"Associate Dean – Fine Arts – Full Professor –Tenured"

Job Details

Western Michigan University's College of Fine Arts invites applications and nominations for the position of Associate Dean. The Associate Dean works closely with the College leadership team to provide vision, strategic direction, and administrative oversight for academic affairs, faculty development, student success, strategic enrollment management, and accreditation processes within the College. The Associate Dean will collaborate with school and institute directors, faculty, staff, and students to enhance the quality and impact of the College's academic initiatives. The Associate Dean will report to the Dean and hold a tenured faculty appointment and the rank of professor. This is a full-time, fiscal year position on the University’s main campus.

Major Responsibilities:

• Facilitate the professional development of faculty
• Identify opportunities for faculty research and creative endeavors
• Serve as liaison to the Office of Research and Innovation
• Oversee collegiate curriculum planning, including collaborative degree planning, assessment, and accreditation
• Lead the college technology committee
• Coordinate a variety of outreach activities, including service learning and international education
• Address formal student complaints and Clery Act Reporting
• Other duties as assigned by the Dean

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Terminal degree from one of the disciplines found with the College or a related field, and /or equivalent professional experience in a similar administrative role
• Demonstrated record of academic administrative accomplishments, including the ability to work collaboratively with faculty, students, staff and administrators
• Demonstrated success as a teacher, artist, and/or scholar required for appointment to the academic rank of professor
• Evidence of progressively responsible administrative experience, especially in the arts

Desired Qualifications

• Accomplishments in leading an academic unit
• Experience with technology in the arts
• Experience developing interdisciplinary curriculum and/or programming
• Experience with strategic planning and assessment
• Experience with diversifying student populations and employee groups

The University:

Western Michigan University is a learner-centered, discovery-driven, and globally engaged public university that stands out among America’s more than 4,000 higher education institutions. Founded in 1903, WMU has grown to become a major national research university enrolling more than 16,000 students from across the United States and 100 other countries. Based in Kalamazoo, WMU is a friendly, top-rated college town situated close to large urban centers, great jobs, and abundant recreational areas. WMU delivers high-quality undergraduate instruction, has a strong graduate division, and fosters significant research activities. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching has placed WMU among the 76 public R2 institutions in the nation designated as a doctoral university with higher research activities.

The College:

The College of Fine Arts (CFA) consists of the Gwen Frostic School of Art, the Irving S. Gilmore School of Music, the School of Theatre and Dance, and the Richmond Institute for Design + Innovation which houses the Product Design and Interior Architecture and Design programs. All units in the College are nationally accredited. Facilities for the learning and practice of the arts at WMU are exceptional and compare favorably with other schools nationally with similar mission and scope. With a student body of about 1,384 the CFA entering class regularly has one of the highest academic profile of any college.

The College of Fine Arts is housed in the Dalton Center, the Richmond Center for Visual Arts, South and Central Kohrman Halls, Dunbar Hall, and the Gilmore Theatre Complex, all gathered around or near Fountain Plaza. Students perform in three theatres, a 400-seat recital hall, three professional art galleries, and dance performance studios mounting over 400 performances annually. New technology-based curricula, a motion capture and virtual imaging technology lab, specialized computer labs, and other discipline specific laboratories. State-of-the-art facilities host exhibitions of student, faculty, and visiting artist works.

Salary:

Competitive, with an excellent benefits package.

Expected Start Date:

July 1, 2026

Application Deadline:

To ensure full consideration, application materials should be received by January 10, 2026. Applications will continue to be considered until the position is filled.

Required application documents:

• A letter addressing the candidate's interest in the position, qualifications, and relevant professional experience
• A current CV that includes a list of qualifications, accomplishments, and professional experiences related to the position
• A list of 3 to 5 references

WMU is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Veterans, individuals with disabilities and all other qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.