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

Dean of the Belcher College of Fine and Performing Arts at Western Carolina University

 

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.

 

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.

 

About Western Carolina University:

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

• 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.

 

Instructions for Applicants:

Please submit nominations or application materials, including a letter of interest, resume or curriculum vitae and a list (include complete contact information) of four references. Candidates are asked to apply online directly. Hard copy applications will not be considered. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For questions or additional information, please contact the search committee chair, Jill Nelson Granger, 828-227-7383 or via email at [email protected].

 

More information can be found on the Western Carolina University Applicant Portal athttps://apptrkr.com/6549540