Assistant Professor of UX Design

About Western Kentucky University:
Western Kentucky University (WKU) is a student-centered, applied-research institution committed to providing its students with a transformative academic and social experience and to elevating its surrounding communities. Founded in 1906, WKU is the second largest undergraduate institution in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with approximately 15,567 students (29% first generation, 17% underrepresented minority) and just over 2,600 faculty and staff employees.

Western Kentucky University is committed to empowering its campus community to embrace diversity by building equitable and inclusive learning, working, and living environments. At the heart of our mission, we seek to provide holistic education and employment experiences that prepare students, faculty, and staff to become effective scholars, contributors, and leaders in our diverse and evolving communities.

Located 65 miles north of Nashville, TN, and just over 100 miles south of Louisville, KY, WKU's main campus is in Bowling Green, KY - a city with approximately 70,000 residents. Our population is ethnically diverse, with more than 85 languages spoken in and around Bowling Green, and people from 35 nationalities call our community home.

Western Kentucky University seeks to attract talented faculty and staff who are inspired individually to contribute to WKU's strategic plans and ongoing success. We offer comprehensive wellness and health benefits to employees and their families, including domestic partners and other qualified dependents and take pride in providing a workplace culture that supports balancing the responsibilities of work and family life. Paid-time off for holidays, vacation and sick leave, and a tuition discount program for employees and dependents are also provided. Learn more about WKU and Bowling Green at wku.edu/about.

Job Description:
The WKU Department of Art & Design invites applicants for a tenure-track eligible assistant professor of UX Practice/ UX Design, effective August 2022. We are seeking a colleague who has a keen understanding of human-centered UX theory and methodology to take an important role in the development of our UX Design program and bring energy and expertise to a community of highly motivated students. Candidates with experience in design practices that are both physical and digital are encouraged to apply.

Essential duties and responsibilities will include:

Teach a rotation of UX and UI Design courses.
Maintain proficiency with industry-standard digital tools and software and a contemporary understanding of best practices in design.
Create an environment of learning through effective teaching skills, maintain a student-centered focus, and update curriculum to keep it current with industry standards.
Advise and mentor a combination of beginning, intermediate, and advanced art and design students.
Continued development of personal research and/or creative work.
Service to the department, college, university, and community.

Requirements:
Terminal degree completed by August 2022 in a relevant field; or a bachelor's degree with relevant industry experience
Demonstrated technical proficiency in the latest industry standard software applications
A substantial portfolio of creative or client-based work

Additional Information:
Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices.

Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify the office of Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action/University ADA Services (EEO). To request an accommodation, report/express a complaint, or ask questions regarding WKU''s Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040), please contact Mr. Joshua Hayes, EEO Director/Title IX Investigator/University ADA Coordinator, via email at [email protected] or by phone at (270) 745-5121.

The University is also required to investigate complaints of sex and gender-based harassment, also a form of discrimination, and has designated the Title IX Coordinator as the individual responsible for coordinating the investigation and response to such complaints. The Title IX Coordinator for the University is Ms. Andrea Anderson, who can be contacted via email at [email protected] or by phone at (270) 745-5398. Additional information regarding Title IX is accessible via WKU''s https://www.wku.edu/titleix/ website.

Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at: http://www.wku.edu/atwku/academics.php

Application Instructions:
The following items must be submitted through this electronic talent management system by March 21, 2022, although expressions of interest may be considered until the position is filled:

Letter of intent
Curriculum vita
Unofficial transcripts
Statement of teaching philosophy
Artist / designer statement
Statement addressing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Link to professional portfolio
Link to examples of student work, if applicable
Names and contact information of three reference providers will be collected during the application process. Reference letters will be requested by the Search Committee through an online process at a later date.

You will receive email confirmation once you have successfully completed the application process.

Apply at https://wku.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=143069