Assistant Professor of Art Education

About Western Kentucky University:

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is a student-centered, applied-research institution committed to providing its students with a transformative academic and social experience and to elevating its surrounding communities. Founded in 1906, WKU is the third largest public four-year institution in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with approximately 16,293 students and nearly 2,612 faculty and staff employees.  
 
Western Kentucky University is committed to empowering its campus community. At the heart of our mission, we seek to provide holistic education and employment experiences that prepare students, faculty, and staff to become effective scholars, contributors, and leaders in our ever-evolving communities.  
 
Located 65 miles north of Nashville, TN, and just over 100 miles south of Louisville, KY, WKU's main campus is in Bowling Green, KY - a city with approximately 70,000 residents. Our population is ethnically diverse, with more than 85 languages spoken in and around Bowling Green, and people from 35 nationalities call our community home.  
 
Western Kentucky University seeks to attract talented faculty and staff who are inspired individually to contribute to WKU's strategic plans and ongoing success. We offer comprehensive wellness and health benefits to employees and their families, including domestic partners and other qualified dependents and take pride in providing a workplace culture that supports balancing the responsibilities of work and family life. Paid-time off for holidays, vacation and sick leave, and a tuition discount program for employees and dependents are also provided. Learn more about WKU and Bowling Green at wku.edu/about.

Job Description:

Western Kentucky University seeks applications for a full-time, nine-month, tenure-eligible faculty appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor of Art Education to begin in the Fall of 2026.  We seek a dynamic educator and scholar committed to teaching, research, and service. The successful applicant will coordinate and promote our NASAD and CAEP certified Bachelor of Arts Program in Art Education, place and supervise student teachers, and offer a range of relevant courses (introductory to advanced) that reflect an active engagement in contemporary practices and pedagogies in visual art education.

Key Responsibilities:

• Teach undergraduate courses in art education, including methods, curriculum development, and foundations.
• Provide academic advising and career mentorship to art education majors.
• Supervise pre-service art teachers during field placements and student teaching.
• Maintain an active research and/or creative agenda in the field of art education.
• Contribute to departmental, college, and university service.
• Lead the ongoing development and assessment of the art education program.
• Engage in community outreach and networking.
   

Requirements:

• A terminal degree in Art Education or a related field (ABD considered with expected completion by start date).
• Demonstrated potential for scholarly research or creative activity in art education.
• Teaching experience in higher education and/or P-12 schools.

Additional Information:

Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices.

Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify the office of Institutional Equity. To request an accommodation, report a complaint, or ask questions regarding WKU's Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040), please contact Ms. Ena Demir, Executive Director/Title IX Coordinator via email at ena.demir@wku.edu or by phone at (270) 745-6867. Ms. Demir is also responsible for coordinating the University's response to complaints related to sex and gender harassment. Additional information regarding Title IX is accessible via WKU's https://www.wku.edu/titleix/ website.

Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at: http://www.wku.edu/atwku/academics.php

For information related to job postings, please email employment@wku.edu.

Application Instructions:

The following items must be submitted through this electronic talent management system by November 24, 2025, although expressions of interest may be considered until the position is filled:

• Cover letter addressing qualifications and interest in the position
• Curriculum Vita that includes details of teaching experience, departmental and disciplinary service (if applicable), and professional work
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy
• Statement about scholarly research and/or creative work
• Portfolio of professional work that provides appropriate evidence of scholarly research and/or creative activity via a working link.
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness appropriate to the field and your experience, e.g. samples of student assignments, student work samples, student writing samples, etc. via a working link.
• Unofficial Transcripts

Names and contact information of three reference providers will be collected during the application process. Reference letters will be requested by the Search Committee through an online process at a later date.

You will receive email confirmation once you have successfully completed the application process.

 Quicklink to apply: https://wku.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp;jsessionid=7E1947DE0BF93BA21EC22BD28FAF1CEA?JOBID=193988