Assistant Professor of Photography
University of South Dakota
Posting Number: F01724P
Department: USD-ArtAbout the DepartmentThe Department of Art is housed in the College of Fine Arts at the University of South Dakota and offers both the BFA and MFA degrees in Art. As a NASAD accredited program, the Department of Art is recognized for our strong studio curriculum, visiting artist program, and accomplished alumni. Our department has approximately 100+ undergraduate majors, 10 graduate students and 10 full-time art faculty. Our facilities include studio classrooms in ceramics, graphic design, painting, photography, printmaking, drawing and sculpture.Our photography facilities include:● Darkroom and enlargers● Alternative processes and film developing facilities● Cameras and lighting equipment● Access to state-of-the-art Mac labThe University of South Dakota: Located in southeast South Dakota, USD is the flagship liberal arts institution for the State of South Dakota and is composed of the College of Fine Arts, College of Arts and Sciences, Schools of Business, Education, Law, Medicine and Graduate School.
Physical Location of Position (City): Vermillion
Job Description:
The University of South Dakota Department of Art is seeking a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Photography for a nine-month appointment beginning in August 2026. This position involves teaching film-based photography, alternative photographic processes, and digital photography at both the undergraduate and graduate levels within a dynamic BFA/MFA Art program. The candidate will engage in research, teaching, and service activities according to the guidelines of the South Dakota Board of Regents (SDBOR).The USD Department of Art teaches photography as a means of artistic expression and has a longstanding strength in alternative and historical photographic processes. The ideal candidate is a practicing artist and educator able to teach both traditional and digital photography. As the sole full-time faculty member in photography, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to lead and shape the direction of both our BFA and MFA programs.Responsibilities:
• Teach a 3/3 course load.
• Teach all levels of traditional and digital photography courses in a BFA and MFA program.
• Maintain a distinguished program of creative research and scholarship in photography, demonstrated through exhibitions, publications, grants, or other professional activity at the regional, national, and/or international level.
• Develop innovative and inclusive curricula that integrate contemporary and historical approaches to photography.
• Advise and mentor students.
• Contribute to student recruitment and retention for BFA and MFA programs.
• Make meaningful contributions to departmental, college, and university committees/activities.
• Maintain a creative scholarship/research agenda in photography and remain actively engaged in the professional art field.
• Operate and maintain the photography lab, darkrooms, lighting studio, and other related equipment/facilities (digital and analog).
• Work successfully with diverse students, faculty, and staff.Required Qualifications:
• MFA in photography or a closely related field.
• Demonstrable teaching experience with both film-based and digital photographic practices.
• Record of professional artistic engagement with multiple photographic processes, including both analog and digital.
• Ability to operate and maintain a photography lab, including both film-based and digital equipment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.Preferred Qualifications:
• Teaching experience beyond the graduate student teaching assistantships.
• Documented ability to maintain a vibrant visiting artist program in photography.
• Evidence of community engagement and the documented ability to foster connections within and beyond the studio arts.
• Evidence of successful grant writing.
Application Process:
Applications will be accepted online until the position is filled, with full consideration given to completed applications received by October 15, 2025.Applicants are required to apply online at and should include:
Cover letter- Letter of Application
Curriculum Vitae
Portfolio- 20 digitial images- Label work with date and medium/process (include link to your website)
Media File -20 digital images of student work- Label work with student level,course name, institution, and year. Student work must include both traditional and digital photography.
Other - One representative course syllabus
Work or writing Sample - Teaching philosophy and artist statement
Reference list - Contact Information for three professional references
Items that cannot be transferred digitally should be sent to:
Amanda Lynch, Office of the Dean
Photography Search Committee
College of Fine Arts
The University of South Dakota
414 E. Clark Street, Vermillion, SD mailto:
Closing Date:
Open Until Filled: Yes
First Consideration Date: 10/17/2025
Advertised Salary: DOQ
Duration of the Term: 9 months
If Other, describe duration:
Appointment Percent: 100
Work Hours:
Typical Hours Worked Per Week:
Appointment Type: Regular
Faculty Status:
Scope of Search: External (includes Internal)
If internal, define scope of search: External (includes Internal)
This position requires:
If other, please indicate:
Department Description and Cultural Expectations: About the Department
The Department of Art is housed in the College of Fine Arts at the University of South Dakota and offers both the BFA and MFA degrees in Art. As a NASAD accredited program, the Department of Art is recognized for our strong studio curriculum, visiting artist program, and accomplished alumni. Our department has approximately 100+ undergraduate majors, 10 graduate students and 10 full-time art faculty. Our facilities include studio classrooms in ceramics, graphic design, painting, photography, printmaking, drawing and sculpture.Our photography facilities include:• Darkroom and enlargers• Alternative processes and film developing facilities• Cameras and lighting equipment• Access to state-of-the-art Mac lab
The University of South Dakota: Located in southeast South Dakota, USD is the flagship liberal arts institution for the State of South Dakota and is composed of the College of Fine Arts, College of Arts and Sciences, Schools of Business, Education, Law, Medicine and Graduate School.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: USD is committed to fostering a dynamic and welcoming working and learning environment for all. USD provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to ideological, political, or sectarian opinions or perspectives; or race, color, creed, religion, sex, ancestry, disability, national origin or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. USD is committed to the principles of free expression and encourages the timely and rational discussion of topics in an environment that is intellectually and ideologically diverse.
Contact Information: Photography Search CommitteeAmanda Lynch, Office of the DeanCollege of Fine ArtsThe University of South Dakota414 E. Clark Street, Vermillion, SD
To apply, visit: