Tenure-Track, Assistant Professor of Art- Photography and Video Arts

Position Overview

The Department of Art at The University of the South seeks applications for an Assistant Professor of Art on the tenure track with a specialization in Photography and Video Arts to begin July 1, 2027

Position Appointment Details:

• Faculty
• Art Department
• Tenure-Track

Position Description

The Department of Art at the University of the South invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in Photography and Video Arts. We seek a dynamic artist-educator working in lens-based media to lead our Photography program and teach and mentor students in a collaborative, close-knit liberal arts environment. The successful candidate will bring both contemporary technical expertise and critical engagement with the field, and will demonstrate a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching across a multidisciplinary curriculum. Our department maintains a strong commitment to wet lab photography, and our newly renovated darkroom stands as a cornerstone of our program. The successful candidate will manage this facility and must bring a genuine commitment to analog photographic processes and darkroom instruction.

Teaching responsibilities include courses in photography and video arts for majors and non-majors, as well as broader departmental engagement through senior seminars, student critiques, exhibitions, and individualized mentorship in artistic development and career planning. This position carries a 3/2 teaching load.

Departmental service includes managing and maintaining all photography and video facilities and equipment, participating in department meetings, assisting with exhibitions and events, and contributing to a vibrant artistic community on campus. The successful candidate will maintain regular office hours, provide academic and professional mentorship, support student participation in exhibitions and professional opportunities, and attend the annual art major regional excursion.

Attributes of a Successful Candidate

Required Qualifications

• MFA in Photography, Video Art, New Media, or a closely related field
• Minimum of two years of teaching experience beyond the graduate level
• Active exhibition record demonstrating a trajectory of increasing recognition
• Experience managing both analog and digital photography labs
• Proficiency in video production, editing, and post-production
• Advanced knowledge of digital photography workflows and software, including Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Lightroom, Premiere Pro or equivalent)
• Demonstrated excellence in undergraduate instruction and student engagement

• Knowledge of contemporary art theory and criticism
• Commitment to foundational instruction in photography and video for both majors and non-majors
• Fluency in additional digital media technologies

Supplemental Information

Application Requirements

Initial Application

1. Cover letter addressing teaching, creative practice, service engagement, and interest in the position

2. Curriculum vitae

3. Teaching portfolio with 15–20 examples of student work (include titles, dates, media, sizes, and brief descriptions)

4. Creative portfolio with 15–20 examples of recent work in photography and/or video (include titles, dates, media, sizes, and brief descriptions)

5. Artist statement describing current creative practice and research interests

Semi-Finalist Stage (by invitation)

1. Statement of teaching philosophy

2. Course syllabi and sample assignments

3. Three professional references familiar with both teaching and creative work

Optional Materials

• Links to online portfolios or professional websites

• Examples of curriculum development or innovative teaching practices

Application Deadline: November 30, 2026

Applications should be submitted electronically through NeoEd. Late applications may be considered until the position is filled. Interviews will be conducted via Zoom.

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The University of the South, familiarly known as “Sewanee,” is home to a nationally recognized College of Arts and Sciences and a School of Theology. Sewanee is distinguished by its dedication to cultivate academic excellence, community values, and environmental stewardship that produces informed, self-aware, and participatory citizens for our democracy and servant-leaders for the world. Nestled on 13,000 acres atop Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau, the University offers both a uniquely beautiful setting and convenient access to nearby cities—Chattanooga, Nashville, and Huntsville. The University is affiliated with the Episcopal Church and seeks to be a place where individuals from a variety of backgrounds and experiences find support, opportunity, and purpose.

Support in the Hiring Process
If you have questions about a position or need assistance filing an application, or if you are a person with a disability and would like to request an accommodation in the application and interview process, please contact Human Resources at 931.598.1381 or hr@sewanee.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of the South is an equal-opportunity institution, dedicated to treating all applicants fairly and fostering a welcoming environment for employees and students alike.

University Benefits