Assistant Professor of Fashion History & Theory

The Department of Art and Design's Fashion Design and Merchandising program invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position beginning Fall 2026. The ideal candidate will demonstrate research expertise in diverse areas of fashion history and theory, manage the Program’s historical teaching collection, and be prepared to teach and help shape undergraduate courses in two or more of the following areas: Global History of Fashion and Textiles, Dress and Culture (including Global and Diasporic Cultures), Fashion Forecasting, and Fashion and Sustainability in historical contexts.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Teaching

• Teach undergraduate courses in fashion history and theory to program majors and the general university student population.

• Develop and manage writing-intensive courses that examine the cultural and social implications of fashion, including issues such as identity, representation, consumption, globalization, and the impact of technology on various fashion systems.

• Contribute to the development of the core curriculum and new courses aligned with departmental needs.

• Manage the Program’s Historical Teaching Collection and help guide the curation of these materials for public viewing, while also finding dynamic ways to incorporate the collection into the program’s curriculum.

• Advise and mentor undergraduate students.

Research and Scholarship

• Maintain an active, interdisciplinary research agenda by publishing peer-reviewed research, presenting at national/international conferences, and contributing to curatorial projects or exhibition programs.

• Seek external funding opportunities to support research activities.

• Contribute to the university's research mission and visibility in the field by seeking community partnerships when appropriate.

Service

• Participate in department, college, and university committee work.

• Engage in professional service activities outside the immediate university context.

• Contribute to program development and assessment initiatives.

• Support departmental outreach, recruitment, and community engagement efforts.

THE DEPARTMENT OF ART AND DESIGN'S BA PROGRAM IN FASHION DESIGN AND MERCHANDISING

The BA program in Fashion Design and Merchandising at Montclair State University is designed to prepare students for dynamic careers in the fashion industry, particularly within the arenas of fashion merchandising and design. Housed in the Department of Art and Design, the program strikes a balance between creative and critical thinking, as well as practical business applications, while exploring the broader cultural, social, and environmental impacts of the fashion industry.

THE COLLEGE OF THE ARTS

The College of the Arts (CART) at Montclair State University is a dynamic, collaborative, and inspiring community. With more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs across the Department of Art & Design, the John J. Cali School of Music, and the Department of Theatre and Dance, CART is a vibrant hub of creativity and innovation. Over 2,000 diverse and talented students bring our state-of-the-art studios, stages, and classrooms to life every day, supported by passionate academic advisors and a career services team dedicated to their success.  Programs are rigorous, creative, and designed to meet the needs of all students while offering rich opportunities for experiential learning, performance, and internships. Our faculty is a powerhouse of working composers, designers, actors, musicians, choreographers, conductors, fine artists, scholars, and professionals—Fulbright, Guggenheim, and Howard Award recipients among them—who shape the next generation through close mentorship and hands-on learning. The College is also home to the University Art Galleries, the Office of Arts and Cultural Programming, and the Department of Broadcast and Media Operations, anchoring deep connections with corporate and arts partners. Whether on campus or in the broader community, CART pulses with energy, excellence, and the belief that the arts can transform lives.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD in Fashion Studies, Fashion History, Cultural Studies, or an equivalent terminal degree in a closely related field by the start date.

• Strong commitment to undergraduate education and student mentorship, and a minimum of one or two years of teaching experience in higher education.

• Demonstrated interdisciplinary research expertise in fashion history and the social/cultural dimensions of fashion, with an approach that can address global fashion cultures, technology, and business practices.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Record of scholarly publications and conference presentations.

• Curatorial experience in a professional or academic setting.

• Experience teaching diverse student populations.

• Experience with community-engaged scholarship or experiential learning pedagogies.

• Familiarity with bringing digital and emerging technologies into the classroom.

• Professional experience in the fashion industry.

STARTING DATE: August 28, 2026

REQUIRED MATERIALS:  

• Cover letter, curriculum vitae, research and teaching statements, and 1-2 representative publications, which can be uploaded during the application process.

• Candidates who are shortlisted will be asked to provide three separate letters of recommendation.

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