Assistant Professor of Media Arts and Game Development - Tenure-Track - Communication - 21225
ATTENTION:
The Department of Communication in the College of Arts & Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater seeks a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the area of Media Arts & Game Development beginning August 2025. This is a full-time position with responsibilities for teaching undergraduate courses in media arts and game development, research, and service to the university and community. Research expertise should complement existing faculty expertise and may include a focus on game studies and design, creative coding, game development, media studies, film studies, or other emergent/computational media practice. The Communication Department will welcome candidates who expand the field of Game Development towards inclusivity. We seek perspectives from a diverse array of candidates who take an active interest in redefining the Game Development and Media Arts fields.
JOB DETAILS:
The successful candidate will be able to teach courses focused on the creative use of technology for the conceptualization and development of computer-based media and game development applications. The candidate will also be expected to pursue an active research agenda that engages undergraduate students, results in publications, and contributes to advancing the MAGD program, department, university, the profession, and society. The candidate will also be expected to participate in service activities and embrace the principles of diversity and inclusion as a member of the university community.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum Qualifications:
- Ph.D. or MFA or equivalent terminal degree with focus in game development and design is required (ABD candidates may apply but must have their degree completed by the contract start date in August 2025, if not, they will be hired on a one-year contract with the understanding that their degree will be completed before January 2026 in advance of their first scheduled review)
- Academic preparation and/or demonstrable experience to teach undergraduate courses in some of the following areas: game studies and design, creative coding, game development, media studies, film studies, or other emergent/computational media practice
- Have active research and/or creative agenda within one or more of these areas
- Demonstrate commitment to teaching with an emphasis on promoting the success of undergraduate students, clear evidence of scholarly potential, commitment to working in an inclusive way with diverse populations and serving as active member of the university community
- Proficiency in relevant industry software is expected
Preferred Qualifications:
- Previous university level teaching experience in all levels of Game Design or Development and strong record of professional activity are preferred
- Excellence in teaching with an emphasis on promoting the success of undergraduate students may be demonstrated through student work samples included with submission materials outlined below
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Willingness and ability to be an active participant in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary trainings and drills
- Ability to interact respectfully with people from diverse socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Full-time teaching responsibilities include commitment to a research or creative activities agenda relevant to work in the Media Arts and Game Development program. Normal teaching responsibility is four courses per semester. In addition, faculty members serve as advisors/mentors to students and are encouraged to engage students in undergraduate research or other scholarly and creative activities. Service responsibilities include committee service at the departmental, college, and university level as well as participation in community organizations as relevant to the candidate's expertise and interest. Faculty at UW-W may be required to teach online and/or in a hybrid format or courses in the evenings or on weekends. Faculty may also elect to teach New Student Seminar or University Learning Communities, or participate in other programs geared toward improving to student success.
DEPARTMENT INFORMATION:
The Media Arts and Game Development program is an innovative interdisciplinary program that brings together departments across multiple colleges and emphasizes the creative use of technology for the conceptualization and development of digital media and game development applications. The program works with multiple labs including a fabrication space and a Motion Capture studio, and sponsors a range of activities including the annual MAGD Expo, game jams, and guest speakers.
The Department of Communication is the largest department in the College of Arts and Communication and one of the largest at the University. The department serves more than 600 students who major in one of our seven emphases: Advertising, Broadcast/Print/Web Journalism, Corporate and Health Communication, Electronic Media, International Journalism, Media Arts and Game Development, and Public Relations. The department's graduate program serves a diverse population of recent undergraduates and returning professionals. We actively seek candidates who possess the interest and ability to work with students from diverse socio-economic, educational, and ethnic backgrounds.
CAMPUS INFORMATION:
UW-Whitewater is a thriving public university located in southeastern Wisconsin. It leads the way in providing world-class, affordable higher education programs to more students than neighboring regional comprehensives in the University of Wisconsin System. A collaborative team of 1,300 faculty and staff are devoted to the success of the university's 11,500 students at its main and Rock County campuses. The team provides high-impact practices and academic programs - online and in person - from associate to doctoral levels. Recognized nationally for affordability, inclusion, and career development, UWW serves approximately one-third first-generation students and boasts strength in many areas, especially business and education. The campus and community embrace the Warhawk Family spirit, supporting the university's arts and nationally recognized NCAA Division-III level championship athletics. As a proud institution of access, more than 10 percent of undergraduate students use the acclaimed Center for Students with Disabilities - a priority mission since the 1970s.
UW-Whitewater's campuses are located centrally near Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago, offering easy access to the cultural and commercial opportunities of major metropolitan areas. Near both Lake Geneva and the Wisconsin Dells, the area attracts numerous visitors from across the country. Whitewater is a vibrant college community near the Kettle Moraine State Forest offering area residents seasonal outdoor enjoyment. The nearby Rock County campus is located in Janesville, a town of 60,000 located on the Rock River and known as Wisconsin's Park Place.
Belonging and mattering are central to the university's culture, and UW-Whitewater strives to maintain an environment where individual and collective efforts are valued and celebrated. The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, and actively seeks and encourages applications from women, people of color, persons with disabilities, and veterans.
ORGANIZATION INFORMATION:
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is part of the 13-campus University of Wisconsin System (https://www.wisconsin.edu).
Wisconsin Statute 19.36(7)(b) provides that applicants may indicate in writing that their identity should be kept confidential. In response to a public records request, the University will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful final candidate will be released. See Wisconsin Statute 19.36(7)(a).
Per Regent Policy Document 20-19, University of Wisconsin System Criminal Background Check Policy and UW System Administrative Policy 1275 Recruitment Policies, UW-Whitewater requires criminal background checks as a contingency to employment. A criminal background check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment. All final candidates must be asked, prior to hire, whether they have been found to have engaged in, are currently under investigation for, or left employment during an active investigation in which they were accused of sexual violence or sexual harassment. When obtaining employment reference checks, these same sexual violence or sexual harassment questions must also be asked.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater requires that all employees be active participants in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills.
For UW-Whitewater Campus safety information and crime statistics/annual Security Report, see Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. If you would like a paper copy of the report please contact the UW-Whitewater Police at 262-472-4660.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting annual salary of $53,000.
UW System employees receive an excellent benefit package. To learn more about the UW System's comprehensive benefit package, review the UW System Employee Benefits Brochure.
TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION:
Applications received by October 20, 2024 are ensured full consideration. Applications received after that date may be given consideration at the discretion of the search committee. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.
If you have questions regarding this recruitment or if you are unable to complete the application online due to a disability or system problem, please contact us at (262) 472-1024 or hr@uww.edu.
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
A. Bill Miller
Media Arts and Game Development Program Coordinator
Associate Professor of Art and Design
millera@uww.edu or 262-472-2874
TO APPLY:
Only complete application packages will be considered. This includes online submission of the following documents:
- Cover letter/letter of interest
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae
- Statement of teaching philosophy
- Examples of Creative Work or Research (PDF with up to 20 images or link up to 3-minute reel)
- Examples of Student Work (PDF with up to 20 images or link up to 3-minute reel)
- Names and contact information for three professional references (letters of recommendation may be solicited at a later time)
This Job ID is 21225.
A potential applicant who is NOT currently employed by the University of Wisconsin System, click here:
UW-Whitewater External Applicants
A current employee of the University of Wisconsin System, click here:
UW-Whitewater Internal Applicants
Before you get started with the online application process, we recommend you preview the frequently asked questions (FAQs) by selecting the link below.