Job description

The Department of Art at Sam Houston State University invites applications for a full-time, tenuretrack, Assistant Professor of Animation starting Fall 2026.

Usual Duties

Duties include teaching a 2/3 course load, service on departmental committees, and an expectation of sustained, peer-reviewed creative activity or research.

Degree Requirements

Candidates must possess an MFA or terminal degree in Animation or a related field and demonstrate outstanding potential in research and/or creative activity.

Experience Requirements

Applicants should be able to teach beginning and advanced courses in either 2D and/or 3D animation. Our courses in 2D Animation cover an introduction to the principles of animation, 2D character animation, experimental animation, and animation preproduction. Our courses in 3D animation include classes covering an introduction to polygon modeling and animation, character animation, rigging, the shading and rendering pipeline, and digital sculpting.

Ability to teach courses related to Concept Art, Sequential Art, or Illustration is preferred. Teaching experience at the undergraduate level is also preferred.

Other Requirements for the Position

To learn more about the specific courses in our curriculum, please review the Bachelor of Fine Arts, Animation degree here: https://catalog.shsu.edu/undergraduate/colleges-academic-departments/arts-and-media/art/bfa-animation/.

Ranked by Animation Career Review as one of the top 40 Public Animation Schools and Colleges in the U.S., top 10 Animation Schools and Colleges in the Southwest, and ranked #3 top Animation School Programs in Texas, the SHSU Animation curriculum is built on a foundation of fine art courses, emphasizing creativity and experimentation along with technical ability. The program engages students with current and historical trends in animation and includes courses in the History of Animation, 2D Animation, 3D Modeling and Animation, 3D Character Animation and Experimental Animation.Over 50% of the student body are first-generation college students. The Department of Art is experiencing sustained enrollment growth. About 650 undergraduates major in Graphic Design, Studio Art, Photography, and Animation, and we offer an MFA in Art and Social Practice.

How to apply

Applicants should submit the following documents:

a cover letter

detailed CV

artist’s statement or description of creative activity

a statement of teaching philosophy

unofficial transcripts

3 letters of recommendation

names and contact information of three references

samples of personal work

samples of student work – for time-based media work examples

Please provide URLs for each specific project within the PDF document.

Unofficial transcripts may be submitted with your online application; however, official college transcripts will be required for finalists for this position.Review of applications will begin January 23, 2026 and the search will remain open until the position is filled.Please note: References provided in the References section of the application will receive an automated email reference request at the time the application is submitted.

EEO Statement
Sam Houston State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and Smoke/Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or protected veteran status. The University takes seriously the initiative to ensure equal opportunity in the workforce and to comply with Title VII as interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court. Sam Houston State University is an “at will” employer. Employees with a contract will have additional terms and conditions. Security-sensitive positions at SHSU require background checks in accordance with Education Code §51.215.