The University of New Mexico (UNM) invites applications for an Assistant Professor or open rank, tenure-track position in the Honors College in Art (visual arts, performing arts, design or digital media) or in Interdisciplinary Studies with a strong emphasis in Art. The Honors College offers interdisciplinary degrees and special academic opportunities to high-achieving, highly motivated students from all UNM colleges and schools. Our undergraduate-only curriculum provides our students with skills in the following program objectives: effective written and oral communication; analysis of primary works and materials; and application of research methodologies from two or more disciplines to present arguments and address problems. With this position, we intend to enhance the Honors College’s existing interdisciplinary strengths by expanding its curriculum in the arts. Faculty members are expected to: teach a minimum of two different courses each semester in the Honors College; mentor Honors College students; produce and disseminate creative or research scholarship in their field; and participate in a wide range of other college service activities.
Candidates for this position are expected to have experience teaching in a seminar style, using student-centered or active learning approaches in classroom settings, and be able to incorporate into their courses the Honors College program objectives listed above. We are particularly interested in applicants who are comfortable producing original creative work in their field and investigating works by others through historical, cultural, or global contexts in academic settings. Successful applicants will be able to teach a variety of art courses in experiential, hands-on practice creating art and in broader explorations of art within society. We especially seek faculty with innovative ideas and strong mentorship skills who are engaged in creative, experimental teaching and scholarship that will expand the college’s interdisciplinary mission. Ideal candidates will be artists and designers in all disciplines who seek a career in a broadly interdisciplinary environment and who have a demonstrated record of success as an artist in their field, effective undergraduate teaching, and strong work in interdisciplinary scholarship, teaching, or service. Because the Honors College at UNM is strongly committed to a broadly diverse educational environment that fosters multicultural skills, we are especially interested in candidates who can contribute to diversity through their teaching, research and service.
Minimum Qualifications
To be considered, all applicants must have:
1) A Ph.D. or terminal degree (M.F.A, M.Arch., etc.) in an Art field (visual arts, performing arts, design or digital arts) or Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary or Integrative Studies, with substantial professional work in at least one Art field;
2) Degree in hand at the time of application;
3) At least two years of teaching at the college/university level;
4) Experience with interdisciplinary teaching, scholarship or program development;
5) Experience with cross-cultural, multicultural, international or global content or perspectives in teaching, scholarship or program development; and
6) Record of professional creative or scholarly publications, exhibitions, or performances.
Preferred Qualifications
Strongest consideration will be given to applicants with the following qualifications:
• More than two years demonstrated excellence in teaching seminar-style courses at the college/university level;
• Demonstrated excellence in interdisciplinary teaching, scholarship or program development;
• Demonstrated excellence with cross-cultural, multicultural, international or global content or perspectives in teaching, scholarship or program development;
• Demonstrated excellence in creative or scholarly publications, exhibitions or performances;
• Experience in an Honors program or college;
• Experience teaching, directing or developing international or study abroad programs;
• Experience teaching, developing or leading experiential, field-based, service learning or community/regional programs;
• Use of digital media or new media in teaching, creative work or scholarship;
• Successful grants or other external funding;
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collegial environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and student success, as well as working with broadly diverse communities.
Application Requirements
For best consideration, applications must be submitted on or before November 16, 2014. Position will remain open until filled.
Applications must include:
1) A letter of interest that addresses the applicant’s qualifications, with specific attention to interdisciplinary work and teaching experience;
2) An up-to-date curriculum vitae;
3) A portfolio (in PDF format) not to exceed 20 pages total that includes: 3-8 samples of creative works, 1 syllabus, 2-3 handouts or assignments, teaching/student evaluation summaries from 2 courses taught (preferably the most recent), and 2 potential Honors College course descriptions (see examples at http://honors.unm.edu/current_courses.php and http://honors.unm.edu/course_catalog.php); and
4) A list of 4 references with complete contact information, at least 2 of which will be able to submit confidential letters of recommendation within a short timeframe upon request by the Search Committee.
To apply, visit http://unmjobs.unm.edu and reference Posting Number 0827475. All application materials must be submitted as PDF attachments to the UNM Jobs application; faxes, hard copies, or emailed materials will not be accepted. Queries may be directed to: Dr. Leslie Donovan, Honors College Faculty and Search Committee Chair, ldonovan@unm.edu, or Dr. Ursula Shepherd, Honors College Associate Dean, ursula@unm.edu; phone: (505) 277-4211.
Salary and Appointment Status
Salary range is commensurate with qualifications and experience appropriate to rank. The position is available beginning August 10, 2015. The University of New Mexico is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and educator committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. UNM is a Department of Education Minority Serving Institution.
