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Title: Assistant/Associate Professor Fashion Design and Merchandising
Division Name: Academic Affairs
College/Unit: College of Applied Science and Technology
Department: Family and Consumer Sciences
Campus Location: Normal, IL

Job Summary

The Department of Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) invites applications for one tenure-track position beginning August 16, 2025. We are seeking qualified candidates in the field of Fashion Design and Merchandising.

The Department of Family and Consumer Sciences and College of Applied Science and Technology are committed to increasing the diversity of the campus community. ISU recognizes that a diverse faculty, staff, and student body enriches the educational experiences of the entire campus and greater community. Candidates who have experience working with a diverse range of faculty, staff, and students, and who can contribute to the climate of inclusivity are especially welcomed to apply. ISU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive academic environment. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities include effective undergraduate and graduate teaching, scholarly research/publishing, and service. The normal teaching load is nine credit hours, or approximately 3 courses, each semester.

Additional Information

The Department of Family and Consumer Sciences (https://fcs.illinoisstate.edu) is one of six departments and two schools in the College of Applied Science and Technology (www.cast.illinoisstate.edu). The Department is accredited by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) and offers five professional undergraduate programs [Fashion Design and Merchandising; Food, Nutrition and Dietetics; Human Development and Family Science; Interior Design; and FCS Teacher Education]. The department also offers four accelerated master's sequences (combined bachelor's and master's) including a Fashion Design and Merchandising sequence.

The department offers two Master’s degree programs: (1) a Master’s degree in Family and Consumer Sciences with four sequences [Child Life; Fashion Design and Merchandising; Human Development and Family Science; Interior Design] and (2) a Master’s degree in Nutrition with two sequences [Dietetic Internship; Nutrition] and a certificate [Distance Dietetic Internship]. The FCS Department houses four accredited programs including: undergraduate DPD (ACEND), a graduate Dietetic Internship (ACEND), undergraduate interior design (CIDA), and undergraduate Teacher Education (CAEP).

The department has approximately 530 undergraduate and 115 graduate students, 24 full-time and 4 part-time faculty, 2 full-time academic advisors, 2 civil service staff and an affiliated Child Care Center. The FCS department has a collegial collaborative atmosphere among faculty, staff, and students.

Illinois State University: IllinoisState.edu, was founded in 1857 as Illinois’ first public university. We enroll approximately 21,000 students in six colleges. Our new strategic plan, Excellence by Design: 2024-2029, lists our seven core values: Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship; Individualized Attention; Equity, Diversity, Access, and Belonging; Collaboration; Community and Civic Engagement; Respect; and Integrity. By acting on these values, we create a learning environment that results in our university being the first-choice public university in Illinois for high-achieving, motivated students who seek an individualized educational experience combined with the resources of a large university. Learn more about Illinois State’s Metrics of Excellence at IllinoisState.edu/PointsofPride.

Bloomington-Normal: Illinois State University is located in the growing twin cities of Bloomington and Normal, with a metro population of approximately 172,000. The community is also home to Illinois Wesleyan University, Heartland Community College, St. Joseph Medical Center, Carle BroMenn Medical Center, COUNTRY Financial, State Farm Insurance’s International Headquarters, Central Illinois Regional Airport, and electric truck manufacturer Rivian Motors. The community has distinguished itself for its outstanding school systems, and its citizens’ high level of educational attainment, as well as its parks and recreation, health care, vibrant fine arts scene, job growth, economic opportunity, historic sites, and low crime rates. Bloomington made Livability’s top 100 Best Places to Live (2024) and ranked No. 3 on College Values Online’s list of Best Small College Towns in America (2024). Bloomington-Normal is conveniently located about three hours from Indianapolis; two hours from both Chicago and St. Louis; and an hour from Peoria, Champaign-Urbana, Decatur, and Springfield. Many of these locations are accessible from Bloomington-Normal via Amtrak, which is located one block from Illinois State’s campus. For more information on our community, visit visitbn.org.

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

Commensurate with experience and qualifications

Required Qualifications

1) A Doctoral degree in Fashion Design and Merchandising or closely related field; however, exceptional A.B.D. candidates will also be considered with an expected completion of their doctoral degree before May 15, 2026.
2) Candidates must be able to demonstrate oral proficiency in the English language as a requirement for this position, as mandated by state law.

Work Hours

Varies

Proposed Starting Date

8/16/2025

Required Applicant Documents

1) A letter of application describing experience and interest in the position
2) CV
3) The names and contact information for three references (name, address, telephone, and email)

Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Special Instructions for Applicants

Review of applications will begin October 15, 2024, and continue until the position is filled.

Contact Information for Applicants

Jasmine Buckner
jsperki@ilstu.edu

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.