Alan F. Rothschild Chair Of Art

About Us

Great universities inspire the very best in us. They nurture new ideas, fresh perspectives, and creative problem-solving. They challenge students to discover their passions ¿ and to turn those passions into thriving careers that improve our world.

Columbus State University is exactly that kind of place. With exceptional facilities, ideal class sizes, and unique field experiences, our students have room to create. Here, every faculty and staff member is part of the educational process, actively mentoring students and championing each new step in their journey.

Located just 100 miles southwest of Atlanta, CSU is part of the University System of Georgia where we pride ourselves in the USG Statement of Core Values

• Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values form and guide the daily work of our institution.

CSU's core values

• Excellence, Creativity, Engagement, Sustainability, Inclusion, and Servant Leadership make us an institution like no other. Each year, we enroll more than 7,000 students from the Southeast, across the nation, and around the world. Many programs at Columbus State rank high for affordability and value. The university strives to provide all students with an exceptional education that's accessible, affordable, and creative to the core.

Department Information

Offering four undergraduate degrees including a B.A. in Art History, a B.A. and B.F.A. in Studio Art, and a B.S.Ed., M.A.T., and M.Ed. in Art Education, the Department of Art has recently added tracks in graphic design and motion graphics. With eleven full-time faculty and attractively positioned on the University¿s RiverPark campus in the revitalized Uptown area of Columbus, the NASAD-accredited department has experienced steady growth over the last five years. The Department of Art enjoys facilities considered among the finest in the Southeast, featuring state-of-the-art educational, studio, gallery, and performance spaces positioning Columbus State to be a premier destination for art students from across the region.

The College of the Arts and the RiverPark Campus represent a significant emphasis on the arts, collaboration, community partnerships, and excellent private funding establishing the University as a vibrant presence in the historic city center contributing to urban renewal, sustainability, and a progressive cultural environment. For additional information, please visit our website: www.ColumbusState.edu/art.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Dean for the College of the Arts, the Department Chair provides the stewardship, strategic direction, and vision for enhancing the image and viability of a growing art department. In addition, the chair collaborates with associated galleries, art centers, and community stakeholders. This is a 12-month position with an expectation to teach two courses per year. Start date is flexible.

Responsibilities

Significant Duties and Responsibilities include:

Department Leadership: Be a visionary leader who understands the role and possibilities of a contemporary art program.; Work with faculty, students, and staff to establish and maintain a long-term vision for the department that is consistent with the departmental, college, and university missions.; Demonstrate a commitment to excellence in the study and practice of art, shared governance, collegiality, a willingness to engage faculty in strategic planning and decision-making.; Demonstrate excellent verbal, written, electronic, and interpersonal communication skills.; Promote a dynamic teaching environment that exemplifies the highest standards of a creative teaching community.; Demonstrate success in outreach and engagement with local and regional civic arts and community organizations.; Works with faculty to maintain accreditation.

Department Curriculum: Be conversant in and able to navigate diverse disciplines such as animation, graphic design, art history, art education, and studio arts.; Have a contemporary knowledge of how technology both influences and changes the world of visual communication.; Collaborates with faculty to oversee curriculum development and revisions for the department.; Foster transdisciplinary collaboration and interdisciplinary study within and among disparate colleges at CSU and universities nationally and internationally.; Promote active learning strategies that increase student engagement in the learning process.

Department Operations: Provide executive financial oversight of the Department of Art, including a comprehensive understanding of the budget and other resource allocations in support of the Department¿s mission, vision, and strategic planning.; Manage course schedules, registration, and instructor assignments to serve program and student needs.; Engage in fundraising collaboration with the Dean and University Advancement, and provide leadership for a well-established Friends of Art and other support organizations.; Recruit, retain, and manage the faculty and staff cohort needed to achieve the department¿s mission and strategic priorities in support of student success.; Demonstrate commitment to serving graduate and undergraduate student populations including first-generation and non-traditional students.

Required Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D., M.F.A., E.D.D., teaching and scholarship to warrant eligibility for a tenured appointment as associate or full professor; administrative experience; excellent communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

A track record of advanced leadership accomplishments including a demonstrated ability to lead a collaborative department.

Proposed Salary

Commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Apply Before Date

The review of applications begins February 29th, 2024, and will continue until the position is filled.

Contact Information

Confidential inquiries and questions may be directed to:

Associate Professor Rylan Steele via email at steele_rylan@columbusstate.edu or via phone at 706-507-8301.

Conditions of Employment

All selected candidates are required to submit and successfully pass a background investigation to include reference checks and verification of academic credentials (if applicable). Other additional requirements may be required based upon specific position duties:

• A credit check completed for Positions of Trust and or approved departmental Purchase Card usage;

• Pre-employment drug testing for positions with high-risk responsibilities;

• Motor vehicle reports are required for positions that are required to drive a Columbus State University fleet vehicle or other vehicle designated as a fleet vehicle.

• Applicants for positions of trust may be asked to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment.

For Faculty Hires: Final candidates will be required to provide proof of completed academic degree(s) as well as post-secondary coursework in the form of original transcript(s). Those candidates trained by a foreign institution will also be required to provide an educational/credential evaluation.

All employees are responsible for ensuring the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of sensitive information by exercising sound judgment and adhering to cybersecurity and privacy policies during their employment and beyond. Additionally, all members of the USG community must adhere to the USG Statement of Core Values must also be aware of and comply with the Board of Regents policies on Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Columbus State University is proud to be an equal employment, equal access, and equal educational opportunity institution. It is the policy of our institution to recruit, hire, train, promote and educate persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnical origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status as required by applicable state and federal laws.

Special Applicant Instructions

Nominations and applications will be held in confidence. Applicants must have the ability to meet Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) requirements.

A complete application package may be uploaded to the CSU Employment website: https://www.columbusstate.edu/human-resources/employment-opportunities.php.

The CSU Employment Posting Number is: 268673

Application materials should include:

• Curriculum Vitae

• Letter of intent outlining the applicant's background, and qualifications for the position

• Leadership Philosophy

• Teaching Philosophy

• Examples of professional scholarly work (20 images of professional work for a studio artist/a sample of recent scholarship for an art historian or art educator)

• Unofficial copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts.

*If selected for an on-campus interview, official transcripts must be presented.

• Five professional references with contact information