Job Description

Position Summary
Southern Utah University invites applications for a 9-month, tenure-track, benefits-eligible position as Assistant Professor of Illustration- Entertainment Arts beginning Fall 2025. The position will educate and mentor students in the techniques, principles, and history of visual storytelling, preparing them for careers in creative industries. The position develops and delivers engaging curricula, oversees student projects, and provides critical feedback to foster artistic growth and technical proficiency.

The successful candidate will join a NASAD-accredited program and a multidisciplinary teaching environment. Our programs emphasize creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and social responsibility. Faculty members are encouraged to shape the curriculum, engage in creative/scholarly activities, and contribute to fostering belonging and inclusion within the department, college, and university.

First Consideration will begin February 10, 2025, and continue until the position is filled.

For more information contact Jeff Hanson, Department Chair, via email [email protected] or phone 435-586-7842.
Course Load: 3/3 per academic year, with potential summer teaching opportunities for additional compensation.


Essential Functions
Primary Duties and Responsibilities: Design and deliver engaging lectures & demonstrations on illustration principles and techniques.
Supervise and guide students in hands-on illustration assignments and projects.
Critique and provide constructive feedback on student work to foster artistic growth.

Mentor students in their academic and professional development. Stay updated on industry trends and advancements in the field of illustration for entertainment art.

Collaborate with colleagues on curriculum development and program enhancement.

Support students in preparing for careers in the industry, including networking and skill development.

Oversee student portfolio development projects to ensure readiness for professional opportunities.

Participate in departmental meetings and contribute to faculty discussions and initiatives.

Engage in creative work or research to maintain expertise and contribute to the field of illustration.

Education & Experience
Required Qualifications:

Terminal degree in a relevant field, such as an MFA in Illustration.
Significant professional experience in the entertainment industry, such as concept art for feature film, TV animation, video games, storyboarding, environment design, character design, and prop design.
Strong portfolio showcasing expertise in visual storytelling and entertainment-focused illustration.
Familiarity with industry-standard tools, techniques, and workflows relevant to entertainment illustration.

Ability to contribute to expanding the program's curriculum with content focused on entertainment illustration.

Collaborative skills to work effectively with faculty members from diverse industry backgrounds, including publishing.

Commitment to mentoring students and preparing them for careers in creative industries.

Teaching experience in higher education or comparable mentorship experience is preferred.

Awareness of current trends and innovations in the entertainment illustration industry.


Preferred Qualifications:
Published work or notable achievements in the entertainment industry, such as contributions to acclaimed films, games, or series.

Proficiency in traditional and digital illustration techniques.

Familiarity with emerging technologies, such as AR/VR or AI, as they relate to entertainment illustration.

Experience in developing and implementing innovative curricula in illustration programs.

Active involvement in professional organizations or communities related to entertainment illustration.

Supplemental Information
Additional documents needed to apply:

Personal Work Portfolio
Student Work Portfolio (If applicable)