Summit Search Solutions- Dean of the College of Fine Arts - The University of Utah (Salt Lake City, UT)

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The University of Utah seeks a Dean of the College of Fine Arts
Click here to view position profile: https://summitsearchsolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/UU_Dean_FineArts_Profile.pdf
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah

The Position:
Reporting to the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and serving on the Council of Academic Deans, the Dean is the chief academic and administrative officer of the College of Fine Arts. The Dean provides strategic leadership across the College’s academic programs, research and creative activities, performance and exhibition spaces, and community of faculty, staff, and students.

The Dean will articulate a compelling and sustainable vision for the College; support excellence in teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity; oversee financial, human, and physical resources; recruit and retain outstanding faculty and staff; and serve as the College’s chief advocate and fundraiser.

The next Dean will join the College at a time of opportunity and challenge. Key priorities include addressing aging and capacity-constrained facilities; strengthening support for faculty research and creative activity; expanding philanthropic support; and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, including emerging opportunities at the intersection of arts and health.

The Dean will be a visible advocate for the arts within the University and throughout Salt Lake City and Utah, strengthening the College’s relationships, reputation, reach, and impact.

To Apply:
The responsibilities, qualifications, and preferences listed in this posting are intended to give applicants an understanding of the role we are seeking to fill and the types of skills, experience, and education that may have prepared someone to be effective in this role. Please submit application materials that demonstrate how your experience, leadership record, and professional accomplishments align with the qualifications and priorities of the position and describe your interest in serving as Dean of the College of Fine Arts at the University of Utah.

Confidential review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled; individuals who apply by November 6, 2026 will be given first consideration. Upon application, please submit a PDF version of your CV/resume and a cover letter. All applications and nominations will be held in confidence. Refer to our blog on strengthening application materials and letters of interest here. 

For more information or to offer recommendations or nominations:
Arasi Adkins
Senior Consultant
Summit Search Solutions, Inc.
Direct: 336-693-7612

aadkins@summitsearchsolutions.com

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students from diverse backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education for historically underrepresented students. Individuals from historically underrepresented groups, such as minorities, women, qualified persons with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with university policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The university does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

The university is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
 

Institution: The University of Utah
This is a full time position