Pedagogical Assistant Professor of Design

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:

The Department of Art & Design at WKU seeks applications for a full-time, nine-month, tenure-eligible Pedagogical Assistant Professor of Design, with an expected start date of August 2026.

WKU Art & Design is a dynamic unit spanning studio art, graphic design, animation, user experience design, art education, art history, and game design. By Fall 2026, the department will include programs in Interior Design and Fashion Studies. We seek a collegial, student-focused colleague who values collaboration and will actively contribute to the creative energy and shared mission of our department. The selected candidate will join a dedicated group of active artists, designers, and scholars who work closely to support a motivated and diverse community of students.

The ideal candidate will have the ability to teach a variety of undergraduate courses across the design curriculum, including courses in Design Foundations, Graphic Design, and Interior Design. Teaching responsibilities include, but are not limited to, design foundations, digital foundations, interior design, lighting and environmental controls, and portfolio design. Additional duties include curriculum development, including development and delivery of online and face-to-face courses; collaboration with student organizations and relevant industry groups; and service, to include promotion of the program, student advisement, professional service, and participation on departmental, college and university committees. This position requires the delivery of in-person classes.

Requirements:

Master's degree in design or a closely related field (e.g., graphic design, interior design, interaction design, architecture, or related design discipline).
Proficiency in design software including AutoCAD, Adobe CC, and Revit.

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 May 6, 2026, although expressions of interest may be considered until the position is filled:

Letter of Intent
Curriculum Vita
Unofficial Transcripts
Statement of Teaching Philosophy
Up to 20 images of professional / personal creative work, including construction documents if applicable (via a working link or PDF)
Up to 20 images of student work (via a working link or PDF)

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.

Western Kentucky University

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Pedagogical Assistant Professor of Design