Fashion Studies, Outreach & Engagement (Tenure-Track, Assistant Professor)

Fashion Studies, Outreach & Engagement (Tenure-Track, Assistant Professor)

Posting Number: F-0997
College/Unit: College of Education & Human Services
Home Department: Department of Fashion, Interior Design, and Merchandising
Employee Group: Tenure-Track Faculty - Academic Year
Employment Status: Full-Time
Position Type: 9 month (Academic Year)
Position Classification: Tenure Track Faculty
Position Begin Date: 08/24/2026
Position End Date:

Position Summary:

The Department of Fashion, Interior Design, and Merchandising at Central Michigan University invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor of Fashion Studies, Outreach & Engagement (a 9-month appointment beginning August 24, 2026). We seek a forward-thinking colleague whose teaching and scholarship focus on the historical foundations and contemporary issues in fashion, culture, and society. The successful candidate will create innovative learning experiences that connect students with broader communities and professional networks. This individual will also play a key role in leading student recruitment efforts, supporting public-facing events, and building sustainable partnerships with industry to strengthen engagement and outreach. A reduced teaching load may be available to support these initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses in fashion history, culture, and society, with particular attention to contemporary issues.
• Lead the department’s outreach and engagement efforts by:
  • Expanding student recruitment activities to strengthen program visibility and attract prospective students.
  • Supporting public-facing events that showcase student work and connect with the broader community.
  • Developing industry partnerships that provide students with real-world opportunities and professional networks.

Mentor and advise students; supervise undergraduate and graduate research projects.Maintain an active research agenda appropriate for tenure and promotion.Contribute to curriculum development, assessment, and department/college service.

This is an in-person position based at CMU’s main campus in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Required Qualifications:

• Doctorate in Fashion Studies, or a closely related field; ABD candidates will be considered if the degree is conferred by the start date of the appointment.
• Evidence of effective college-level teaching in fashion history/culture/society or closely aligned topics.
• Demonstrated involvement in outreach and engagement activities.
• Demonstrated potential for scholarly productivity and/or creative work appropriate for tenure and promotion.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Leadership in outreach and engagement initiatives, such as developing industry partnerships, coordinating public-facing events, or leading student recruitment activities.
• Experience teaching in varied delivery formats, including online and hybrid.
• Evidence of technological competence and adaptability, including the ability to integrate digital and/or AI tools into teaching, research, and outreach.
• Professional or industry experience in the fashion field or related areas.
• Demonstrated leadership or experience in grant writing and/or externally supported projects.

Message to Applicants:

You must submit an online application to be considered as an applicant for this position. Position will remain open until filled, although priority consideration will be given to applications completed by January 5, 2026.

Required Documents:

• A letter of application addressing the required and preferred qualifications
• Curriculum vitae
• Copy of transcripts
• Teaching philosophy (include the information on courses taught and their evaluation rating scores if available)
• Research statement and writing sample (e.g., peer-reviewed journal articles)
• The names and contact information for three professional references

Please contact Dr. Seung-Eun (Joy) Lee, Search Committee Chair, at [email protected] or 989-774-2035 with questions about this position.

About the Department:

The Department of Fashion, Interior Design, and Merchandising ( DIFM ) prepares students for a variety of careers in the fields of fashion, interior design, and merchandising. Within the department, the Fashion Merchandising & Design ( FMD ) program serves approximately 200 students and offers both on-campus and online majors. The curriculum blends design and merchandising to reflect current industry practices and prepare students for diverse careers in the fashion industry.

FMD students and faculty engage with cutting-edge facilities and equipment housed in the Center for Merchandising and Design Technology ( CMDT ) and specialized design and merchandising labs, where experiential learning and applied research are integral to the program. Through these experiences, students develop practical skills and professional readiness, supported by strong internship placements that have consistently contributed to over a 90% job placement rate. Study abroad opportunities in Asia and Europe further enrich students’ global perspectives. The program also offers a Master of Science degree in Fashion Merchandising & Design for those pursuing advanced study in the field.

Please visit our website for more information about our department and program.
Posting Begins: 11/12/2025
Posting Ends:
Open Until Filled: Yes

About CMU:

Central Michigan University has a more than 125-year legacy of preparing students to become leaders and changemakers in their communities and in their personal and professional lives.

We serve nearly 15,500 students on our Mount Pleasant campus, in satellite locations around the state and throughout the country, and through flexible online programs. Many of our approximately 300 undergraduate, master’s, specialist and doctoral programs in the arts, media, business, education, human services, health professions, liberal arts, social sciences, medicine, science and engineering are nationally ranked for excellence.

CMU leads the nation in leadership development programming through our Sarah R. Opperman Leadership Institute, and we are proud to be among only 5% of U.S. universities in the top two Carnegie research classifications. Our faculty work with graduate and undergraduate students in areas such as Great Lakes research, medical innovation, engineering technology and more.

Central is home to 17 men’s and women’s Division 1 sports including football, basketball, gymnastics, baseball, wrestling and more. Our student-athletes achieve great success in competition and in the classroom, capturing Mid-American Conference championships and maintaining an average cumulative GPA of 3.17.

CMU is located in Mount Pleasant, a community that blends the best of small-town living with big-city amenities. It’s part of the culturally varied and vibrant Great Lakes Bay Region that also includes Saginaw, Bay City, Midland and the state’s largest Native American community, centered on the Saginaw Chippewa Isabella Reservation in Mount Pleasant.

Area residents enjoy the mix of outdoor activities, cultural events, shopping and dining options, and family attractions. Other major Michigan destinations and attractions — Lansing, Grand Rapids, Detroit, Traverse City, wineries, beaches, golf and ski resorts, and many more — are within easy reach of the city’s central location in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.

CMU employees enjoy access to a nationally recognized wellness program along with health care and benefits that exceed regional, state and national norms.
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CMU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and institution. CMU does not discriminate against persons based on age, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, height, marital status, national origin, political persuasion, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, race, religion, sex, sex-based stereotypes, sexual orientation, transgender status, veteran status, or weight.

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CMU does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, including admission and employment, and is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 not to discriminate in such a matter.

Inquiries about the application of Title IX can be made to CMU’s Title IX Coordinator, the US Department of Education’s Assistant Secretary, or both.

CMU’s Title IX Coordinator can be reached at:

Phone: 989-774-3253
Office: 103 E. Preston St.
Bovee University Center, suite 306
Mount Pleasant, MI 48858
Email: [email protected]