The School of Visual Arts (https://www.ou.edu/finearts/visual-arts) in the Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts at the University of Oklahoma invites qualified candidates to apply for a full-time, tenure track position as Assistant Professor in Visual Communication. We are seeking a designer and educator with practical experience to support the growth and development of the Visual Communication program in the school. The program emphasizes how design fundamentals, theory, and practice overlap with visual form to find applications in branding, information design, time-based, user interface and user experience design, wayfinding, with practical design experience. The area combines the study of traditional media including typography, photography, video, and animation, with the demands of a changing design landscape including generative AI. We look for this candidate to fully engage with new technology for design and imaging as it relates to design, communication, and visual problem-solving. Areas of expertise could include: graphic design fundamentals, typography, kinetic-typography, speculative design, critical technical practice, and interrogative design. The appointed faculty member will be expected to engage in academic and professional service, contribute to curriculum development, and work collaboratively with other areas of the school (Studio Art; Art, Technology, and Culture; and Art History). The faculty member will also be expected to maintain an active research agenda, consistent with their area of specialty. The 2/2 course load will encompass teaching at all levels in the program. The position, starting on August 16, 2025, offers a competitive salary, start-up funding, and research support. The University of Oklahoma (OU) is a Carnegie-R1 comprehensive public research university known for excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement, serving the educational, cultural, economic and healthcare needs of the state, region, and nation from three campuses: Norman, Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City and the Schusterman Center in Tulsa. OU enrolls over 30,000 students and has more than 2700 full-time faculty members in 21 colleges. 

The central campus and administrative offices of the University of Oklahoma are located in Norman, a city of more than 120,000 residents. Norman is often cited in “best places to live” rankings and is a culturally rich and vibrant community with outstanding schools, amenities, and a low cost of living. The state capital, Oklahoma City, is located 20 miles to the north. With over 1.35 million residents and a unique central plains heritage, the Oklahoma City metro is home to a lively array of arts, culture, dining, sports, and entertainment. 

 Required: 

• M.F.A. in Graphic Design or Master of Design in Graphic Design by the start of the appointment
• A record of professional experience in the practice of design.

Preferences (Not Required): 

• University-level teaching experience

A complete application must include: a curriculum vitae; a letter of application (cover letter) which may include a statement of teaching experience; a web portfolio of applicant and student work; and the names and contact information of three references. The search committee is co-chaired by Acting Director Dr. Alison Fields and Professor Karen Hayes-Thumann. Materials should be addressed to Acting Director Dr. Fields and submitted electronically through this website: www.interfolio.com. 

Review of completed applications will begin on January 15, 2025 and continue until the position is filled. 

Inquires should be directed to: 

Dr. Alison Fields, Acting Director, OU School of Visual Arts 

University of Oklahoma 

[email protected]