Assistant Professor of Ceramics
Warren Wilson College welcomes applicants for a faculty position in Ceramics. This is an Assistant Professor position in an extended contract system with a 3-3 load beginning in August of 2024. We are looking for educators and practitioners whose work is socially, conceptually, and/or theoretically motivated, who would contribute to the diversity of the department and enhance its offerings with cross-cultural perspectives. Ideal candidates will contribute to further developing the vision of both the major and the Art Department. We expect that this position will attract applicants who have deep commitments to equity and justice, and who manifest their passions and craft within the area of ceramics.
We seek applications from artists and educators who engage with critical and experimental approaches to ceramics. The successful candidate will be required to teach all levels of wheel throwing and hand building in ceramics, rotating senior capstone courses and foundation level courses. Our ideal candidate will be knowledgeable in a variety of approaches to teaching ceramics and committed to teaching community and student-engaged research in an undergraduate, interdisciplinary department. The successful candidate will be expected to teach 12 credit hours per semester, engage in service to the institution through committee work in the wider college community and collaborate across disciplines to teach creative problem solving with the aims of creating a more just, sustainable, and equitable community through the medium of ceramics. The individual in this role will have access to kiln facilities that include a downdraft 30 cubic foot Geil kiln, Salt kiln, Raku kiln, electric kilns, and a spray booth. Additional key responsibilities include providing leadership for a student work crew, managing ceramics facilities, and will be responsible for student advising.
About the College:
Warren Wilson College is located on a beautiful 1,135-acre campus in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, North Carolina. We enroll approximately 750 undergraduates and 100 graduates. Rooted in liberal arts education, the College provides educational programs that foster students' curiosity, empathy, and integrity to prepare graduates to engage in groundbreaking scholarship and creative work; to pursue meaningful careers with professionalism; and to lead purposeful lives dedicated to fostering a just, equitable, and sustainable world. The College utilizes an innovative educational approach that intentionally integrates academics and experiential learning (through campus work and community engagement) for a rich, challenging student experience. Our students matriculate through deliberately scaffolded courses and signature capstone experiences that combine intellectual foundations with experiential skill development and problem solving.
To fulfill this mission, the College, through its Strategic Imperative for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is unwavering in our commitment to the dignity of all people- particularly those populations who have been both historically oppressed and continue to experience systemic oppression. As we value the breadth of diversity necessary for a rich campus culture, we also recognize the particular challenge and opportunity for growth and leadership around race, noting that such a focus necessarily intersects with deepening efforts around other aspects of identity (such as ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender, sexuality, class, and worldview). We are committed to a culture of educational access and to ensuring that students and employees from a diverse range of identities and experiences will thrive in this community. We seek and support an academically and culturally diverse faculty and staff with a genuine interest in our innovative approach to education and focus on inclusive excellence, as well as a willingness to fully participate in the life of the College. We welcome applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups (e.g., people of African, Latine, Indigenous, and/or Asian descent) and individuals who have experience working with diverse student populations.
Minimum Qualifications
- MFA in Ceramics or other relevant terminal degree.
- One year of teaching experience.
- Active creative practice through a record of exhibitions, presentations, or other professional research activities.
- Proficiency with wheel-thrown pottery and hand building, gas and electric kiln firing, glaze, and clay chemistry.
- Demonstrated experience with advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in learning spaces. For instance, experience incorporating inclusive teaching modalities and working with diverse student populations (e.g., racial/ethnic, income, immigration status, sexual orientation/gender identification, etc.).
Preferred Qualifications
- Two or more years of teaching experience at the undergraduate level.
- Teaching experience in foundational art courses.
- Studio Management experience.
Interested candidates should submit the following to apply:
- a curriculum vitae;
- a cover letter which includes a discussion of your demonstrated engagement in diversity, equity, and inclusion in learning spaces. Applicants should also describe how their teaching, research, and/or creative scholarly activity connects to Warren Wilson's distinctive learning approach and community;
- URL link to 20 images of professional work. Include title, media, dimensions, and year;
- URL link to 20 images of student work. Include title, media, dimensions, and year.
First consideration will be given to candidates who apply by Monday, January 8th, 2024. Electronic submission is required.
Warren Wilson College is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
