What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Professor (tenure-track) - Interior Design position at Western Carolina University?
The primary location of this position is on the main Cullowhee, NC campus.
Due to the tremendous growth of the program, the School of Art and Design at Western Carolina University is seeking to fill the newly established position of Assistant Professor for a full time, nine-month, tenure track position in the Interior Design Program. Anticipated begin date of January 1, 2027 (with the possibility of August 2027).
Due to the tremendous growth of the program, the School of Art and Design at Western Carolina University is seeking to fill the newly established position of Assistant Professor for a full time, nine-month, tenure track position in the Interior Design Program. Anticipated begin date of January 1, 2027 (with the possibility of August 2027).
Western Carolina University is nestled in the picturesque Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina, and only 45 minutes from Asheville, one of the premier creative and cultural centers in the southeast. Currently, the Interior Design Program at WCU has 115 majors, a private program office and dedicated studio classrooms, with four existing faculty members and two adjunct faculty. Responsibilities will include scholarly activities, and teaching undergraduate level studio/ lecture courses, with a teaching load of 3 classes in the fall semester and 3 classes during the spring semester (3/3). Additionally, participation in service and faculty activities within the Interior Design Program, the school, college and university level are required. Activities may include, but are not limited to, curriculum development, recruitment and retention of students, adherence with CIDA and NASAD guidelines, and student advising.
The Interior Design Program in the School of Art & Design is dynamic, cohesive, interactive and continually evolving. Both the College and the Interior Design Program pursue an innovative curriculum that aims to simultaneously develop disciplinary knowledge, establish scholarship, as well as integrate skills and core topics essential for the professional practice of interior design. The Interior Design Program is CIDA and NASAD accredited.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position
Applicants should have expertise in one or more of the following areas:
- Design fundamentals
- CADD/ REVIT technical expertise
- Construction documents
- Building systems
- Human factors
- Commercial design
Minimum Qualifications
- MFA, Master of Arts or Master of Science in Interior Design, Master of Arts or Master of Science in Sustainable Architecture, Master of Architecture, or related terminal design degree earned by the start date
- NCIDQ certification or eligibility to take the NCIDQ examination
- Proficiency in Revit
- Evidence of successful scholarship, teaching and/or professional practice
Preferred Qualifications
- Proficiency in AutoCAD Architecture and Adobe Creative Suite
- Experience in professional practice and teaching
- Versed in the discipline of Interior Design
- LEED, NCARB, and/or CKD/CBD certification
- Familiarity with CIDA accreditation guidelines and processes
- Current and active professional Interior Design practice and/or other creative activities
Position Type
Permanent Full-Time
Number of Hours Per Week
40
Number of Months Per Year
9
Posting Text
Open Date
04/21/2026
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.
Please include the following:
- Letter of application
- Curriculum vitae
- A statement outlining professional experience, proficiency in design technologies, and teaching philosophy
- Contact information for three professional references
- E-Portfolio (of professional projects and student work from courses taught) or a link to portfolio webpage
- Unofficial transcripts showing degree conferral dates for all degrees at the master’s degree level and higher*
For questions or additional information please contact Shelby Hicks at sshicks@email.wcu.edu
- All applicants are required to submit an unofficial transcript of their highest attained degree, showing all completed coursework and the date the degree was conferred. The transcript must state Degree Awarded, Degree Conferred or a similar phrase. For candidates who are ABD, please submit your most recent doctoral program transcript along with your master’s degree transcript, if you hold such a degree. The master’s degree transcript must have a notation such as Degree Awarded, Degree Conferred or similar phrase, to verify it as your highest completed degree.
Background/E-Verify
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.
Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
Credential Verification
All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.
EOE
Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.
University Safety
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.
Benefits:
Retirement Plan, Vacation & Paid Time Off, Dental Insurance