1855 Professorship in Arts and Climate Justice- Open Rank

The Residential College in the Arts and Humanities (RCAH) at Michigan State University (MSU) seeks a practicing artist whose work is recognized for engaging environmental and climate justice issues in local, national and/or global contexts. This position is an 1855 professorship, an MSU initiative to attract candidates with a prominent or ascending profile in their respective fields. The candidate's work should aim to drive discussions around art and environmental/climate justice, as demonstrated through their record of artistic exhibitions and public engagement. The ideal candidate’s creative practices would have relevance to the diverse ecologies and issues of sustainability faced across the Great Lakes region. The candidate must possess an MFA or PhD/terminal degree in a related field and be capable of teaching climate/environmental issues through arts practice as part of an interdisciplinary curriculum that includes humanistic, collaborative, and community-oriented practices and scholarship. The candidate must demonstrate commitment to addressing issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

The candidate should build upon and expand RCAH’s and MSU’s mission and strengths. Therefore, the candidate’s arts practice, scholarship and teaching should align with RCAH’s focus on the intersection of the arts and humanities, issues of social justice, and understanding the world through arts practice.  This position may include a secondary appointment with the Lyman Briggs College (Briggs), MSU’s residential college for studying the sciences within societal and global contexts. Therefore, interest in interdisciplinary collaborations with scientists and working with STEM and/or non-artist students at Briggs is desired, but not required. Based on the expertise and interests of the candidate, they could develop scholarly collaborations with Briggs faculty and students, as well as contribute to arts-based instructional units and events in Briggs.

About the Residential College in the Arts and Humanities

A student-centered, undergraduate college, the Residential College in the Arts and Humanities is grounded in—and pushes the boundaries of—the arts and humanities to create space for and deepen multiple ways of knowing that can be mobilized for equity, social justice and sustainability (https://rcah.msu.edu/about/radicalreciprocity%20.html). A residential college in the fullest sense, the RCAH builds community among our students, faculty, staff, and the people around us. We are committed to maintaining an inclusive and welcoming environment for the entire RCAH community — including students, faculty, staff, families, community partners, and visitors. As part of our recently completed strategic plan, RCAH embraces five core values: Seeding Change; Building Community; Creating Inclusive Futures; Fostering Radical Reciprocity; and (Re)imagining Possibilities of Social justice.

About Lyman Briggs College

Founded in 1967, Lyman Briggs College is an interdisciplinary undergraduate residential college within MSU that aims to transform what it means to be a scientist (https://lbc.msu.edu/about/strategic-plan.html). The Briggs curriculum integrates the natural sciences and mathematics with the human, social, and global dimensions of the sciences. Faculty work closely with students in small classes, and the college is known as a place for interdisciplinary scholarship, teaching and learning, and engagement. The college boasts a dynamic community of students, staff, and faculty who make Briggs an exceptional place to learn and work.

About 1855 Professorships

The 1855 professorships are part of the Provost’s initiatives to enhance student success and elevate academic quality and reputation at MSU. In addition to aligning with the MSU 2030 DEI strategic theme, the development of Advancing Inclusive Excellence at MSU resulted in the creation of these Professorships. Michigan State University was founded in the year 1855.

Applicants should include in a single PDF:

• a cover letter
• CV
• statement of teaching philosophy that highlights your alignment with the desired qualifications, including past course experience
• sample syllabus for art and climate/environmental justice course
• a 1-page summary of their philosophy of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging as it pertains to intellectual leadership in the areas of teaching/curriculum development, research/creative activities, service, outreach, advising, and/or administration. The statement should also include an explanation of related past or planned activities/endeavors as well as how the candidate will advance our goals of inclusive excellence. For more about MSU’s DEI efforts, see https://inclusion.msu.edu/. For more information about writing diversity statements, see https://cal.msu.edu/documents/cal-guidelines-for-the-writing-of-diversity-statements/

Applicants should include in a separate PDF:

• an artist statement and a portfolio with up to 20 images of artworks related to climate/environmental justice

Applicants also will be required to submit names and emails for three people from whom letters of reference will be solicited.