What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lecturer- Graphic Design, Fall 2026 position at Inside Higher Ed?
Location:
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Open Date
Oct 17, 2025
Description
The University of Tennessee School of Design is seeking a full-time non-tenure-track faculty member at the rank of Lecturer to teach in the BFA in Graphic Design program beginning August 01, 2026. This is an in-person, salaried, 9-month position based in Knoxville, Tennessee. We value teaching as a creative act, and seek a colleague committed to pedagogy, innovation, faculty collaboration, and studio culture. We are focused on expanding access to and fostering the impact of design education.
Lecturer In Graphic Design, Job Duties & Responsibilities
The successful candidate will join Graphic Design colleagues as part of a progressive education environment. With a teaching load of three courses per semester, this individual will contribute to the continued growth and development of the undergraduate curriculum. The candidate must demonstrate the ability to teach across all levels in the undergraduate program, including design foundations and upper-level Graphic Design courses. Preference will be given to candidates who thoughtfully integrate emerging technologies — such as UX/UI, generative AI, motion design, prototyping, AR and VR, and/or creative coding— into their pedagogy. This position has a service component, which can be filled by participation in the governance and operation of the School of Design and the College of Architecture and Design.
The School of Design is committed to fostering an environment of faculty growth. Multi-year contracts and an articulated pathway for promotion are available within non-tenure-track ranks. Opportunities exist for non-tenure-track faculty to apply for funding to pursue professional development and project development.
About The School Of Design
The School of Design, situated within the College of Architecture and Design, encompasses a dynamic academic environment, alongside the Schools of Architecture, Interior Architecture, and Landscape Architecture. Within both the College and the School, there exists a nurturing and collaborative atmosphere that fosters faculty development, enabling designers to contribute significantly to teaching, and public engagement. Faculty are encouraged to regularly collaborate with other schools in the college to offer interdisciplinary studios, lectures and seminars.
The College of Architecture and Design is committed to staying on the leading edge of technology and innovation. Faculty have access to state-of-the-art technology and resources including the Digital Futures Lab, an AR/VR/XR design studio, and the Fab Lab, an expansive 22,000 sq ft. production facility equipped with an array of analog and digital fabrication tools. In addition, the School of Design supports a full graphic design print production lab including small- and large-scale printing and a Risograph; support for national and international student field trips and classes; and a yearly faculty stipend for supporting teaching activities in the classroom.
About The University Of Tennessee, Knoxville
As a land-grant university and as Volunteers, serving the state and nation are integral to the university’s mission. UT enrolls approximately 33,805 students at its Knoxville campus. The University culture is guided by adherence to core values that define the Volunteer spirit and include seeking knowledge, leading with innovation and integrity, advancing access and inclusion, engaging locally and globally, and embracing responsible stewardship of resources.
Qualifications
Candidates should hold a terminal degree in Graphic Design (MFA, MGD, or MDes with a design emphasis or equivalent). Professional experience in graphic design or an allied design field is desirable but not required. It is open to those with zero to five years of teaching experience. Salary and initial contract duration are commensurate with experience.
Application Instructions
Review of applications will commence January 12th and we will accept applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
The Following Materials Are Required To Apply
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the university.
Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at Equal Opportunity and Accessibility, 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, by email to eoa@utk.edu, or by phone at 865-974-2498. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, and national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), the ADA (disability), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Investigation and Resolution, 216 Business Incubator Building, E J. Chapman Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, by email to investigations@utk.edu, or by phone at 865-974-0717.
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Open Date
Oct 17, 2025
Description
The University of Tennessee School of Design is seeking a full-time non-tenure-track faculty member at the rank of Lecturer to teach in the BFA in Graphic Design program beginning August 01, 2026. This is an in-person, salaried, 9-month position based in Knoxville, Tennessee. We value teaching as a creative act, and seek a colleague committed to pedagogy, innovation, faculty collaboration, and studio culture. We are focused on expanding access to and fostering the impact of design education.
Lecturer In Graphic Design, Job Duties & Responsibilities
The successful candidate will join Graphic Design colleagues as part of a progressive education environment. With a teaching load of three courses per semester, this individual will contribute to the continued growth and development of the undergraduate curriculum. The candidate must demonstrate the ability to teach across all levels in the undergraduate program, including design foundations and upper-level Graphic Design courses. Preference will be given to candidates who thoughtfully integrate emerging technologies — such as UX/UI, generative AI, motion design, prototyping, AR and VR, and/or creative coding— into their pedagogy. This position has a service component, which can be filled by participation in the governance and operation of the School of Design and the College of Architecture and Design.
The School of Design is committed to fostering an environment of faculty growth. Multi-year contracts and an articulated pathway for promotion are available within non-tenure-track ranks. Opportunities exist for non-tenure-track faculty to apply for funding to pursue professional development and project development.
About The School Of Design
The School of Design, situated within the College of Architecture and Design, encompasses a dynamic academic environment, alongside the Schools of Architecture, Interior Architecture, and Landscape Architecture. Within both the College and the School, there exists a nurturing and collaborative atmosphere that fosters faculty development, enabling designers to contribute significantly to teaching, and public engagement. Faculty are encouraged to regularly collaborate with other schools in the college to offer interdisciplinary studios, lectures and seminars.
The College of Architecture and Design is committed to staying on the leading edge of technology and innovation. Faculty have access to state-of-the-art technology and resources including the Digital Futures Lab, an AR/VR/XR design studio, and the Fab Lab, an expansive 22,000 sq ft. production facility equipped with an array of analog and digital fabrication tools. In addition, the School of Design supports a full graphic design print production lab including small- and large-scale printing and a Risograph; support for national and international student field trips and classes; and a yearly faculty stipend for supporting teaching activities in the classroom.
About The University Of Tennessee, Knoxville
As a land-grant university and as Volunteers, serving the state and nation are integral to the university’s mission. UT enrolls approximately 33,805 students at its Knoxville campus. The University culture is guided by adherence to core values that define the Volunteer spirit and include seeking knowledge, leading with innovation and integrity, advancing access and inclusion, engaging locally and globally, and embracing responsible stewardship of resources.
Qualifications
Candidates should hold a terminal degree in Graphic Design (MFA, MGD, or MDes with a design emphasis or equivalent). Professional experience in graphic design or an allied design field is desirable but not required. It is open to those with zero to five years of teaching experience. Salary and initial contract duration are commensurate with experience.
Application Instructions
Review of applications will commence January 12th and we will accept applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
The Following Materials Are Required To Apply
- CV in PDF format
- Cover letter in PDF format, which articulates interest in the program and position relative to your experience to date and a statement of teaching values or teaching philosophy. (1-2 pages)
- Portfolio of creative work in PDF format (5 pages max)
- Portfolio of teaching work in PDF format including outlines, abstracts, or diagrams of course ideas for those with little or no teaching experience. Work that resulted in teaching as a TA or in other collaborative environments is also welcome. (5 pages max)
- Name, title, and contact info for three references in PDF formart (1page)
- Please submit application via Interfolio: https://apply.interfolio.com/176099
- Please ensure that all files are a combined size of 25MB or less (PDFs will be viewed on screen; print resolution in not necessary)
- Questions about this position can be sent to Search Committee Chair, Everett Epstein, eepstein@utk.edu
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the university.
Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at Equal Opportunity and Accessibility, 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, by email to eoa@utk.edu, or by phone at 865-974-2498. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, and national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), the ADA (disability), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Investigation and Resolution, 216 Business Incubator Building, E J. Chapman Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, by email to investigations@utk.edu, or by phone at 865-974-0717.