Dean of Liberal Arts

Dean of Liberal Arts

Position at University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA), a top-ranked creative and performing arts conservatory in Winston‑Salem, N.C. This role is open until filled; review of candidates will begin immediately, with interview in early 2026.

The University of North Carolina School of the Arts is a nationally recognized arts conservatory founded in 1963. It offers training in five arts conservatories and over 1300 students. The Division of Liberal Arts (DLA) provides rigorous liberal arts coursework supporting art majors.

UNCSA seeks the next Dean of the Division of Liberal Arts. The Dean reports to the Provost, provides strategic vision and operational leadership, crafts a shared vision aligned with UNCSA's Strategic Plan, and leverages support from leadership and faculty. The dean will promote the liberal arts foundation, foster student success, and guide academic excellence.

• Provide strategic vision and operational leadership for the DLA.
• Partner and collaborate with senior academic and administrative leaders across the university, including the deans of the five conservatories, the dean of high school academics, and the vice provosts.
• Lead a leadership team comprising an Assistant Dean, an academic advisor, an administrator, and a student records specialist.
• Manage a budget of approximately $1.9 million, primarily personnel funds.
• Enhance and promote the quality and effectiveness of the Division's programmatic and teaching missions.
• Advises the Provost on all matters concerning Liberal Arts and Undergraduate Education.
• Work with associate deans to build initiatives related to student success and a seamless educational experience.
• Coordinate with the registrar’s office and the Provost’s office to create pathways for transfer students in the general education program.
• Oversee the development of policy, programs and services grounded in best practices that promote learning.
• Work closely with all campus departments, administrators, faculty, staff, and students to enhance student success in the arts conservatory environment.
• Collaborate with the Office of Development to raise funds for the DLA.
• Communicate effectively with constituents to ensure that all policies, programs, services and systems remain student‑centered.
• Articulate a clear vision for the DLA and raise awareness of student needs, interests and concerns.
• Support faculty in teaching, research and service.

• Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in a liberal arts or artistic discipline.
• At least 7–10 years of successful teaching experience in higher education.
• Significant academic administrative experience (e.g., department chair, assistant/associate dean, or dean).

• Leadership experience in a baccalaureate‑level conservatory, arts‑focused, or creatively intensive educational environment.
• Demonstrated success in undergraduate curricular innovation, academic program development, and student‑centered initiatives.
• Experience with budget management, personnel oversight, and resource planning.
• Evidence of effective collaboration across academic and administrative units.
• Fundraising or advancement experience supporting academic initiatives.
• Proven ability to manage change and lead organizational culture shifts.

E‑Month.

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Scott Murray, Director of Executive Search – sfmurray

The University of North Carolina School of the Arts provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination, harassment, or retaliation based on race, religion, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, political affiliation, National Guard or veteran status, genetic information, or disability. The application must be completed in full detail (including work history) for your qualifications to be considered.

Failure to complete the application process as required by state regulations will result in your application being rejected for the vacancy, and you will not be considered for the position. UNCSA participates in E‑Verify. Final candidates are subject to criminal background checks.