Dean, College of the Arts

DEAN

The College of the Arts, Columbus State University seeks an innovative, collaborative, experienced leader to build upon significant success and to achieve new levels of growth for a college that has reshaped its community and has often led the university in fund raising, national recognition, and impact. The Dean is responsible for the strategic leadership and effective oversight of the Departments of Art, Communication, and Theatre, the Schwob School of Music, and outreach centers and programs—The Bo Bartlett Center, Georgia Repertory Theatre, Non-Profit and Civic Engagement Center (NPACE), and Pasaquan. The Dean will engage effectively with faculty, senior university leadership and the broader community locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. S/he reports directly to the Provost and Executive Vice President of Columbus State University.

The College of the Arts (COA), a major unit of Columbus State University, provides a comprehensive education and experiential learning to more than 900 majors in the visual, performing, and media arts, offering master’s, baccalaureate, and associate degrees and certificates in state-of-the-art facilities. Located in downtown Columbus, Georgia on the university’s RiverPark campus, COA is recognized for its development of student-centered, rigorous, and creative curricula designed to meet the needs of students in the 21st century, while enhancing Columbus’ reputation as a cultural center; fostering economic development of the region; hosting conferences in art, communication, music, and theatre; presenting 250 performances and art exhibitions annually; and serving non-profit organizations with communication and digital production needs, https://coa.columbusstate.edu.

Founded in 1958, Columbus State University (CSU), with an enrollment of nearly 8,500, is a part of the University System of Georgia. CSU offers more than 46 undergraduate and 42 graduate degrees and is ranked among the top public regional universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report, https://www.columbusstate.edu. Columbus, located 100 miles southwest of Atlanta and the third-largest city in Georgia, is recognized as a vibrant and contemporary arts community with an active downtown and 25 miles of multi-use path, https://visitcolumbusga.com.

Key qualifications include: an earned terminal degree in a discipline appropriate to the College of the Arts or an advanced degree in a relevant field with equivalent experience demonstrating experience sufficient to merit appointment, with tenure, at the rank of full professor in the College of the Arts; significant higher education leadership experience; demonstrated success in developing a forward-looking vision for strategic academic growth and community partnerships; demonstrated experience in planning, management, and budgeting; ability to successfully engage in fundraising activities; and excellent interpersonal skills capable of building consensus and effective relationships. A complete leadership profile may be found at: https://www.agbsearch.com/searches/dean-college-of-the-arts-columbus-state-university.

Applications and nominations should be received by September 24, 2021, although expressions of interest may be considered until the position is filled. Application materials must include: 1) a letter of interest stating how the candidate’s experience is applicable to the position, leadership priorities, qualifications, and characteristics expressed in the leadership profile; 2) a statement of leadership philosophy; 3) a curriculum vitae or résumé; and 4) names, email addresses, and telephone numbers of five professional references, including the candidate’s professional relationship with each individual. References will not be contacted without the candidate’s prior consent. All candidate names will remain confidential, with the exception of those individuals invited to final interviews on campus. Application and nominations should be submitted electronically to: CSU_DeanofArts@agbsearch.com.

Assisting the search will be Ellen L. Meyer, Executive Search Consultant, AGB Search, ellen.meyer@agbsearch.com, and Garry W. Owens, Ph.D., Executive Search Consultant, AGB Search, garry.owens@agbsearch,com. Prospective candidates are welcome to contact Ms. Meyer or Dr. Owens to discuss this opportunity.

Columbus State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity in hiring.