Assistant/Associate Professor of Graphic Design

Description

Winthrop University, a highly ranked, nationally recognized public comprehensive institution, invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant/Associate Professor of Graphic Design. This is a 9-month, full-time appointment in the Department of Design within the College of Visual and Performing Arts in Rock Hill, South Carolina. We are located 25 miles from Charlotte, North Carolina's thriving design and arts community and international airport. Department facilities include an on-campus fabrication lab, art and design studios and private faculty studio/ offices on campus and in downtown Rock Hill. The newly opened J. Robert Bazemore Design Center at The Thread-a renovated historic textile mill a few blocks from campus-offers additional studios and collaborative spaces for teaching, research, and partnerships with community and industry.

Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to an interdisciplinary, collaborative approach to design studies-especially at the foundation level. The candidate will demonstrate expertise across all levels of the graphic design discipline; especially in print design practices (e.g., typography, magazine layout, poster and super-graphic creation), with a focus in pre-press standards and print production required for producing posters, magazines, books, brochures, and other print media.

The ideal candidate will be a leader in the discipline of Graphic Design, with experience teaching across all levels of the curriculum. The candidate will have had previous involvement in student advising, curriculum development and collaborating with faculty. They should demonstrate previous engagement with program promotion through industry and community outreach to support recruitment, retention, and student success.

Position Responsibilities

Teach 15-18 contact hours a semester.

Teach undergraduate courses across the graphic design curriculum and model effective, inclusive pedagogy.

Integrate real-world case studies, professional practice, industry-standard tools, and effective workflows into coursework.

Contribute to ongoing program-level assessment and continuous improvement of curriculum, teaching and learning.

Promote the program to internal and external audiences to support growth and student recruitment.

Ensure program alignment with institutional and accreditation policies/ standards.

Contribute to mentoring part-time Graphic Design faculty.

Provide academic advising and student mentorship.

Help build internships, practicums, and other experiential learning opportunities with support from Winthrop's Center for Career Development and Internships.

Maintain currency in the field through graphic design practice, pedagogy, and emerging technologies.

Maintain a record of scholarship, and/or creative work.

Participate in department, college, and university service.

About the College

To learn more about the College of Visual and Performing Arts, and Dept. Of Design, please visit:

About Winthrop University

Founded in 1886, Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina, offers its 6,000-plus undergraduate and graduate students an educational experience that blends liberal arts, professional programs, global awareness, and civic engagement. The values of service, excellence, community, and leadership provide the foundation for Winthrop's continuing development and shape Winthrop's continuing success. Numerous national accolades reflect the sustained high quality and value of the Winthrop Experience, including the most recent U.S. News & World Report's ranking of Winthrop as one of the top-10 public comprehensive universities in the South. Winthrop is an active member of the Rock Hill community and recognized as a key component of the region's economic resurgence. Approximately 20 minutes from Charlotte, North Carolina, Winthrop has direct access to and is engaged in a broad and expansive regional business community. Winthrop's beautiful campus encompasses a rich architectural blend of neo-Georgian buildings and is included in the National Register of Historic Places. The attractive recreational and research complex area that surrounds Winthrop Lake is home to Winthrop's 18 Division I men's and women's sports.

Benefits

At Winthrop University, we are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that significantly enhances the total compensation for our employees. In partnership with the State of South Carolina and the Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), our benefits include health and life insurance, generous paid leave, parental leave, and retirement programs. These benefits reflect our commitment to supporting the well-being and financial security of our employees. For more information please visit:

Qualifications

Required:

Candidates should have a terminal degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication or in a closely related design field.

Candidates should have 3-5 years at rank of university-level teaching experience and have demonstrated high-quality teaching.

Advanced proficiency with contemporary graphic design tools/workflows (e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud, and pre-press print production knowledge) and the ability to adapt to new technologies.

Proven effectiveness and collegiality working in teams and leading initiatives across stakeholders.

Capacity to contribute to conceptual development, program strategy, and design vision.

Evidence of successful student advising, recruitment, retention, and career-readiness initiatives.

Willingness to collaborate, communicate, and contribute to the growth of the department.

Record of professional/creative practice, scholarship, or industry engagement.

Preferred:

Two years of professional experience in industry.

Familiarity with web typography, designing for the web using HTML (HyperText Markup Language), CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), and SASS (Syntactically Awesome Style Sheets).

Familiarity with digital, as well as non-digital design tools and processes (such as printmaking).

Experience with curriculum development and program assessment.

Knowledge of design history and theory.

Experience establishing partnerships with design firms, community organizations, or related industries.

Experience with lab/facility oversight, software/hardware stewardship, and basic budget monitoring.

Application Instructions

While applications received by November 10, 2025, will receive fullest consideration, the committee will begin reviewing applications as they arrive. Applicants are therefore encouraged to submit materials well in advance of the November 10 deadline.

Required Documents

A cover letter directly addressing interest in and qualifications for the position as outlined in the responsibilities/ qualifications for this position

A current curriculum vitae.

Evidence of teaching excellence:

A one-page statement of teaching philosophy

Sample syllabus

Sample of a Project Brief

20 images of student work with a description for each

Evidence of the candidate's creative or scholarly work:

Narrative with images showing the scope of your creative, professional or scholarly work

The names, email, and phone numbers for three references familiar with the candidate's qualifications as they pertain to the position

Transcript and evidence of highest degree achieved (unofficial transcripts acceptable at this stage)

References

References will not be contacted without consulting first with the candidate.

Position Availability

All applications and nominations will be handled in confidence. References will not be contacted without consulting first with the candidate. Questions about the position and nominations should be directed to Department of Design Chair, Jason Tselentis:

Contact Information

Questions about the position and nominations should be directed to Department of Design Chair, Jason Tselentis:

Background Check

Winthrop University is committed to providing a safe campus community. Winthrop conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.