Department Chair & The Mary Lois Wheatley Presidential Chair in Art & Art History

The University of Utah•Salt Lake, UT

About The Position

The College of Fine Arts at the University of Utah, the flagship institution of higher education in the state of Utah, invites nominations and applications for an innovative leader to serve as the next Chair of its Department of Art & Art History. This individual will also hold the endowed Mary Lois Wheatley Presidential Chair in Art & Art History. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2024. Reporting to the Dean of the College of Fine Arts, the Chair is the administrative head of the Department, overseeing its personnel, operations, finances, curriculum, and strategic direction, and acting as the Department’s representative and advocate within the College, University, and wider community. The Department of Art & Art History is home to an active community of artists, scholars, and educators, and offers undergraduate degrees in Studio Art, Art History, Art Teaching, and Graphic Design, as well as graduate degrees in Studio Art, Art History, and Community-Based Art Education. A commitment to excellence in all of these areas is the hallmark of our Department. This is an exciting, transformational moment in our history, as we continue to refine this commitment within the dynamic contexts of art and art history in the twenty-first century. We seek a Chair with a holistic understanding of visual arts as an evolving and interconnected set of practices for creative, cultural, and personal expression. The new Chair will have a successful record of transparent, collaborative leadership, with the interpersonal and communication skills needed to work with diverse groups to achieve meaningful change. Our ideal candidate will have a clear perspective on current trends and challenges in the fine arts in higher education and beyond and will offer a compelling and unifying vision for how the Department will meet those challenges and continue to thrive in the future.

Requirements

Terminal degree ( MFA or PhD) in visual art, graphic design, art history, or a related field.
A distinguished record of creative or scholarly achievement in the study and/or practice of visual arts and design commensurate with a faculty appointment at the rank of a tenured Associate Professor or Professor, including a body of work that represents a significant contribution to the field; demonstrated excellence in post-secondary teaching; and evidence of an active, ongoing program of creative or scholarly research.
Significant leadership, administrative, and supervisory experience, including strategic and financial planning, curricular innovation, and recruitment and retention of faculty, staff, and students.
Evidence of a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with demonstrated ability to lead effective change in diverse groups.

Responsibilities

guide the efforts of a well-respected faculty to establish a strategic vision for art education and scholarship within the context of a major research university
provide collaborative, transparent, and empathetic leadership for the Department
sustain and enhance the reputation of the Department both nationally and internationally
serve the Department in official business with University authorities, students, and the public
create and support professional development initiatives for faculty and staff
foster and encourage faculty research
promote student success through recruitment and retention efforts
oversee curricular activities, including ongoing efforts to modernize our curricula
administer school finances, resources, and facilities
engage in donor relationships and funds development
be an active participant as a member of the Executive Committee of the College of Fine Arts in furthering the College’s goals and mission