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Inside Higher Ed

Dean/Professor of the Belcher College of Fine & Performing Arts 002287

Inside Higher Ed, Cullowhee, North Carolina, United States, 28723

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Dean/Professor of the Belcher College of Fine & Performing Arts Western Carolina University seeks a proven and visionary leader who understands the complexities of administering and leading an engaged college of fine and performing arts in the context of shared governance. The Dean serves as the chief administrative officer and academic leader of the College, charged with promoting a student-centered culture of academic excellence and inclusivity in all programs. The Dean reports to the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.

Responsibilities

Provide effective leadership and management to enable student excellence in learning, faculty excellence in teaching, scholarship and service, and staff excellence in job performance, professional development, and growth.

Represent the variety of programs within the BCFPA to advance the mission of regional engagement.

Foster a climate in the BCFPA that supports employees and students and places a premium on productive collaboration.

Develop a compelling vision and strategic direction for the BCFPA that is consistent with the University’s strategic plan in collaboration with faculty, staff, and students.

Serve as an effective, present, and visible advocate for the BCFPA and WCU on campus, in the community, and in the region while establishing and maintaining relationships with key community partners to enhance the BCFPA’s presence and significance in the region.

Pursue both internal and external development to support the College’s programs and initiatives.

Maintain sensitivity to staff and faculty viewpoints and seek appropriate means for addressing faculty and staff concerns to create a healthy, cooperative work environment and foster faculty and staff development, ensuring equity for staff, students, and faculty.

Work collaboratively with other colleges at the university to develop well-qualified professionals, support Liberal Studies, and support personal development and lifelong learning; and respond to institutional initiatives from the Office of the Provost.

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 academic disciplines within the College (School of Art and Design, School of Music, or School of Stage and Screen) and a record of progressively more responsible academic leadership positions.

Demonstrated record of progressive administrative roles and strategic planning, articulating and leading a compelling vision that advances the mission of the College and University, and the ability to work effectively with university leadership to advance the College’s strategic priorities and build interdisciplinary connections.

Strong communicator capable of motivating and inspiring faculty, staff, students, and external partners to elevate the College’s reputation and impact; proven ability to cultivate key external constituents, steward university and community partnerships, and generate excitement among alumni and stakeholders.

Committed to the highest standards of academic quality, artistic innovation, and scholarly achievement with a focus on experiential learning, teaching excellence, and community engagement.

Advocate for shared governance, open communication, and inclusive decision-making; proven record of faculty and staff recruitment, retention, mentorship, and professional development, valuing a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and excellence.

Demonstrated understanding of university budgeting, financial planning, and fiscal management, with ability to align academic priorities with financial resources; evidence of successful fundraising, donor cultivation, and external resource development.

Experience in developing, implementing, and assessing initiatives that support student success, retention, and career readiness.

Knowledge of accreditation and its relationship to best practice and industry standards for all programs within the College.

Application Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Please include a cover letter, current resume, and a list of four professional references with complete contact information. For questions, contact Jill Nelson Granger, Chair, Search Committee, at 828‑227‑7383 or jngranger@wcu.edu. To apply, please visit: https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/31735

Equal Opportunity Employer Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment 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, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227‑7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.

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