Visiting Assistant Professor of Art

Visiting Assistant Professor of Art

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Visiting Assistant Professor of Art.

Position Details

Location: Hattiesburg
118 College Drive
Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001
United States

Division: School of Performing and Visual Arts

Position Type: Faculty

Employment Status: Full Time

Grant Funded: No

Salary Range: 55,000.00 - 55,000.00

Pay Grade: Generic Grade

Posting Close Date: July 15, 2026

Special Instructions to Applicants

The School of Performing Arts at USM is seeking a Visiting Assistant Professor of Drawing and Painting for a 9-month position for the 2026-2027 academic year. The University of Southern Mississippi is NASAD accredited, and the Art & Design program is housed within the School of Performing and Visual Arts which maintains BA and BFA programs in Theatre, Dance, and Art and Design.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B). A completed application will include the following:

• Cover Letter
• Current CV with contact information for three references
• Artist Statement
• Teaching Philosophy
• Portfolio of twenty samples of the candidate's personal work
• Portfolio of twenty samples of student work that represent teaching areas relevant to the position, if available
• A single PDF containing sample syllabi from courses the candidate has taught that are relevant to the position, if available
• Academic Transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable until final hiring process)

Job Summary

This position is in the Art & Design program and consists of teaching studio art courses in 2D Art Foundations, Drawing and Painting. Full-Time, nine-month faculty position teaching a 3/3 course load.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

1. Teach undergraduate courses in Art including Drawing I, Drawing II, 2D Design, Color Design, Figure Drawing, upper-level Drawing and all levels of Painting, or other courses as assigned.
2. Advise and mentor undergraduate art majors.
3. Attend all faculty/staff, school, and area meetings.
4. Engage in recruitment as well as service to the program, school, and university.
5. Teach a 3/3 course load.
6. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

M.F.A. in Art with primary area of study in Drawing and Painting.

• Comprehensive knowledge and skill to teach courses in 2D design, color design and all levels of undergraduate drawing and painting, with content including but not limited to 2D composition (linear and tonal), color theory, observational drawing and painting, figure anatomy and structure, painting materials and processes, and visual form problem solving.

Preferred Qualifications

Teaching experience in higher education and an active creative research agenda is preferred.

The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success since our founding in 1910. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We're developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life.

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.