Visiting Assistant Professor of Art History

About the role

The Department of Art, Art History and Design at Oakland University invites candidates to apply for the position of Visiting Professor of Art History to begin August 15, 2026. The area of specialization is open. Preference will be given to candidates specializing in Modern and Contemporary Art. A Ph.D. in art history or a qualified proximate field is required. The ideal candidate would be strongly devoted to undergraduate education and student success, and engaged in conducting innovative research in their field of expertise. This position carries a six course teaching load per academic year. Teaching responsibilities include introductory surveys, upper-level courses in one’s areas of specialization, and methodology courses. We seek an educator who can generate broad interest among undergraduate general education students in lower-level survey courses and can inspire specific interest in upper-level courses in their areas of specialization. Upper-level courses should appeal to students of art history, graphic design, and studio art. The ability to teach the history and theory of graphic design would be an asset.

Responsibilities

• Teach six courses per academic year, including introductory surveys, upper-level courses in one’s areas of specialization, and methodology courses.
• Generate broad interest among undergraduate general education students in lower-level survey courses.
• Inspire specific interest in upper-level courses in their areas of specialization.
• Teach upper-level courses that appeal to students of art history, graphic design, and studio art.
• The ability to teach the history and theory of graphic design would be an asset.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. in art history or a qualified proximate field is required.
• Evidence of teaching experience.
• Evidence of an active academic agenda.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications: PhD in Art History (or ABD if completed by August 15, 2026), evidence of teaching experience, evidence of an active academic agenda.

Skills

The ideal candidate would be strongly devoted to undergraduate education and student success, and engaged in conducting innovative research in their field of expertise.

Benefits

Full consideration will be given to applications received by June 26. We will conduct interviews via videoconferencing. This is a one year position, potentially renewable.

Pay

Open Date: 05/26/2026

Schedule

Open Until Filled: Yes

School/College & Department/Program Summary

The Department of Art, Art History and Design at Oakland University cultivates a global understanding of art and visual culture by developing visual literacy, production techniques, and transferable skills. Our internationally active faculty aspire to produce culturally informed citizens. We value broadening the traditional art historical and design disciplines by offering diverse and innovative approaches to research and art making. Our top priority is to produce highly competent graduates with versatile creative proficiencies congruent with the marketplace. The Department of Art, Art History and Design has nearly 350 majors in B.A. programs in Art, Art History, and Graphic Design. Our students engage in experiential learning through various opportunities, such as AH3800 Museum Studies in Art History, where students learn an overview of the museum profession, management and care of collections, and the registration, conservation, exhibition and interpretation of art objects in a museum setting. Various art history courses include field trips to art museums in locations such as Toledo, Ohio, Chicago, and Toronto, as well as the College Arts Association annual conference. ART4999 Senior Thesis in Studio Art, where students exhibit their work in the Oakland University Art Gallery. Various art courses include field trips to locations such as Signal Return Press to learn printmaking, commercial photography studios, working artist studios, art museums, galleries, and private collections such as the Maxine and Stuart Frankel Foundation. DES3900: Entrepreneurial Design, where students bring their products to market. Various graphic design courses provide real-world client projects, such as recent work for Detroit Baseball Dinner, OU Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams, Hope Shelter, Oakland Forward, and the OU Center for Civic Engagement.

More About Oakland University

The University is located on 1,443 acres of scenic land in the cities of Rochester Hills and Auburn Hills in Oakland County, Michigan. The University offers 142 bachelor’s degree programs and 138 graduate degree and certificate programs. Academics include programs in the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business Administration, School of Education and Human Services, School of Engineering and Computer Science, School of Health Sciences, School of Medicine and School of Nursing. As an anchor institution in southeastern Michigan that is dedicated to building ongoing, collaborative relationships, Oakland University embraces community and civic engagement to enhance the lives of its students and positively impact the broader community.