The Department of Design in the College of Health and Human Sciences at Texas Tech University invites applications for a full-time, 9-month, non-tenure track Assistant/Associate Professor of Practice to begin September 1, 2027.
About the University:
Established in 1923, Texas Tech University is a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity) Doctoral/Research-Extensive, Hispanic Serving, and state-assisted institution. Located on a beautiful 1,850-acre campus in Lubbock, a city in West Texas with a growing metropolitan-area population of over 300,000, the university enrolls over 40,000 students with 33,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students. As the primary research institution in the western two-thirds of the state, Texas Tech University is home to 10 colleges, the Schools of Law and Veterinary Medicine, and the Graduate School. The flagship of the Texas Tech University System, Texas Tech is dedicated to student success by preparing learners to be ethical leaders for a diverse and globally competitive workforce. It is committed to enhancing the cultural and economic development of the state, nation, and world.
Referred to as the “Hub City” because it serves as the educational, cultural, economic, and health care hub of the South Plains region, Lubbock boasts a diverse population and a strong connection to community, history, and land. With a mild climate, highly rated public schools, and a low cost of living, Lubbock is a family-friendly community that is ranked as one of the best places to live in Texas. Lubbock is home to a celebrated and ever-evolving music scene, a vibrant arts community, and is within driving distance of Dallas, Austin, Santa Fe, and other major metropolitan cities. Lubbock’s Convention & Visitors Bureau provides a comprehensive overview of the Lubbock community and its resources, programs, events, and histories.
About the College:
As one of the four original colleges at Texas Tech University at its founding in 1925, the College of Health & Human Sciences (CHHS) has a rich history of investing in students, preparing them to impact the world around them. The College of Health & Human Sciences provides multidisciplinary education, research, and service focused on individuals, families, and their environments to improve and enhance the human condition. The college offers a wide range of outstanding and nationally recognized undergraduate and graduate programs and encompasses seven academic units that include Community, Family & Addiction Sciences; the Department of Design; Family & Consumer Sciences Education; Hospitality and Retail Management; Human Development and Family Sciences; Interdisciplinary Human Sciences; Nutritional Sciences; and the School of Personal Financial Planning. In further supporting its vision of providing premier research, outreach, and educational programs that enhance human well-being worldwide, the CHHS is also home to six centers and five institutes. When they graduate, our students are making an impact as educators, healthcare professionals, financial planners, hospitality managers, fashion merchandisers, designers, counselors, and nutrition experts.
About the Department/School/Area:
The Department of Design serves approximately 300 undergraduate and 30 graduate students. Research and teaching emphasize design for health and wellness, both indoor and outdoor learning environments, sustainable design practices, and design innovation. The undergraduate Interior Design program, one of the first CIDA-accredited programs in the United States, provides students with a foundation of education and success for creative and employable interior design fields. Many of these undergraduates earn a minor in Architecture. Over the recent years, our undergraduate alumni have consistently placed in Interior Design Magazine’s annual top interior designers’ “30 under 30” list. Additionally, our award-winning graduate students are engaged in both research translation (Master of Science) and original research (Doctor of Philosophy) applied to the interior and near environments with a research focus on current problems in health and human-centered sciences. While they are graduate students, most have published their findings in peer-reviewed academic journals.
This is an exciting time for the Department of Design as we now are an integral member of the Texas Tech University Design Village, an innovative new facility that will enhance student collaboration and learning experiences by fostering collaboration among key colleges: Architecture, Agriculture (Landscape Architecture Program), Business (Real Estate Program), Engineering (Construction Engineering Program), Health and Human Sciences (Department of Design), Visual and Performing Arts (School of Art). By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, industry partnerships, and innovative learning environments, the Design Village promises to deliver significant benefits to students and the university, positioning Texas Tech University at the forefront of design and technology education. We therefore are recruiting faculty who will provide current knowledge and technological skills for bright students.
At Texas Tech University, the Professor of Practice title is used to recruit individuals with exceptional backgrounds and achievements in academic, business, government, or other professional practice. Primary responsibilities normally will be to teach in an area of expertise, mentor students in professional and career preparation, and liaise with professional contacts and entities on behalf of the department or program.
In line with TTU’s strategic priorities to engage and empower a diverse student body, enable innovative research and creative activities, and transform lives and communities through outreach and engaged scholarship, applicants should have experience working with diverse student populations at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels within individual or across the areas of teaching, research/creative activity, and service.
As a faculty member in the Interior Design Program, the Assistant/Associate Professor of Practice will be expected to excel in teaching and service while contributing meaningfully to the academic and professional community. This position offers an exceptional opportunity to join a growing and forward-looking faculty committed to innovation, collaboration, and excellence in interior design education. It provides an ideal pathway for accomplished design professionals to bring contemporary practice into the classroom through engaging instruction, innovative curriculum development, and dedicated student mentorship. Faculty are encouraged to create dynamic learning experiences that bridge theory and practice, preparing students to become thoughtful, creative, and globally engaged design professionals.
Faculty are expected to maintain active scholarly and professional engagement through ongoing professional development, committee service, outreach, and advocacy for the interior design profession. Equally important is fostering collaborative and interdisciplinary initiatives that connect students with the broader design community. All faculty play a vital role in leading immersive educational experiences, including faculty-led travel to major U.S. design markets such as Dallas, New York, Chicago, and San Francisco, where students engage with leading design firms, internationally recognized showrooms, manufacturers, and industry professionals. Opportunities also exist to lead study-abroad programs in Italy, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, and Costa Rica, providing students with firsthand exposure to the architecture, interiors, art, and cultural traditions that continue to influence contemporary design. Through these experiences, faculty help cultivate globally minded designers while strengthening the program's reputation for experiential learning, professional engagement, and international collaboration.
Required Qualifications:
All applicants should have earned an MS, MA, MFA, M. Arch or Ph.D by appointment time, in Interior Design or a related field.
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, individuals with the following preferred qualifications are strongly encouraged to apply.
Preferred qualifications include the following:
- Previous experience in interior design professional practice,
- NCIDQ certification or meets eligibility requirements to take exam upon hire.
- Teaching experience in higher education
- Experience with and competency in relevant industry-standard software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, SketchUp)
- Relevant certifications (e.g., WELL AP, NKBA, AAHID).
Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are the responsibilities of all TTU employees.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Please include the following documents in your application:
1. Cover Letter
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Transcripts
4. Professional Portfolio (if applicable)
5. Teaching Portfolio (if applicable)
6. Other documents(s) directly related to required qualifications
7. Names and contact information for at least three professional references, at least one of which speaks to teaching experience and effectiveness.
Questions about this position should be directed to Dr. Sharran Parkinson/Professor, Search Committee Chair at Department of Design. If you need assistance with the application process, contact Human Resources, Talent Acquisition at hrs.recruiting@ttu.edu or 806-742-3851.
The deadline to submit applications is on December 14, 2026.
Apply at www.depts.ttu.edu/personnel. Click on “Prospective Employees,” then "Faculty Positions". Create an application for position number T50112. Include with the completed application a cover letter of application, curriculum vita, copy of transcripts (official transcripts will be required upon appointment, a brief statement of teaching and examples of creative scholarship, professional work portfolio, student work (teaching portfolio), other documents related to required qualifications, and contact information for three professional references, one of which should speak to teaching experience and effectiveness.
Department Website: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/hs/dod/
For additional information contact: Marisa Maddox, Business Manager; marisa.maddox@ttu.edu