The University of Texas at Austin invites applications and nominations for the position of Chair of the Department of Art & Art History in the College of Fine Arts. This is a national search for an accomplished academic leader at the full professor level to lead one of the largest and most distinguished art and art history departments at a flagship public research university. Situated at a moment of momentum, renewal, and stability, the Department of Art & Art History offers an exceptional platform for visionary leadership. The department is central to UT Austin's highly ranked College of Fine Arts (most recently ranked #23 nationally) and houses some of the college's highest-ranked programs, including sculpture, photography, and art history. The Department of Art and Art History is one of the largest and broadest in the country. It offers an undergraduate program with k-12 teaching certification in Art Education, and graduate and undergraduate programs in Studio Art and Art History. The department reflects the rigorous standards of a flagship institution, while offering an intimate environment for students to train as scholars, practitioners, and educators in the arts. Key Opportunities The next chair will be enthusiastic about tackling defined needs in the department as well as setting a visionary course for the future. The goals of the department articulated for their next chair include strategic planning for the future, strengthening graduate programs, fundraising and external engagement, leading innovation for student outcomes, strengthening art education and building impactful partnerships and outreach. Required
Qualifications:- Hold an earned terminal degree appropriate to their field in either Art History, Studio Art or Art Education
- Qualify for appointment at the full tenured professor level
- Demonstrate a distinguished record of scholarship, creative practice, and/or curatorial work
- Show evidence of effective academic and administrative leadership Compensation and Benefits
- The position of department chair offers a competitive total compensation package of approximately $200,000, which includes: Base faculty salary typically ranging from $160,000–$175,000 Administrative supplement
- Discretionary funds for maintaining scholarly/creative practice
- Full teaching release in first year, partial release in subsequent years
- For Studio faculty: salary supplement towards off-site studio facility rental
Required start date for this position is Summer, 2027.The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action.
The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. DSG | Storbeck has been exclusively retained for this engagement, which is led by Susan VanGilder, Managing Director and Susan Kart, Ph.D., Managing Associate.
Applicants can express interest in the role by submit a compelling cover letter and CV on our Talent Profile. Nominations may be submitted at [email protected] All submitted materials and nominations are strictly confidential.
For best consideration, candidates should submit materials no later than August 31, 2026. Review of materials will be ongoing until the position is filled.
