Dean, College of the Arts

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Job description

Valdosta State University (VSU) seeks an accomplished, energetic, and visionary individual to serve as the Dean of the College of the Arts. Reporting directly to the Provost, the dean oversees three departments offering a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Appointment date is July 1, 2025. This position carries faculty rank and tenure status.

Role of the Dean:

The Dean, in collaboration with department heads, faculty, staff, students, and leadership across the university, is responsible for the following:

  • Providing leadership and vision for the College of the Arts;
  • Developing innovative teaching practices that promote a rigorous, research-based curriculum;
  • Fostering collaboration across the university and community to implement and nurture existing distinctive programs;
  • Collaborating with faculty and department heads on program development, recruitment, and retention initiatives;
  • Collaborating with other deans and the Office of the Provost to advance the university’s academic priorities and Academic Affairs Strategic Plan;
  • Recruiting outstanding faculty who are actively engaged teachers and scholars, using theory, research, and collaboration to enhance their work in a global and technological society.
  • Leading the development, refinement, and implementation of college policies to ensure alignment with the university’s mission;
  • Ensuring the college’s strategic objectives are met through robust assessment practices;
  • Fostering a culture of reflective, evidence-based practice and inquiry within a community of students, faculty, and staff;
  • Maintaining accreditations with regional and national organizations;
  • Providing leadership in the evaluation and professional development of department heads, faculty, and other personnel;
  • Developing the college’s budget and providing oversight for effective resource management;
  • Assisting with fundraising, alumni engagement, and building relationships with community stakeholders to support the College’s initiatives and goals;
  • Ensuring that all programs in the college are properly administered and managed;
  • Fostering a culture of transparent, clear and consistent communication with faculty and staff in the college, as well as with university and community partners;
  • Performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

  • Earned terminal degree from an accredited university in a discipline within the college;
  • Record of excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service commensurate with appointment at the rank of full professor with tenure;
  • Strong record of progressively responsible and relevant university leadership experience, with a minimum of three years of experience at the department head level or above;
  • Awareness of current trends in higher education and a commitment to innovation in teaching and learning;
  • Exceptional organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills;
  • Significant and successful experience in faculty evaluation and professional development and in managing enrollment and complex budgets;
  • A commitment to shared governance and a consultative leadership style.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Significant and successful experience with grant writing and extramural funding;
  • Record of successful outreach to community;
  • Experience as a college dean;
  • Accreditation experience.

Position Context:

Valdosta State University is a regional comprehensive university within the University System of Georgia with a student enrollment of approximately 10,200 (70% Undergraduate, 30% Graduate). More than 400 full-time faculty members teach courses at all levels (associate through doctoral) to students in over 90 majors in six colleges. Eighteen percent (18%) of students enjoy on-campus living, while 40% of graduate students participate in online programs. Consisting of two campuses and 178 acres, VSU provides a unique atmosphere, a broad range of student activities, athletics, and cultural outreach to our community. VSU is in the city of Valdosta, GA, the

cultural and commercial hub of South Georgia. For additional information about VSU, visit https://www.valdosta.edu.

College of the Arts Organization and Staffing:

The Dean leads a college with three academic departments: Art & Design, Music, and Communication Arts (Communication, Mass Media, Theatre & Dance, and MAIC). The College is also home to the award-winning Valdosta Symphony Orchestra and the Peach State Summer Theatre, designated as the Official Musical Theatre of the State of Georgia. VSU is accredited by NASAD, NASM, and NAST. With ~80 faculty/staff members and approximately 700 students, the College offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. For more information, https://www.valdosta.edu/coa.

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Valdosta State University is an Equal Opportunity educational institution and has a strong institutional commitment to diversity. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of people, including, but not limited to minorities and individuals with disabilities. Valdosta State University has a non-discrimination policy that includes sex, race, color, sexual orientation, religion, age, marital status, national origin, disability, and veteran status.

How to apply

Review of applications will begin November 5, 2024, with full consideration given to any applications that are completed by that date. For more information contact Dr. David Slykhuis, Search Chair/Dean, via email [email protected]. Online application is required.

Valdosta State University offers the best of both worlds — the extensive academic, cultural and social opportunities of a major university, and the small classes and close personal attention found at smaller institutions. Students are attracted to the close-knit community where learning occurs in a supportive environment and faculty members challenge each student’s potential.