Western Carolina University
Dean/Professor of the Belcher College of Fine & Performing Arts #002287
Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, North Carolina, United States, 28723
Overview
Dean/Professor of the Belcher College of Fine & Performing Arts #002287 Please see Special Instructions for more details. Application Instructions
Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire. Please include a cover letter, current resume, and a list of four professional references with complete contact information. For questions or additional information please contact search committee chair, Jill Nelson Granger, 828-227-7383 or via email at jngranger@wcu.edu About WCU
Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes “Best Employers” lists each year. Specifically: 2025 – ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes “America’s Best Employers by State”; 2024 – top 8.5% on Forbes “America’s Best Midsize Employers”; 2023 – top 20% on Forbes “America’s Best Midsize Employers”; 2022 – ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina. WCU is the UNC system’s westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South. Employees receive a comprehensive benefits package, with eligibility for health plans, retirement plan contributions, disability options, tuition waivers, wellness benefits, and leave provisions. Training and development programs are offered, including many at no charge. Position Summary
Western Carolina University seeks a proven and visionary leader who understands administering and leading an engaged college of fine and performing arts within the framework of shared governance. The Dean of the Belcher College of Fine and Performing Arts (BCFPA) serves as the chief administrative and academic leader of the College, promoting a student-centered culture of academic excellence and inclusivity. The Dean reports to the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and works with other deans and Academic Affairs staff. Candidates should demonstrate success in higher education administration and a record of distinction in teaching, service, and scholarship. The Dean is responsible for oversight of processes including fundraising, strategic planning, policy management, budgeting, faculty recruitment, hiring and retention, program assessment and review, and management of college resources (space allocation, scheduling and assignment of courses, infrastructure oversight, and personnel management, including the collegial review process). Responsibilities
Provide effective leadership and management to enable the BCFPA to deliver student excellence in learning, faculty excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service, and staff excellence in job performance and professional development. Represent the programs within the BCFPA to advance the college’s mission of regional engagement. Foster a climate that supports employees and students, emphasizing productive collaboration. Develop a compelling vision and strategic direction aligned with the University’s plan in collaboration with faculty, staff, and students. Be an active advocate for the BCFPA and WCU on campus, in the community, and in the region; establish and maintain relationships with key community partners. Pursue internal and external development to support programs and initiatives. Address faculty and staff concerns to maintain a healthy, cooperative work environment and promote equity and development. Collaborate with other colleges to develop professionals, support Liberal Studies, and respond to institutional initiatives from the Office of the Provost. Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Terminal degree from an accredited institution with an academic record that qualifies the candidate for tenure at the rank of full professor in one of the College’s disciplines (School of Art and Design, School of Music, or School of Stage and Screen). Preferred Qualifications
Progressive administrative experience aligned with the mission of a regional public university. Experience in strategic planning and articulating a compelling vision; ability to work with university leadership to advance priorities and foster interdisciplinary connections. Strong communicator with ability to motivate faculty, staff, students, and external partners; experience in cultivating external relationships and campus visibility in the arts scene. Commitment to academic quality, artistic innovation, and scholarly achievement; support for experiential learning, teaching excellence, and community engagement. Advocacy for shared governance, open communication, inclusive decision-making, and faculty/staff development; commitment to equity. Understanding of budgeting, financial planning, and fiscal management; track record in fundraising and external resource development. Experience in programs that support student success, retention, and career readiness. Knowledge of accreditation requirements and best practices for programs within the College. Position Details
Position Type: Permanent Full-Time Hours per Week: Not specified Months per Year: 12 Open Date: 09/05/2025 Close Date: Open Until Filled Special Instructions to Applicants
Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire. Please include a cover letter, current resume, and a list of four professional references with complete contact information. For questions or additional information please contact search committee chair, Jill Nelson Granger, 828-227-7383 or via email at jngranger@wcu.edu Background and Legal
Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. Some vacancies may require credit or motor vehicle checks. Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. For more information about E-Verify, including rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability is required at the time of employment. All new employees must have credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. Teaching staff must provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment for the highest earned degree used to satisfy credential requirements. Equal Opportunity
WCU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation, National Guard or veteran status, in accordance with applicable laws and University policies. Accommodations for applicants with disabilities can be requested by calling 828-227-7218 or emailing jobs@email.wcu.edu. Safety and Compliance
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online or by request at the listed offices. The report covers crime statistics, reporting procedures, security, policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety. Required Documents
Cover Letter/Letter of Application Curriculum Vitae List of references Optional Documents Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Dean/Professor of the Belcher College of Fine & Performing Arts #002287 Please see Special Instructions for more details. Application Instructions
Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire. Please include a cover letter, current resume, and a list of four professional references with complete contact information. For questions or additional information please contact search committee chair, Jill Nelson Granger, 828-227-7383 or via email at jngranger@wcu.edu About WCU
Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes “Best Employers” lists each year. Specifically: 2025 – ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes “America’s Best Employers by State”; 2024 – top 8.5% on Forbes “America’s Best Midsize Employers”; 2023 – top 20% on Forbes “America’s Best Midsize Employers”; 2022 – ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina. WCU is the UNC system’s westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South. Employees receive a comprehensive benefits package, with eligibility for health plans, retirement plan contributions, disability options, tuition waivers, wellness benefits, and leave provisions. Training and development programs are offered, including many at no charge. Position Summary
Western Carolina University seeks a proven and visionary leader who understands administering and leading an engaged college of fine and performing arts within the framework of shared governance. The Dean of the Belcher College of Fine and Performing Arts (BCFPA) serves as the chief administrative and academic leader of the College, promoting a student-centered culture of academic excellence and inclusivity. The Dean reports to the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and works with other deans and Academic Affairs staff. Candidates should demonstrate success in higher education administration and a record of distinction in teaching, service, and scholarship. The Dean is responsible for oversight of processes including fundraising, strategic planning, policy management, budgeting, faculty recruitment, hiring and retention, program assessment and review, and management of college resources (space allocation, scheduling and assignment of courses, infrastructure oversight, and personnel management, including the collegial review process). Responsibilities
Provide effective leadership and management to enable the BCFPA to deliver student excellence in learning, faculty excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service, and staff excellence in job performance and professional development. Represent the programs within the BCFPA to advance the college’s mission of regional engagement. Foster a climate that supports employees and students, emphasizing productive collaboration. Develop a compelling vision and strategic direction aligned with the University’s plan in collaboration with faculty, staff, and students. Be an active advocate for the BCFPA and WCU on campus, in the community, and in the region; establish and maintain relationships with key community partners. Pursue internal and external development to support programs and initiatives. Address faculty and staff concerns to maintain a healthy, cooperative work environment and promote equity and development. Collaborate with other colleges to develop professionals, support Liberal Studies, and respond to institutional initiatives from the Office of the Provost. Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Terminal degree from an accredited institution with an academic record that qualifies the candidate for tenure at the rank of full professor in one of the College’s disciplines (School of Art and Design, School of Music, or School of Stage and Screen). Preferred Qualifications
Progressive administrative experience aligned with the mission of a regional public university. Experience in strategic planning and articulating a compelling vision; ability to work with university leadership to advance priorities and foster interdisciplinary connections. Strong communicator with ability to motivate faculty, staff, students, and external partners; experience in cultivating external relationships and campus visibility in the arts scene. Commitment to academic quality, artistic innovation, and scholarly achievement; support for experiential learning, teaching excellence, and community engagement. Advocacy for shared governance, open communication, inclusive decision-making, and faculty/staff development; commitment to equity. Understanding of budgeting, financial planning, and fiscal management; track record in fundraising and external resource development. Experience in programs that support student success, retention, and career readiness. Knowledge of accreditation requirements and best practices for programs within the College. Position Details
Position Type: Permanent Full-Time Hours per Week: Not specified Months per Year: 12 Open Date: 09/05/2025 Close Date: Open Until Filled Special Instructions to Applicants
Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire. Please include a cover letter, current resume, and a list of four professional references with complete contact information. For questions or additional information please contact search committee chair, Jill Nelson Granger, 828-227-7383 or via email at jngranger@wcu.edu Background and Legal
Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. Some vacancies may require credit or motor vehicle checks. Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. For more information about E-Verify, including rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability is required at the time of employment. All new employees must have credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. Teaching staff must provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment for the highest earned degree used to satisfy credential requirements. Equal Opportunity
WCU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation, National Guard or veteran status, in accordance with applicable laws and University policies. Accommodations for applicants with disabilities can be requested by calling 828-227-7218 or emailing jobs@email.wcu.edu. Safety and Compliance
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online or by request at the listed offices. The report covers crime statistics, reporting procedures, security, policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety. Required Documents
Cover Letter/Letter of Application Curriculum Vitae List of references Optional Documents Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
#J-18808-Ljbffr