Director, School of Art

The University of Arkansas, a public land-grant research university, seeks a forward-thinking, strategic, accessible, and collaborative leader to serve as the Director of the School of Art (the School). Reporting to the Dean of the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, the Director will provide academic and administrative oversight of the School, which encompasses programs in Art History, Art Education, Graphic Design, and Studio, including painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and ceramics. This is an exciting opportunity to build on a strong history of excellence while creating a vision for the future of the School. The new Director will lead with an innovative lens and a focus on creating partnerships within the university, across Northwest Arkansas, and throughout the state. The School of Art aims to serve as a leader in making arts education accessible to everyone. The Director will have a strong desire to work with faculty, staff, students, and external partners to help shape and drive the School’s next chapter. 

The School of Art has gone through significant evolution in recent years with the most dramatic transformation occurring in the past five years. The biggest change was growing from a Department of Art into the School of Art in the fall of 2017, made possible by a visionary gift from the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation. This is the largest gift ever given to a U.S. university to support or establish a school of art. The gift created the first and only accredited, collegiate school of art in the state of Arkansas with the goal of propelling art education and research in the state while also providing unparalleled access and opportunity to students. 

In partnership with the faculty, the next Director will take the lead in defining the future of the School, helping to advance and outline its standards of excellence, directions of growth, and multi-disciplinary connections. The Director will be responsible for the daily operation of the School and its programs, promoting excellence within the School and the University as well as overseeing strategic advancement in the areas of curriculum, technology, personnel, finances, and community relations. The Director will engage in student-focused initiatives, both undergraduate and graduate. The School seeks a leader versed in pedagogy in art education, art history, studio art, and design who will help faculty innovate in their field. An external advocate for the School, the Director will engage existing donors while cultivating new relationships. They will also be a presence on campus, collaborating with faculty, staff, and students and involved in the day-to-day functions of the School. Overall, the Director will be a transparent and clear communicator with the experience to oversee the administrative operations of the School and build on a culture of equity, access, and inclusion. 

Interested candidates must submit a letter of interest and a current resume or curriculum vitae to be considered for the position. All applicant information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. Confidential inquiries, nominations, and application materials should be directed electronically below. 

Ben Tobin is leading this search with Kristen Andersen.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, marital or parental status, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, or sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity). Federal law prohibits the University from discriminating on these bases. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University's Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights. Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.