For best consideration, complete applications should be received before January 5, 2025.

Complete information is available on the Search Profile.

Columbus State University, a dynamic university that is part of the University System of Georgia located in Columbus, Georgia, seeks an outstanding person for its Alan F. Rothschild Distinguished Chair of Art.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to the Dean of the College of the Arts, the Alan F. Rothschild Distinguished Chair provides 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.

RESPONSIBILITIES

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.
• Work 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.
• Foster transdisciplinary collaboration and interdisciplinary study within and among disparate colleges at CSU and universities nationally and internationally.
• Collaborate with faculty to oversee curriculum development and revisions for the department.
• 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

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

Preferred

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

COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

Columbus, Georgia, is a city that offers the benefits of a larger city with the affordability of a smaller town. The second most populous city in Georgia, Columbus has a population of 350,000. Located only 100 miles southwest of Atlanta, Columbus has a lower-than-average cost of living.

Columbus is a popular destination for outdoor lovers. The city has the longest urban whitewater course in the world and a zip line across the Chattahoochee River. The scenic Chattahoochee RiverWalk spans 15 miles of asphalt trails and parks along the river.

Columbus is also known for many attractions, including the Columbus Museum, Golden Park, the Coca-Cola Space Science Center, Historic Westville, and Columbus Botanical Garden. It is also home to Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center, the National Civil War Naval Museum, Heritage Corner, Historic Linwood Cemetery, and much more.

With great economic stability, Columbus is home to world-class enterprises, including Fort Moore, the U.S. Army’s Maneuver Center of Excellence headquarters, the Muscogee County School District, Aflac, Synovus, TSYS, W. C. Bradley Company, and Pratt and Whitney.

Piedmont Columbus Regional Healthcare System is the largest hospital in West Georgia providing a comprehensive array of healthcare services; St. Francis-Emory Healthcare provides inpatient, outpatient, and emergency room services.