College of Fine Arts Dean Search

Dean Candidates, College of Fine Arts

The Search

Wichita State University (WSU), the premier urban, public research university in Kansas, seeks a visionary, engaged, and collaborative leader to be the next Dean of the College of Fine Arts (CFA).  Founded in 1895, WSU has a keen focus on student success, applied learning, and innovative faculty with a deep commitment to the Wichita community as a driver in talent development and economic prosperity.  It is a growth-minded university, on an impressive trajectory, where collaboration and creativity shape the future of education, with an entrepreneurial spirit embedded in its foundation. 

The Dean will lead a College boasting a unique blend of departments that is inclusive of arts in many forms, including art history and education, graphic design, studio art, digital arts, music, and performing arts, with collaboration, technology, and a focus on student success as foundational markers of excellence. The retiring dean set the groundwork for digital transformation at WSU with the establishment of the School of Digital Arts (SODA), setting up the CFA for continued success, growth, and impact on campus and in the Wichita community. 

The Dean’s primary responsibility is to advance the academic quality and profile of the CFA through visionary leadership committed to strategic planning, interdisciplinary collaboration, ethical governance, and skillful human and financial resource management. The Dean is charged with advancing the educational and research agendas of the academic units within the College and closely collaborating with the faculty to further the University’s research production and technology transfer capacity. The Dean will also enhance the College’s educational impact on campus, and in the region, while ensuring the College remains student-centered, innovation-driven, and entrepreneurial-focused. A deep personal commitment to and demonstrated track record of actively supporting and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion is a priority. In line with the University’s strategic plan and priorities, the Dean will work with the President’s Executive Team to advance WSU as an innovative university by focusing on increasing enrollment, promoting student retention, developing new educational experiences, applied learning, funded research, improvement of facilities, and digital transformation. The Dean will also be responsible for ongoing fundraising efforts in close partnership with the WSU Foundation. 

Wichita State University has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist the Dean of the College of Fine Arts Search Committee in its identification and review of candidates. Inquiries, referrals, and resumes accompanied by a cover letter should be submitted via the search page on the Isaacson, Miller website.

Jacqueline Mildner, Partner
Robin Dougherty, Managing Associate
Isaacson, Miller
Washington, D.C.

Wichita State University (WSU) does not discriminate in its employment practices, or in its educational programs or activities on the basis of age (40 years or older), ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a veteran. WSU also prohibits retaliation against any person making a complaint of discrimination or against any person involved or participating in the investigation of any such allegation. Sexual misconduct, relationship violence, and stalking are forms of sex discrimination and are prohibited under Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, other federal laws, and WSU policy. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding WSU’s non-discrimination policies: the Institutional Equity and Compliance Director (Telephone: (316) 978-3205), Title IX Coordinator (Telephone: (316) 978-5177), or Equal Opportunity Coordinator (Telephone: (316) 978-3186), each located at Wichita State University, 1845 Fairmount, Wichita, KS 67260, Human Resources Building.

Search Committee Contact Information