Department: School of Digital Arts

Campus Location: Wichita, KS-WSU Shocker Studios (Harry Street)

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm: Varies depending upon teaching schedule.

Export Compliance Requirement: No export control requirement.

Job Story

Light the way for a new generation of digital artists in partnership with Shocker Studios! The Assistant Educator/Assistant Teacher will bring industry experience to the animation department, bolstering instruction for modeling, texturing, shading, and more. Between opportunities for professional development and industry networking, this new colleague will not only instruct students but draft new curricula. These contributions will be interdisciplinary, supporting animation, film, and game art pipelines. By sharing their expertise in software, visual storytelling, and cinematic world-building, the animation department will continue to grow with their leadership. Our new instructor will also contribute to extracurricular projects with their peers, creating professional-grade work to augment their own portfolio and provide applied learning guidance to students. Their contributions to a unique Bachelor of Applied Arts program will grow the nascent media arts community at Wichita State and in the city at large.

The Assistant Teaching Professor/Educator of Animation is a full-time non-tenure track faculty position that will teach, advise, mentor and recruit undergraduate digital arts students with a focus in animation.
This position will elevate the visual and technical quality of student work across both Animation and Game Design. It will allow the department to expand instruction in shading networks, cinematic lighting, and world-building for animated content. The hire could also provide support for VFX curriculum, particularly if the matte painting and digital environment component is emphasized. Interdisciplinary potential with film (virtual production environments, cinematic composition) and acting (virtual set design) also exists. The academic appointment for this position will be effective August 2, 2026.

About the School of Digital Arts (SODA)
Offering a Bachelor of Applied Arts (BAA) in Media Arts with concentrations in Acting for Digital Arts, Animation, Audio Production, Collaborative Design, Filmmaking, and Game Design, the School of Digital Arts stands out as the fastest growing school within the university. Its enrollment and programmatic expansion are outpacing initial projections and contributes to the institution’s record-breaking growth. The School of Digital Arts at Wichita State University is deeply connected to industry partners, giving students first-hand, applied learning experiences that bridge the classroom and real-world practice. These opportunities prepare students to enter their chosen fields with practical skills, professional networks, and clear career pathways: https://www.wichita.edu/digitalarts

About the College of Fine Arts (CFA)
Wichita State University’s College of Fine Arts includes four schools: Art, Design and Creative Industries, Digital Arts, Music, and Performing Arts. The college is a beacon for arts leadership and economy in the city, state, and region. Learn about the CFA arts and cultural impact: https://www.wichita.edu/about/strategic_plan/documents/2021-WSU-Impact-report-digital.pdf

Job Summary

Teach courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels using various instructional deliveries (e.g., traditional (face-to-face), hybrid, and fully online). To foster applied learning into the course design and engage with industry and local business community applied projects. To advance knowledge through scholarly activities (e.g., active involvement in committees, student mentorship, recruitment and retention initiative, outreach activities, etc.)

Essential Functions

Meet expectations for teaching and service, as set forth by the department and college.

Job Duties

Provide instruction for Computer Modeling and Computer Modeling II, as well as Texturing and Shading I & II, or Digital Sets as is necessary. Develop and improve the existing curriculum for relevant courses. This instructor may also contribute to interdisciplinary efforts, supporting VFX, film, or game art students through shared techniques in shading and cinematic world-building. Mentor and advise students for enrollment and capstone projects. Recruit potential undergraduate students. Provide feedback for the degree tracks pertaining to all Media Arts concentrations. Develop projects for Shocker Studios in collaboration with other full-time peers.

Required Education and Experience:

• Graduate level degree or Equivalent Experience in the Field
• Teaching experience

Faculty Requirements

• BFA in Animation or related field, or significant industry experience.
• 3+ years professional experience with 3D modeling, lighting, and materials pipelines (e.g., Maya, Houdini, Blender, Arnold, Redshift, Unreal, Unity).
• Willingness to accommodate a variety of learning styles and strategies in instructional delivery and learning activities, including online and blended learning, flexible teaching methods, and applied learning approaches.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to teach undergraduate courses in animation.
• Ability to use and teach industry standard software.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 3+ years professional experience as an animator
• Experience with concept art, matte painting, and digital environment creation for film, games, or animation.
• Familiarity with cinematic world-building and interdisciplinary workflows (e.g., VFX, game art).
• Prior teaching or mentoring experience at the college level or in professional training environments.
• Demonstrated ability to elevate visual quality in student or team-based projects through shading, lighting, and rendering techniques.
• Experience collaborating across disciplines such as film, game design, and acting for digital arts.
• Commitment to applied learning and preparing students for professional careers in animation, VFX, or game industries.

Additional Information:

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS:
Cover Letter/Letter of Application
Teaching Philosophy
Portfolio of Creative and/or Scholarly Work (URL): include up to 15 examples of your artistic, creative, or scholarly achievements.

For more information, contact Jalen Cooper, Animation Program Coordinator, Chair, Animation Search Committee, jalen.cooper@wichita.edu

Physical Requirements:

Ability to remain in a stationary position – Frequent 60-90%; Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators – Frequent 60-90%

Additional Physical Requirement: