Assistant Professor of Art History with specialization in Contemporary Art and Theory Tenure-Track. Starting August 1, 2025 

University of Tennessee, Knoxville, School of Art

Position Description 

The University of Tennessee School of Art seeks candidates for a new, full-time, tenure-track  position in Art History at the rank of Assistant Professor with specialization in Contemporary Art  History and Theory and the ability to contribute to our existing minor (and a new proposed BA  concentration) in Museum and Curatorial Studies (M&CS). Disciplinary expertise in Native  American, Indigenous, or Latin American art is desirable.  

Primary responsibilities will include the pursuit and maintenance of an active research and  publication agenda; undergraduate and graduate instruction (2 courses per semester); and service  to the School of Art, larger university, and profession. The successful candidate will also mentor  students at both the undergraduate and graduate level; participate actively in departmental  governance; and serve on committees that support the educational mission and initiatives of the  University and the School, including MFA thesis committees.

This position is part of a new constellation of interdisciplinary faculty positions in the College of  Arts and Sciences that center on the theme of Envisioning and Narrating Emerging Futures  (https://artsci.utk.edu/about/faculty-initiatives/). As part of this initiative, the College is seeking  scholars with overlapping interests whose research, scholarship, and creative work will foster  intellectual and pedagogical collaboration across departments and provide different perspectives  on a range of issues and areas.  

The School of Art is committed to the values of equity, inclusion, and access necessary to foster  academic excellence. We seek to incorporate diverse perspectives into all aspects of our  programs, and are committed to critically examining our structures, policies, and practices to  ensure a welcoming and conscientious environment for everyone. The Knoxville campus of the  University of Tennessee seeks candidates with the ability to contribute in meaningful ways to the  diversity and intercultural goals of the University. The School of Art seeks to identify individuals  whose research, teaching, and community engagement will contribute to equitable and inclusive  learning and working environments for its students, staff, and faculty.

Salary and benefits are competitive. The University of Tennessee offers an extensive benefits  package that includes comprehensive health insurance and retirement along with dozens more  services. The successful candidate will be provided with research startup funds. The appointment  will begin August 1, 2025.  

Required qualifications:  

• Ph.D. with a specialization in contemporary art and theory in hand by August 1, 2025. 
• Ability to contribute to the existing minor (and a new proposed BA concentration) in  Museum and Curatorial Studies.  
• An active research agenda commensurate with experience.  
• Record of, or potential for, excellence in teaching. 

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Disciplinary expertise in Native American, Indigenous, or Latin American art.  

Application Instructions  

Review of applications will begin January 6, 2025 and continue until the position is filled.  Application materials must be submitted online at https://apply.interfolio.com/153754. Emailed  or mailed applications will not be accepted. 

Required materials include: 

• Cover letter addressing your qualifications based on the above job description including research and teaching
• Curriculum vitae
• Names, email addresses, and phone numbers of 3 professional references 

In addition to addressing their qualifications for the position in their application, candidates may  describe their commitment to community-engaged scholarship, if applicable. They may also  discuss how they would promote students’ access to and inclusion in their teaching and creative  research.  

Letters of recommendation and additional materials will be requested after the initial screening  of applications for candidates that advance. Short-listed candidates will be scheduled for  preliminary interviews via video conference. 

Questions may be directed to Carmen Atkins at [email protected] or (865) 974-3194.  

The successful candidate will join a dynamic, nationally ranked faculty of artists, art historians,  filmmakers, and ambitious undergraduate and graduate students. Part of the College of Arts and  Sciences, the School of Art offers BFA and BA degrees in Studio Art, a BA in Art History, and a  BA in Cinema Studies to 280 undergraduate majors. In addition to the BA in Art History, School  offers minors in art history and M&CS and is in the process of adding a M&CS concentration to  the existing BA degree. The School’s MFA program is consistently ranked among the best in the  nation. To learn more about the School of Art, please visit: http://art.utk.edu 

UT Knoxville is the flagship campus of the University of Tennessee system and a Carnegie  doctoral research-intensive university with close to 39,000 undergraduate and graduate students  from over 100 countries. Knoxville has a vibrant arts scene and a lively downtown. Less than an  hour’s drive to the Great Smoky Mountains, the city is also home to 1,000 forested acres of  urban wilderness, the Knoxville Museum of Art, Tri-Star Arts, Loghaven Artist Residency and  Big Ears, the acclaimed avant-garde festival of music, film, and art. For more information on  academic and personal support, and living in Knoxville, please see UT’s Prospective Faculty  Viewbook: https://provost.utk.edu/working-here/ 

All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission without  regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and  parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. 

In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the  Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the  Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it  does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and  activities, and this policy extends to employment by the university. 

Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, and national origin), Title IX (sex),  Section 504 (disability), the ADA (disability), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age),  sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Equity and Diversity,  1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, telephone 865-974-2498. Requests for  accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at the Office of Equity  and Diversity.