Description
About the Opportunity
The University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA), a nationally recognized arts conservatory, is seeking the next Dean of the Division of Liberal Arts (DLA). The incoming Dean will join UNCSA at an exciting and pivotal time. As one of the nation's preeminent public arts conservatories, UNCSA prepares gifted emerging artists for professional careers at the highest levels. Within this creative environment, the Division of Liberal Arts plays a vital role – helping students situate their artistry within a broader intellectual, cultural, and humanistic context, while providing the required coursework necessary for them to graduate with a bachelor's degree in their arts area. This next Dean will craft a shared vision for DLA that aligns with UNCSA's 2022-2027 Strategic Plan and will leverage the support from university leadership and the talented and dedicated DLA faculty and staff.
Reporting to the Provost, the Dean provides both strategic vision and operational leadership for the Division, working collaboratively across the university to strengthen student success, foster academic excellence, and ensure the liberal arts remain an integral component of every student's education. The next Dean will be a skilled academic leader who values both the creative and scholarly dimensions of education and can navigate the unique culture of an arts institution while advocating for the enduring relevance of a strong liberal arts foundation.
About the University
The University of North Carolina School of the Arts is a top-ranked creative and performing arts conservatory in Winston-Salem, N.C. Founded in 1963 as America's first public arts conservatory, UNCSA celebrates more than 50 years of training wildly creative, gifted and hardworking young artists to do what they love, and do it brilliantly!
UNCSA is the only school in the U.S. composed of five arts conservatories on one campus: Dance, Design & Production, Drama, Filmmaking, and Music. The University serves over 1300 students at the high school, undergraduate, and graduate level, selected by audition or portfolio review and interview process. Along with rigorous arts training, students receive intensive academic instruction through the Division of Liberal Arts and the High School Academic Program.
About the Team
The Division of Liberal Arts has a rich history at UNCSA serving as one of the key cornerstones of UNCSA's bachelor's degree. The curriculum is designed to develop knowledge and skills that enrich students' artistic work, to nourish them as multi-faceted individuals who are curious about the world, and to empower students to be culturally attuned, socially engaged, and responsible global citizens. The DLA offers courses in composition, foreign languages (French, German, and Italian), history, humanities, literature, mathematics, media studies, philosophy, psychology, science, and writing.
The DLA is comprised of two staff members and approximately 25 full-time and adjunct faculty with disciplinary expertise and backgrounds in visual and performing arts, music, history, humanities, and science; they are educators who are passionate, enterprising and committed to establishing a strong liberal arts foundation for UNCSA students.
About the Role
The Dean of DLA will provide strategic vision and operational leadership for the Division. The Dean will partner and collaborate with senior academic and administrative leaders across the University, including the deans of UNCSA's ve arts conservatories, the dean of high school academics, and the vice provosts. The Dean's leadership team consists of an Assistant Dean of DLA, an academic advisor, an administrator, and a student records specialist. The Division of Liberal Arts has an operating budget of approximately $1.9 million, primarily consisting of personnel funds.
The Dean is responsible for enhancing and promoting the quality and effectiveness of the Division's programmatic and teaching missions while setting a vision for continual impact. To be effective, this Dean must be cognizant of the aspirations and challenges of collaborating within and outside of DLA, and also able to inspire, persuade, and mobilize others to work in the best interest of students, staff, faculty, and the entire institution. This Dean has a remarkable opportunity to strengthen the impact of the division and its continued success within a top-tier arts school.
Key job duties include: advises the Provost on all matters concerning Liberal Arts and Undergraduate Education; works with associate deans across campus to build initiatives related to student success and a seamless educational experience; works closely with the registrar's office and the Provost's office to create pathways for transfer students in the general education program.; serves as principal administrative leader for the DLA; oversees the development of policy, programs, and services that are grounded in best practices that promote learning both inside and outside the classroom; works closely with all campus departments, administrators, faculty, staff, and students to enhance student success in the emotionally and physically demanding environment of an arts conservatory; works collaboratively with the Office of Development to raise funds for the DLA; communicates effectively with constituents to ensure that all policies, programs, services, and systems of the institution remain student-centered; articulates a clear vision for the DLA and raises awareness of and sensitivity to student needs, interests, and concerns; and supports faculty in their teaching, research, and service.
Minimum Education, Experience, and Skills
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).
Preferred Education, Experience, and Skills
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.
Special Instructions
This position remains open until filled. Review of candidates will begin immediately, with search committee evaluations and interviews taking place in early 2026.
Equal Employment Opportunity and Other Information
The University of North Carolina School of the Arts is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants are welcome to apply without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. 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. The UNCSA participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. Final candidates are subject to criminal background checks.
Contact Information
For nominations or inquiries about this opportunity, contact Scott Murray, Director of Executive Search at sfmurray@northcarolina.edu.
To apply, please visit: https://northcarolina.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/6/home/requisition/648?c=northcarolina&sq=req648
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