Responsibilities
- Lead the Department of Art with strategic, operational, and academic oversight, fostering alignment across programs and campuses while promoting faculty and student success.
- Conduct a comprehensive assessment of departmental programs during the initial years of leadership, with particular attention to enrollment trends, student outcomes, regional demand, resource utilization, and long‑term sustainability.
- Develop and execute a strategic plan that strengthens the department’s distinctive regional role by emphasizing community partnerships, clear academic pathways, and effective leadership.
- Make evidence‑informed recommendations regarding program enhancement, restructuring, consolidation, or other actions necessary to support long‑term success.
- Identify opportunities for program innovation and strategic growth based on assessment findings, faculty expertise, student needs, and institutional priorities.
- Position art teacher preparation as a valued pathway alongside professional design and studio practice, with strategic recruitment and curriculum enhancement to serve regional workforce needs.
- Lead curriculum development and program assessment in alignment with university standards and professional expectations.
- Ensure program continuity by developing strong leadership capacity within the department and cultivating a strong, collaborative departmental community across both sites (Commerce and Dallas) by fostering a culture of shared responsibility, transparency, and continuous improvement.
- Support faculty productivity, professional development, and scholarly/creative activity across all program areas (exhibitions, publications, professional practice).
Qualifications
- Terminal degree (MFA, PhD) in studio art, design, art education, or closely related field.
- Minimum two years of progressively responsible administrative experience as department head, program director, associate/assistant dean, or equivalent in higher education art programs.
- Demonstrated commitment to art teacher preparation as the central component of a comprehensive art program mission (not peripheral or optional).
- Proven student‑focus initiatives with increased enrollment, retention, and graduation.
- Understanding of both professional design practice and studio arts traditions; ability to value and integrate multiple approaches to art‑making and creative careers rather than privilege one over others.
- Demonstrated experience using evidence‑informed decision making to support program improvement, strategic planning, and resource stewardship.
- Record of building productive partnerships with academic units, K‑12 institutions, or community organizations.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills combined with demonstrated ability to make unpopular decisions when necessary for program health.
- Commitment to shared governance, faculty development, and student success.
- Eligibility for appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor with tenure.
Core Competencies
Demonstrates strategic leadership in art program administration, focusing on curriculum development, faculty support, and community partnerships to enhance student success and program sustainability. Utilizes evidence‑informed decision‑making to drive program innovation and align with institutional priorities.
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