Dean/Professor of the Belcher College of Fine & Performing Arts 002287InsideHigherEd • Cullowhee, North Carolina, United States

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

InsideHigherEd • Cullowhee, North Carolina, United States

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

Western Carolina University

Department : Office, Dean, Fine & Performing Art

About WCU : Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes ‘Best Employers’ lists each year. Including :

2025 – Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.
2024 – Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
2023 – Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
2022 – Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.

Western Carolina University 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 of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work / life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans – eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.

Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.

WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences – many of which are offered free of charge.

Position Summary : 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 of the BCFPA serves as the chief administrative officer and academic leader of the College and is 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 and, as a member of the Provost’s Council, works collaboratively with other deans and members of the Academic Affairs staff. Candidates should demonstrate success in higher education administration and possess a record of distinction in teaching, service, and scholarship.

The Dean of the BCFPA is responsible for oversight of multiple processes and functions including but not limited to fundraising, strategic planning, policy management, budgeting, faculty recruitment, hiring, and retention, program assessment and review, and management of college resources such as space allocation, scheduling and assignment of courses, infrastructure oversight, and personnel management (including the collegial review process).

Other responsibilities include :

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

effectively and energetically representing the variety of programs within the BCFPA to advance the mission of regional engagement.

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

developing 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.

serving 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.

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

maintaining sensitivity to staff and faculty viewpoints and seeking appropriate means for addressing faculty and staff concerns to create a healthy, cooperative work environment and fostering faculty and staff development, ensuring equity for staff, students, and faculty.

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

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this position :

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 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.

Preferred Qualifications : The ideal candidate for the position of Dean of the BCFPA will possess the following qualifications and attributes, demonstrating the vision, integrity, and commitment needed to lead the College while fostering student and faculty success.

A demonstrated record of progressive administrative roles that demonstrate the importance of the mission and unique contributions of a comprehensive, regional, public university.

A documented record of strategic planning as well as articulating and leading a compelling vision that advances the mission of the College and University and the ability to work effectively with university leadership (including other deans) to advance the College’s strategic priorities and build interdisciplinary connections.

A skilled communicator who can motivate and inspire faculty, staff, students, and external partners to elevate the College’s reputation and impact; and having the proven ability to cultivate key external constituents, steward university and community partnerships, and generate excitement among alumni and stakeholders. Experience in establishing, nurturing, and maintaining a visible presence in the regional arts scene through energetic, innovative, and collaborative partnerships.

A steadfast commitment to the highest standards of academic quality, artistic innovation, and scholarly achievement with a commitment to fostering experiential learning, teaching excellence, and community engagement to enhance student and faculty opportunities.

A strong advocate for shared governance, open communication, and inclusive decision-making, having a proven record of faculty and staff recruitment, retention, mentorship, and professional development, and who values a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and excellence.

Demonstrated understanding of university budgeting, financial planning, and fiscal management, with a clear ability to align academic priorities with financial resources. As well as evidence of successful fundraising, donor cultivation, and external resource development to enhance the College’s financial sustainability.

Demonstrated experience in the development, implementation, and assessment of initiatives that support student success, retention, and career readiness.

Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the importance of accreditation and its relationship to best practice and industry standards for all programs within the College.

Position Type : Permanent Full-Time

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

AA / EOE

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, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.

University Safety

The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.

To apply, please visit : https : / / jobs.wcu.edu / postings / 31735

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College Of • Cullowhee, North Carolina, United States