Dean of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences

About Us

Since 1906, the University of West Georgia (UWG) has been home to those who seek a transformative college experience. UWG is a leading residential, doctoral comprehensive university that offers a broad undergraduate and graduate curriculum based on a liberal arts foundation. Nestled among the pines on a picturesque 645 acres is the University of West Georgia- a hidden gem approximately 40 miles west of Atlanta. Serving approximately 16,000+ students, and offering more than 100 programs, UWG is committed to advancing innovative academic programs and a student-centered business model. Perennially ranked by U.S. News & World Report, the Princeton Review, and Colleges of Distinction as a top national university, West Georgia offers 86 fields of study, including business, computing, nursing, education, STEM, communication and digital media, social sciences, and the fine and performing arts. UWG generates a regional economic impact of more than $650 million annually and provides a safe, quality, and affordable university experience that connects students to post-graduate career and leadership opportunities. UWG has been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for its institutional commitment to community engagement through teaching, research and creative activities, and public service. West Georgia is one of only 119 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the elective classification in 2020 and is among only 359 institutions nationally. Dedicated to creating a first-choice university for students, alumni, employees, and communities, UWG seeks employees who will advance and support the University's mission of fulfilling the talent needs of western Georgia and the Atlanta metropolitan area, while contributing to the social, cultural, and economic development of the region and state. The University of West Georgia offers a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support faculty and staff across multiple dimensions; health, wellness, financial security, and professional growth. Employees working at least 30 hours per week gain access to a range of health plans, including medical, dental, and vision, wellness programs, and robust retirement options through Georgia Teachers Retirement System (TRS), Optional Retirement Program, and voluntary 403(b) and 457(b) plans. Employees are granted 13 paid holidays and paid time off accruals and are eligible to participate in the University System of Georgia's Tuition Assistance Program. Fringe benefits include a variety of resources focused on employee physical, mental, financial, and social well-being through Acentra Employee Assistance Program in addition to personal financial advising with Captrust. UWG also offers exclusive discounts and special offers on entertainment, travel, and other products and services through the Perks at Work program, free access to the university recreation facility, discounted campus dining options, and more! Living in Carrollton, "The City of Dreams," offers the advantages of city life with a small-town vibe. This progressive community with Southern flair offers plenty of shopping, restaurants, nightlife opportunities, and cultural events. Named a City of Excellence in Georgia and listed as one of the 50 Best Small Southern Towns, Carrollton is the cultural, educational, health care, and commercial center for the west Georgia region. At the heart of Carrollton is its historic downtown and Adamson Square lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Each season offers unique local events and opportunities for year-round recreation. Outdoor activities abound through award-winning spaces, including an 18-mile paved walking and biking Greenbelt trail that encircles the city and passes through the UWG campus. The city embraces the University's students, faculty, and staff, and welcomes the diversity UWG brings to the community. Invested in education with highly rated city and county K-12 systems, both city and county public school graduation rates are 90% and above and rank among the top in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Department Information

The College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences at the University of West Georgia exemplifies academic excellence in Anthropology, Art, Creative Writing, English, Film, History, International Languages and Cultures, Music, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology, and Theatre by providing quality undergraduate and graduate education to meet current and evolving needs within the regional and broader community. Well-connected to external partners in the region, the College provides world-class classroom, studio, lab, and experiential learning spaces for students on the Carrollton and Newnan campuses and online.

The College is home to over 160 faculty and staff and serves over 1,600 undergraduate and graduate students. Organized into three schools, with directors leading Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, the College is focused on advancing its statewide and national reputation for producing leaders and meeting workforce and creative needs in the region and beyond.

The College is focused on the following strategic, career-preparedness goals:

Increase enrollment in majors, minors, certificates, and in service to general education. Expand experiential learning opportunities (internships, undergraduate research, other forms of work-based learning) for students in support of UWG's QEP.

Increase attendance at public events (shows, lectures, exhibitions, etc.) as these serve as some of the most impactful, public facing, front porch events to recruit students and engage the community.

Promote the current, robust menu of study abroad and study away opportunities while developing new programs.

Increase grant writing activity across the college.

Expand and improve teacher education programs.

The Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art, History, and Philosophy at the University of West Georgia are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Arts and Design (NASAD). The Bachelor of Music in Music and the Master of Music in Music at the University of West Georgia are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre (Plan Approval) at the University of West Georgia are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST).

Responsibilities

The Dean serves to build upon the strengths of the College's academic programs, curate robust student-centric experiences, expand scholarly and creative achievements, and engage the internal and external university community. Through visionary, inclusive, and entrepreneurial leadership, the dean will work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and administration to:

Promote excellent teaching and student success with focus on retention and graduation

Provide creative, collaborative leadership consistent with the mission of the university

Supervise and develop innovative academic programming within the college with emphasis on experiential learning

Expand research, creative activity, scholarship, and external funding

Implement effective and efficient growth, policy, personnel, accreditation, continuous improvement, fiscal, and strategic processes and leadership

Serve as an advocate for students, faculty, and staff

Represent the college to a variety of external constituents

Required Qualifications

The Dean will be a strategic leader who fosters a sense of place and cultivates world-class, student-centered academic programs and external partnerships. Within the context of the opportunities and challenges of 21st century higher education, the Dean will demonstrate:

The ability to foster academic excellence, retention, and graduation

Strong written and interpersonal skills

An ability to successfully cultivate an environment of teamwork through integrity and building trust through shared governance

Experience in working with external partners, including local and regional businesses

The Dean must possess a progressive record of increasing academic leadership and a distinguished record of teaching, scholarly achievement, and professional accomplishments sufficient to qualify for appointment at the rank of professor in Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences or a closely related field. Successful administrative experience in supervision of tenure-track and tenured faculty is required.

Finalists for the position will successfully perform in an on-campus interview that includes a public presentation. An earned doctorate or terminal degree in field is required.

Full and best consideration date for applications should be listed as 2/15/2026.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in delivering career-focused, professional, higher-education programs

Successful history of strategic planning, resource stewardship, and assessment

Experience working with external partners to coordinate academic programs and meet workforce needs

Experience with program accreditation

Technology integration into the educational experience and online learning

Successfully serving traditional and nontraditional students

Enrollment management, retention, and growth

Record of success in generating grant and contract funding

The Dean will be a leader to help meet statewide need, working with the University System of Georgia colleagues at the System Office and partners at other USG institutions. The Dean will ensure relevance and competitiveness of existing degrees and innovate into new areas of potential. The Dean will lead expansion of service, enrollment, student success (including proactive analysis), and partnerships. The Dean must have experience with and support for a broad range of disciplines (including the diversity of traditional and creative practices represented in the CHASS programs), consensus building, and the ability to work well with college leadership (directors, program coordinators, and administrative staff).

Proposed Salary

Salary is commensurate with experience.

recblid qu2tcef8bnt66z7asd2sbjzedlphk7