Hybrid Asst/Assoc Professor of Studio Art at Bethany College

Assistant/Associate Professor of Studio Art

Bethany College – Lindsborg, Kansas

Bethany College invites applications for a dynamic and student-centered Studio Art Professor to join our Department of Art & Design. Rooted in our Lutheran heritage and the transformative power of the liberal arts, Bethany prepares students to lead lives of purpose, creativity, and service. For more than a century, studio arts have been a vital part of Bethany’s identity, with early faculty and students shaping a tradition of artistic excellence that continues today. Many Bethany art graduates have gone on to become professional artists, educators, gallery directors, arts advocates, and community leaders, contributing to the cultural landscape of Kansas, the Midwest, and beyond. 

We seek a collaborative, skilled artist and educator with expertise in ceramics, sculpture, art history, and foundational courses, who is committed to engaging students in hands-on, exploratory, and career-ready learning. At Bethany, in the heart of Lindsborg—known as “Little Sweden” and celebrated for its vibrant arts community—you’ll have the opportunity to teach, mentor, and inspire the next generation of artists while contributing to the cultural life of our campus and region.

Key Responsibilities

Curriculum Development and Delivery

• Design and teach courses in ceramics, sculpture, art history, and foundational studio art.
• Develop engaging, inclusive course materials that challenge students to explore new techniques and concepts.
• Seek opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration in creating courses and programs that place studio art in the context of the larger liberal arts mission of the College. This includes participation in our Interdisciplinary Studies program which is a key part of our Core Educational Experience. 

Mentorship and Guidance

• Provide individualized feedback and mentorship on students’ creative projects and artistic growth.
• Support students in professional and career development, including graduate school preparation and arts-related employment pathways.
• Actively recruit and retain best-fit students whose talents and aspirations align with Bethany’s mission and values.

Portfolio Development

• Guide students in building strong, cohesive portfolios that showcase technical skill, conceptual depth, and personal voice.

Collaboration

• Partner with colleagues across the broader campus to enhance the educational experience.
• Engage in collaborative research, exhibitions, or interdisciplinary projects that elevate the arts at Bethany.
• Work with faculty in other programs to create innovative interdisciplinary courses.

Service to the College

• Participate actively in departmental and college committees, curriculum planning, recruitment events, and community arts initiatives.
• Contribute to Bethany’s mission by engaging in campus events and building connections with local and regional arts organizations.

Qualifications

Education

• MFA in Fine Arts or related field required.

Experience

• Significant professional experience in ceramics, sculpture, and art history, with the ability to teach foundational courses for art majors and non-majors alike.
• Experience in printmaking, woodworking, or the use of digital means to complement traditional Studio Art is a plus.
• Experience with assessing student learning outcomes at the course and program level is a plus.

Skills

• Proficiency in ceramics (hand-building and wheel throwing) and sculpture using a variety of materials.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to inspire and engage students.
• Bilingual in Spanish a plus.

Portfolio

• A professional portfolio demonstrating artistic excellence in three-dimensional works and a record of creative achievement.

Teaching Experience

• Prior experience teaching at the college or university level preferred, especially in ceramics, sculpture, foundational studio art, and/or art history.

Why Bethany?

Bethany College offers a close-knit community where faculty know students by name and mentor them in a highly personalized environment. Our location in a nationally recognized arts town provides rich opportunities for exhibitions, public art projects, and collaboration with practicing artists. As a small, private, rural college, Bethany plays an essential role in fostering creativity, critical thinking, and community revitalization—preparing students to shape culture and contribute meaningfully to the world.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit:

• A cover letter addressing qualifications and alignment with Bethany’s mission
• Curriculum vitae
• Teaching philosophy statement
• Portfolio of recent work (digital format)
• Contact information for three professional references

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Anticipated start date would January 2026 for the spring semester. Please direct any questions to the Academic Dean, Dr. Tash Smith, at [email protected]. 

Bethany College provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Bethany College complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.