With more than 53,000 students from 155 countries and nearly all U.S states and territories, Georgia State University offers more than 300 degree programs, spanning associate to graduate levels, taught by more than 1,500 faculty members who generate groundbreaking research and educate one of the most diverse student populations in the nation. For the past 11 years, Georgia State University has been identified as one of the top five most innovative public universities in the country by the U.S. News and World Report.

The College of the Arts is a destination for artistic innovation, scholarly inquiry, and creative excellence in the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant cultural capitals. Established in 2016, the college includes the Ernest G. Welch School of Art and Design, the School of Film, Media, and Theatre, the School of Music, the Office of Educational Outreach, and the Rialto Center for the Arts.

Offering top degree programs in art, music, film, theatre, and more, the college is an integral part of Atlanta’s thriving arts scene and booming film and music industries. Faculty benefit from deep partnerships across the city and region, creating opportunities for impactful research, creative practice, public engagement, and professional collaboration. The college is committed to advancing innovation at the intersection of the arts, entrepreneurship, and emerging technologies, providing a platform for faculty and students to shape the future of creative expression.

Reporting to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Dean serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the college, responsible for advancing its mission, strengthening its national reputation, and positioning it for continued growth and impact within a dynamic public research university. The next Dean will articulate and execute a compelling vision that builds upon the college’s distinguished faculty, nationally recognized programs, and deep connections to Atlanta’s cultural and creative sectors while fostering greater collaboration across the three schools, strengthening interdisciplinary initiatives, advancing scholarship and creative practice, enhancing student success and career outcomes, and cultivating a culture of inclusive excellence, communication and transparency, and collegiality.

Georgia State University is assisted by Meghan Ashbrock, Ellen Brown Landers, and Sara Szynal of Heidrick & Struggles, Inc. Initial screening of applicants will continue until the position is filled. For timely consideration, candidates are encouraged to submit materials by September 18, 2026.

Nominations, inquiries, and applications (including a CV) should be directed to: GSUArtsDean@heidrick.com.

Georgia State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against applicants due to race, ethnicity, gender, veteran status, or on the basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

With more than 53,000 students from 155 countries and nearly all U.S states and territories, Georgia State University offers more than 300 degree programs, spanning associate to graduate levels, taught by more than 1,500 faculty members who generate groundbreaking research and educate one of the most diverse student populations in the nation. For the past 11 years, Georgia State University has been identified as one of the top five most innovative public universities in the country by the U.S. News and World Report.

The College of the Arts is a destination for artistic innovation, scholarly inquiry, and creative excellence in the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant cultural capitals. Established in 2016, the college includes the Ernest G. Welch School of Art and Design, the School of Film, Media, and Theatre, the School of Music, the Office of Educational Outreach, and the Rialto Center for the Arts.

Offering top degree programs in art, music, film, theatre, and more, the college is an integral part of Atlanta’s thriving arts scene and booming film and music industries. Faculty benefit from deep partnerships across the city and region, creating opportunities for impactful research, creative practice, public engagement, and professional collaboration. The college is committed to advancing innovation at the intersection of the arts, entrepreneurship, and emerging technologies, providing a platform for faculty and students to shape the future of creative expression.

Reporting to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Dean serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the college, responsible for advancing its mission, strengthening its national reputation, and positioning it for continued growth and impact within a dynamic public research university. The next Dean will articulate and execute a compelling vision that builds upon the college’s distinguished faculty, nationally recognized programs, and deep connections to Atlanta’s cultural and creative sectors while fostering greater collaboration across the three schools, strengthening interdisciplinary initiatives, advancing scholarship and creative practice, enhancing student success and career outcomes, and cultivating a culture of inclusive excellence, communication and transparency, and collegiality.

Georgia State University is assisted by Meghan Ashbrock, Ellen Brown Landers, and Sara Szynal of Heidrick & Struggles, Inc. Initial screening of applicants will continue until the position is filled. For timely consideration, candidates are encouraged to submit materials by September 18, 2026.

Nominations, inquiries, and applications (including a CV) should be directed to: GSUArtsDean@heidrick.com.

Georgia State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against applicants due to race, ethnicity, gender, veteran status, or on the basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local protected class.