative aptitude is an asset.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• MFA or equivalent terminal degree with research focused in drawing
• University-level teaching experience beyond graduate school
• Demonstrated evidence of sustained excellence in creative work and professional activity at the national level
• Demonstrated competency teaching technical foundation-level courses
• Demonstrated evidence of expertise in a technical, theoretical, or emergent area of the field of drawing
• Demonstrated ability to foster an equitable and inclusive learning environment, particularly for those underrepresented in the field
• Strong communication, writing, and organizational skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Three (3) years full-time teaching experience
• Experience in service on departmental and college-wide committees
• Experience teaching and mentoring beginning students
• Demonstrated program leadership

Special Instructions to Applicants

Electronic submissions required. Applicants will submit the following documents in PDF format:

• Detailed cover letter that specifically addresses the required and preferred qualifications of the position, as well as how your work and pedagogy will contribute to our community
• Curriculum Vitae
• Artist Statement
• Twenty (20) images of applicant's creative work (with accompanying documentation including title, media, dimensions, year) as a single PDF
• Twenty (20) images of student work (with accompanying documentation including title, media, dimensions, year) as a single PDF
• Two (2) sample syllabi from drawing or other foundation level courses
• Names and contact information for three professional references. References will be sent a link to submit letters of recommendation once selected for an interview

Individuals with disabilities who need assistance with the application process should The Office of Human Resources, Diversity & Inclusion at (845) 257-3675. Applications accepted until position filled. Priority given to applications received before 02/06/26.

Other important information about this vacancy

This position offers full New York State benefits which are among the most comprehensive in the country; see them here: https://www.suny.edu/benefits/benefit-summaries/. The State University of New York at New Paltz is a highly selective, public University that is recognized regionally for the strength of its academic programs. It is located in the beautiful Hudson River Valley with easy access to New York City and other nearby recreational and cultural amenities.

SUNY New Paltz recognizes the unique skills, perspective, talents and passion that each employee contributes to its learning community. To work here is to accept an invitation to participate in the growth and development of all campus members\u2014students, faculty and staff. The University's commitment to inclusive excellence is an important part of our mission of public education and our culture. New Paltz continues to work on building a community that supports freedom, mutual respect, and civility. We seek others who support these values of diversity and inclusiveness and candidates of all diverse backgrounds who wish to participate in our cultural aspirations are welcome and encouraged to apply. All people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

The State University of New York at New Paltz is an AA/EOE/ADA employer.

Federal law and regulations require notice to all prospective employees regarding crimes that have occurred on campus in the current three year period. Please refer to the University Police Web site for the complete Annual Security Report (Clery Report) at SUNY New Paltz | University Police | Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports.