The University of Arizona (U of A) (https://www.arizona.edu/) seeks a visionary, forward-thinking, and dynamic leader to serve as the next Dean of the College of Fine Arts. This is a rare and extraordinary opportunity for an entrepreneurial leader to shape the future of one of the nation’s most vibrant and influential fine arts programs. At a pivotal moment of change and renewal, the next Dean will build upon the college’s rich artistic legacy, expand its impact, and champion the transformative power of the arts in education, research, and society.
The College of Fine Arts (CFA)(https://cfa.arizona.edu/) is a cornerstone of the University of Arizona’s cultural and academic landscape, home to four distinguished schools: the School of Art (https://art.arizona.edu/), the School of Dance (https://dance.arizona.edu/), the School of Music (https://music.arizona.edu/), and the School of Theatre, Film & Television (https://tftv.arizona.edu/). With a student body of over 1,600 undergraduate and graduate students, the college is supported by 76 tenure-track faculty, 41 career-track faculty, 50 adjunct instructors, and 164 dedicated staff members. Beyond its academic programs, CFA also houses renowned presenting and research institutions, including the Center for Creative Photography, Arizona Arts Live, and the University of Arizona Museum of Art, making it a catalyst for a vibrant arts and culture community in southern Arizona and beyond. The Dean will oversee a $38.9 million budget, providing strategic leadership and financial stewardship to ensure the college’s continued growth and impact.
As the chief academic and administrative officer of CFA, the Dean reports directly to the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. The successful candidate will serve as the public face of the college, forging partnerships with arts organizations, cultural institutions, and donors to elevate CFA’s national and international profile. The next Dean must be a bold and strategic leader, committed to fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration, expanding fundraising efforts, and advocating for the arts at the institutional, regional, and national levels. They will be instrumental in shaping CFA’s long-term vision, strengthening faculty retention, and ensuring that students receive an unparalleled education that prepares them for dynamic and evolving creative careers.
The University of Arizona, a Carnegie R1 institution and a proud member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), is recognized as one of the nation’s top public research universities. With an enrollment of more than 54,000 students, U of A has a deep commitment to serving students, families, and communities in Tucson and beyond. Located in the culturally rich city of Tucson, the university fosters a supportive environment where the arts flourish alongside cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary exploration. The College of Fine Arts plays a central role in this ecosystem and ensures that the university remains a leader in artistic expression and creative thought.
This is an opportunity to make a profound and lasting impact—not only on CFA but on the university and the broader arts community. The next Dean will be a champion for faculty and students, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where creativity thrives. They will reinvigorate campus energy by elevating live performances, exhibitions, and artistic experiences, ensuring that the arts remain a visible and integral part of university life. With a strong understanding of financial strategy, they will advocate for resources that empower CFA to expand its reach and influence.
The ideal candidate will bring a bold vision for the future of the arts, a track record of innovative leadership, and a passion for nurturing artistic talent. The Dean will be an inspiring communicator, and a tireless advocate dedicated to advancing the college’s reputation on a national and international scale. This is a defining leadership opportunity for someone who believes in the power of the arts to transform lives and shape culture.
A comprehensive leadership profile will be available for this search very soon. For more information, please visit the search website (https://apptrkr.com/6008391).
The ideal candidate will bring a bold vision for the future of the arts, a track record of innovative leadership, and a passion for nurturing artistic talent. The Dean will be an inspiring communicator, and a tireless advocate dedicated to advancing the college’s reputation on a national and international scale. This is a defining leadership opportunity for someone who believes in the power of the arts to transform lives and shape culture.
To apply please visit https://apptrkr.com/6008391
All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as two separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the forthcoming leadership profile (https://apptrkr.com/6008391).
WittKieffer is assisting the University of Arizona in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by April 1, 2025. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2025.
Jen Meyers Pickard, Ph.D., Bree Liddell, and Jenna Brumleve
UofADeanFineArts@wittkieffer.com
The University of Arizona is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution. The University prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 protects individuals from discrimination based on sex in any educational program or activity operated by recipients of federal financial assistance. As required by Title IX, the University of Arizona does not discriminate based on sex in its educational programs or activities, including in admission and employment. Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX may be referred to the University’s Title IX Coordinator or to the U.S. Department of Education, Assistant Secretary, or both.