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The Department of Art & Design at WKU seeks applications for a full-time, nine-month, tenure-eligible faculty appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor of Sculpture, beginning August 2026. We are looking for a dynamic and innovative artist/educator to lead the sculpture area and bring vision to its next stage of development. Candidates should demonstrate a strong creative practice; the ability to teach a broad range of sculptural approaches, including 3D Foundations; and a commitment to conceptual development, technical exploration, and contemporary discourse in sculpture.

About the WKU Sculpture Program & Facilities

The sculpture facility offers over 4,000 square feet of studio space in the Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center (FAC). The space is designed to support a wide range of sculptural processes and encourages exploration of both traditional and contemporary practices, from fabrication and casting to installation, mixed media, and emerging technologies.

Facilities include a woodshop; metal shop; foundry; mold-making and casting area (wax, plaster, and investment); and a Makerspace (laser engraver, CNC router, vinyl cutter, 3D printers).

We welcome candidates who will bring their own expertise and vision to shape the area.

Responsibilities

+ Lead the sculpture area, overseeing curriculum development, facilities, safety, and area growth

+ Teach all levels of sculpture (introductory through advanced) and 3D Foundations

+ Manage the sculpture studios, including monitoring, maintaining, and repairing tools and equipment; ensuring studios are safe and accessible; training students on equipment use and safely; ordering and stocking materials; and supervising student workers

+ Maintain an active professional creative practice

+ Provide service to the sculpture studio, department, college, university, and community

About WKU Department of Art & Design

WKU Art & Design is a dynamic unit spanning studio art, graphic design, animation, user experience design, art education, art history, and game design. 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.

Job Requirements:

+ M.F.A. in Sculpture or related field (completed by August 2026)

+ Knowledge of traditional and contemporary sculpture techniques

+ Active record of peer-reviewed exhibitions

+ Evidence of quality teaching at the college level (can include Instructor of Record)

+ Strong communication and critical-thinking skills

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected].