Visiting Professor of Photography - Department of Visual and Media Arts (2026)

Summary: The Photography program at Grand Valley State University invites applications for a non-tenure full-time Visiting Professor of Photography for the 2026-2027 academic year, beginning on August 6, 2026. The successful candidate will be capable of teaching digital and analog photography to undergraduate students in a thought-provoking manner that sparks inquiry into photography as a creative medium. We are seeking applications from candidates who possess an understanding of the technical, historical, critical, and theoretical aspects of photography — analog and digital — combined with awareness of the ways in which the discipline is evolving. The Photography program is situated within the Department of Visual and Media Arts and the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. We embody the liberal arts, encourage lifelong creative inquiry, embrace adaptability, drive innovation, shape culture, and fuel creativity in an evolving world. Individuals from all backgrounds, including underrepresented groups, are encouraged to apply.

Required Qualifications and Education:

• Terminal degree (MFA or equivalent) in Photography or related field.
• Evidence of successful college-level teaching.
• Knowledge of critical theory, contemporary issues, and the history of photography.
• Ability to teach Adobe Creative Suite, fine art inkjet printing, and film and darkroom processes.
• A record of peer-reviewed exhibitions.
• Individuals from all backgrounds, including underrepresented groups, are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates must be able to effectively engage with students, colleagues, and community members with a broad range of backgrounds and experiences
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, such as the ability to interact with others with respect and empathy.

Preferred Qualifications and Education:

• Experience with studio lighting and photography.
• Experience with professional/commercial photography.
• Experience with organizing exhibitions and portfolio development.

Responsibilities:

• Teach 12 credits for the Photography program each semester (normally 4 courses)
• Be available outside of class time to meet with students independently as needed through regularly scheduled office hours.
• Attend Photography program meetings.

Salary/Benefits: The salary is $50,000. The university offers an excellent comprehensive package that includes health plans, life insurance, tuition waiver, adoption resources, wellness coaching, and free access to campus fitness facilities, effective on date of hire. Family and childcare options on and off-campus are also available.

Department/College: The Visual and Media Arts Department consists Photography and the following programs: Studio Art, Film and Video, Art Education and Art History.

College:The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) is the largest college at GVSU, offering over 50 bachelor’s degrees and a growing number of advanced degrees in the natural and mathematical sciences, the fine arts and humanities, and the social sciences. CLAS is a student-centered and diverse learning community that engages in critical inquiry, extending knowledge to enrich and enliven individual and public life. Our faculty are active teacher-scholars committed to equitable, inclusive, career-connected, and community-engaged liberal arts and sciences education. There are many opportunities for collaboration within CLAS and across a broad group of partners on and off campus. We are interested in attracting a cohort of new faculty committed to these core values as we seek to foster a community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn, and thrive together.

University: Grand Valley State University (GVSU) is a public comprehensive institution located in West Michigan with campuses in Allendale, downtown Grand Rapids, and Holland, plus centers in Detroit, Muskegon and Traverse City. The University attracts approximately 23,000 undergraduate and graduate students with high quality programs and state-of-the-art facilities, and has been nationally recognized for innovativeness and its contribution to students’ social mobility. The greater Grand Rapids metropolitan area has a population of around one million people, is affordable, and offers rich cultural amenities. Grand Valley is located within easy driving distance of Chicago, Detroit, Lake Michigan beaches, and many other superb summer and winter recreational venues. Information can be found at Community Resources - Human Resources - Grand Valley State University (gvsu.edu). Grand Valley is highly rated for safety, sustainability, and veteran and LGBTQ friendliness, and is committed to supporting employees and their families in work-life balance. The university seeks to create an inclusive and diverse environment for faculty and students while promoting enrichment of society through excellent teaching, active scholarship, and service.

How to Apply: A complete application must include: (1) a cover letter addressing qualifications and your motivation to teach at GVSU; (2) curriculum vitae; (3) a link containing samples of professional works; (4) contact information of three professional references; (5) graduate transcripts (unofficial issued to students are acceptable to apply). Apply online at GVSU Careers. The online application will allow applicants to attach these documents electronically, in the same file location.

Applicants selected for interviews will be required to submit official transcripts prior to the interview.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must not require sponsorship now or in the future.

If you need technical assistance, email Human Resources at hro@gvsu.edu. For questions related to the position, email Professor Stafford Smith at smithsta@gvsu.edu.

Application Deadline: The review process will begin on June 15, 2026. The posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University thereafter.

Allendale, Michigan 49401 - (616) 331-5000

For more information about Grand Valley, see our website at www.gvsu.edu

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Seewww.gvsu.edu/equalopportunity/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).

Grand Valley State University is an Antidiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.