Dean of the College of Fine Arts

Position Title:

Compensation:

Department:

About this opportunity:

What you'll do and what you'll bring:

Position function:

As the College of Fine Arts' chief academic and administrative officer, the dean guides long-term strategy; ensures excellence in teaching, scholarship, and creative work; and oversees the operations of a complex collection of programs, centers, cultural assets, and public-facing venues.

Reporting directly to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, the dean serves as a key member of the University's academic leadership team.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Specifically, the dean will be expected to:

• Develop and advance a strategic vision for the college's future.

• Champion academic and artistic excellence, student success, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

• Build community and cultivate a more cohesive, collaborative college culture.

• Cultivate CFA's extraordinary assets to enhance the student experience and distinguish Ball State.

• Generate resources, enhance philanthropic support, and provide strategic operational management

• Strengthen community engagement and external partnerships.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Terminal degree in a relevant discipline.

• Possess a record of scholarly, creative, or professional achievement in one of the disciplines within the college sufficient to qualify for tenure and appointment at the rank of professor in the College of Fine Arts.

• A broad understanding of the visual and performing arts.

• Commitment to academic, pedagogical, and artistic excellence.

• Sophisticated understanding of the arts professions.

• Successful experience in arts education administration.

• Commitment to students.

• Collaborative and inclusive leadership style.

• Effective communications and decision making.

• Proven ability or demonstrable potential for success in fundraising.

• Operational and administrative acumen.

• Relationship building and external relations capabilities.

How to apply:

Please do not apply to this job posting directly. WittKieffer, an executive search firm, is assisting Ball State University in this search.

Applicants should submit a CV or resume and a letter of
interest using WittKieffer's candidate portal. For fullest
consideration, candidate materials should be received by
January 5, 2026.

Nominations and inquiries can be directed to Philip Tang
and Sarah Seavey at BallStateCFADean@wittkieffer.com. All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited.

Employer will consider sponsorship.

What we offer:

At Ball State University, we understand the importance of balancing professional responsibilities with personal well-being. That's why we offer paid 24 vacation days, 12 sick days and 10 holidays a year. Plus, our paid parental leave (6 weeks) is there for life's most significant moments. We offer affordable health and dental insurance, robust long-term disability and life insurance plans, as well a range of retirement benefits to provide financial security to you and your family. These benefits ensure that you can focus on your work and personal growth without worrying about the unexpected.

When you work for us, you are family. And to show our support of your family, we will cover 90 percent of your child's (or children's) undergraduate college tuition at Ball State. We do the same for you. In fact, we'll cover 100 percent of the tuition costs for you to earn your undergraduate degree and 80 percent of your graduate tuition. This offer is good from the very first day you start. It's just one way we do our part to uplift you.

Let's fly together toward a secure and prosperous tomorrow.

Curious about our excellent benefits package?

We have developed a calculator that shows you the value of our core benefits. Select the Total Compensation Calculator - Professional and download the spreadsheet. If you are applying for a 10-month position or one with Burris or Indiana Academy, please select the corresponding calculator.