Associate Dean – Belcher College of Fine & Performing Arts

Associate Dean – Belcher College of Fine & Performing Arts

Working Title Associate Dean – Belcher College of Fine & Performing Arts

Department

Department Office, Dean, Fine & Performing Art

Anticipated Hiring Range

Anticipated Hiring Range Based on qualifications/experience, internal equity, and departmental budget restrictions.

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes ‘Best Employers’ lists each year. Including:

• 2025 – Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.
• 2024 – Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
• 2023 – Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
• 2022 – Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.

Western Carolina University is the UNC system’s westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.

• Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance.
• Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans – eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire.
• Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan.
• Optional disability plans are also available.
• Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses.
• Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year.
• Leave earning employees (staff and 12‑month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately.
• Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.

Internal Recruitment Only:
This position is open only to current employees of Western Carolina University. Only internal candidates will be considered for this position. Applications from individuals who are not current WCU employees will not be considered.

The Associate Dean serves as a senior academic and administrative leader of the Belcher College of Fine and Performing Arts and works collaboratively with the Dean, School Directors, faculty, staff, students, and university partners to advance the College’s mission and strategic priorities.

As a member of the College Leadership Team, the Associate Dean provides leadership and coordination for core college-wide academic functions, including curriculum, assessment and continuous improvement, student academic matters, academic policy implementation, and designated faculty‑governance processes. The Associate Dean advises and assists the Dean on academic and administrative matters, represents the College in university-level activities, and serves as the Dean’s designee when appropriate.

In addition to these standing responsibilities, the Associate Dean maintains a portfolio of strategic and administrative initiatives established collaboratively with the Dean. This portfolio may evolve over time in response to College priorities and may reflect the Associate Dean’s particular experience, expertise, and professional…