Dean, College of Arts and Media

Dean, College of Arts and Media – Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a private, non‑denominational Christian university located in Phoenix, Arizona. GCU combines a purpose‑driven educational model that integrates Christian faith with free‑market principles. GCU is seeking a next Dean for the College of Arts & Media to bring real‑world experience, a passion for teaching, and an operations mindset to scale the college’s impact and share the Gospel through the arts and media.

GCU is a missional, Christ‑centered university that cultivates a compassionate Christian community, empowers free and virtuous action, and serves others in ways that promote human flourishing. Through academic excellence, the university equips students with knowledge of the Christian worldview, instilling in them a sense of purpose and vocational calling that enables them to become innovative thinkers, effective communicators, global contributors, and transformative leaders.

Reporting directly to the Provost & Chief Academic Officer, the Dean will lead every aspect of the College of Arts & Media and its integration into the broader GCU academic affairs team and university systems. The role calls for a servant leader with an entrepreneurial vision for all programs who encourages students to leverage their God‑given gifts, strengthens the academic community, and responds thoughtfully to uncertainty in the age of AI.

The opportunity to work at a thriving, diverse campus and online student population – the largest private, Christian university in the country; the chance to champion a Christian and entrepreneurial mindset for today’s changing world within the arts and media; and a place on a leadership team that has built a high‑quality, Christian‑based academic experience for students of all socio‑economic backgrounds without raising undergraduate tuition in 18 years.

• Lead faculty and staff in support of GCU’s mission across all aspects of the student academic experience, including program creation, college operations, student experience, retention, graduation, and career outcomes.
• Create high‑quality learning outcomes and a culture of assessment that integrates Christian faith and character, free‑market principles, and servant leadership.
• Lead the college in collaboration with university teams and services within a matrix organization, creating efficiencies and leveraging best practices for student success and college operations (e.g., Faculty Training & Development, Curriculum Design & Development, and Marketing).
• Establish the College of Arts & Media brand and partner with operational teams to market, recruit, and enroll high‑quality students.
• Lead the college’s advisory boards and engage with C‑level business leaders to advocate for GCU.
• Support faculty professional development in teaching, service, and scholarship.
• Uphold the integrity of GCU’s Christian mission, faith integration, and learning outcomes.
• Oversee new program development, course scheduling, faculty evaluation and development, curriculum development, faculty/staff hiring and supervision, budget development, and fiscal monitoring.
• Ensure programs and curriculum meet accreditation standards.
• Provide leadership for the college in strategic planning, direction setting, and policy development within the context of the university’s strategic plan and institutional policies.
• Take on additional responsibilities as assigned by the Provost or President.

• Advanced degree relevant to the role or to the College of Arts & Media (e.g., MFA or doctoral degree).
• Leadership, business, and/or entrepreneurial experience in the arts and/or media.
• Experience in higher education and teaching.
• Demonstrated ability to lead at both operational and strategic levels.
• A passion for sharing Christian faith as a leader and educator.

The University values diversity among its students, faculty and staff, and invites applications from all qualified individuals, including minorities, females, individuals with disabilities and veterans. Employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of pre‑employment screening activities, including a background check.