Barton College is seeking candidates for a Dean of Arts & Humanities, a position that will serve as an innovative, creative, and collaborative founding Dean of the School of Arts & Humanities.
As the inaugural Dean, the incumbent is responsible for the School’s strategic planning (including the development and management of long- and short-range plans), program evaluation and development, corporate outreach, fundraising, enrollment and market planning, and the management of its administrative and financial affairs (including faculty/staff management and budget/facilities planning and oversight). The Dean will also serve as a member of the VPAA’s Dean’s council and work closely with faculty, advisory boards, and the VP for Academic Affairs to deliver cultural events programming that advances student learning and engages the broader Barton Community with the Arts and academic lecture series.
The new School of Arts & Humanities will initially offer degree programs in Art & Design, English, History, Interdisciplinary Arts & Media, Mass Communications, Visual Communications, Math, Photojournalism, Political Science, Religious Studies, Spanish, and Theatre. An emphasis on the liberal arts tradition of developing critical and creative thinkers and serving as the heart of Barton’s cultural events will be foundational to the School of Arts & Humanities.
Essential Functions (some responsibilities may fall in several categories but are only listed once for summary purposes):
- Create and extoll a vision for the School that aligns with the mission of the College, advances Barton’s profile, enhances enrollment, and resonates with prospective students.
- Collaborate with faculty and the VPAA to deliver cultural events that advance student learning and welcomes the broader Barton community to campus.
- Oversee delivery of academic programs including developing course schedules; recruitment, development, and support of adjunct faculty; and ongoing mentorship, support and evaluation of School of Arts & Humanities faculty and staff.
- Lead assessment processes including working with Directors/coordinators to ensure that program objectives and learning outcomes align with and advance the mission of the College and are in compliance with program review, program accreditation, and SACSCOC accreditation standards.
- In collaboration with Directors/coordinators, responsibly develop and effectively manage program resources for the School including budgets, staffing levels, and contract requests for approval prior to review by the VPAA.
- Partner with Marketing to envision, create, and implement marketing materials that raise the profile of School programs. This includes creation of content for College publications including social media and the College’s web presence.
- Collaborate with Enrollment Management on recruiting efforts both on and off campus, including providing a School presence at on-campus recruiting events.
- Working together with Institutional Advancement, secure funding that advances the mission of Barton College and the School of Arts & Humanities.
- Investigate and develop additional revenue streams, including grants.
- In collaboration with the VPAA, explore viability and development of new academic programs.
- Foster internal and external partnerships that provide distinctive learning opportunities and enhance enrollment.
- Collaborate with campus partners to identify, integrate, and deliver career readiness outcomes in academic programs.
- Ensure adherence with College policies and procedures.
- Support workforce diversity in all aspects.
- Maintain mastery of subject matter.
- Attend meetings and events (including those to promote the School and/or represent the College) and actively participate in School and College committees and taskforces.
- Other duties as assigned.
Desired Education, Skills, and Experience:
The College seeks a candidate with administrative experience, record of successful teaching, and the vision to guide the new School of Arts & Humanities to manifesting the mission and vision of Barton College. Specific requirements noted below:
- Bachelor’s degree and eight years of related experience.
- Earned terminal degree with a record of academic achievement in the discipline meriting appointment as a tenured full Professor in an academic department in a related School.
- A record of proven leadership and administrative experience related to the work of the School or related multidisciplinary programs;
- Demonstrated understanding of the instructional and creative needs of undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts, interdisciplinary studies and professional disciplines;
- Demonstrated success in obtaining federal, state, or private grants preferred;
- Experience with budget management, faculty and staff development, and promoting college and community relations;
- Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, students, and the broader educational and professional communities, including community-based organizations.
- Demonstrated effectiveness working in a multi-cultural environment; and evidence of a strong commitment to the goals of higher education serving diverse populations desired.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to handle multiple priorities effectively in a high volume environment.
Application Process
Review of applicants will begin immediately, and will continue until the position is filled. Responsibilities will begin with the 2023-2024 academic year. Applications must include letter of interest, current vita, statement on teaching philosophy, unofficial transcripts, and contact information for three people who are willing to serve as reference with at least one of the references able to address teaching ability and potential. Applications should be directed electronically to Dr. Kevin Pennington, Vice President of Academic Affairs, at employment@barton.edu.
Barton College is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to a diverse faculty, staff, and student body and welcomes all applicants. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. Any claims of discrimination for Title IX or otherwise should be directed to our Title IX Coordinator, Victoria A. Morris, at P.O. Box 5000, Wilson, NC 27893, or at 252-399-6330 or vamorris@barton.edu.