Dean of The Hartt School

University of Hartford

Dean of The Hartt School

THE SEARCH

The University of Hartford (UHart) seeks a strategic and collaborative leader to serve as the Dean of The Hartt School (Hartt). Hartt, a 100-year-old institution with a distinguished history, offers pre-professional training in the performing arts characterized by artistic and academic rigor, informed consideration of classical and contemporary approaches, and close personal attention. This is an opportunity to lead a proud institution by embracing the opportunities and realities of today's artistic landscape and guiding Hartt into the future.  In keeping with the commitment of the Hartt School—and of the University—to uphold a diverse, inclusive, equitable, and just community for all its members, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color and individuals from other underserved communities are especially encouraged to apply.

Founded in 1920 by Julius Hartt and Moshe Paranov, Hartt (then the Hartt College of Music), was one of the three founding institutions of the University of Hartford in 1957. In 1994 the Dance Division (formerly associated with Hartford Ballet/Dance Connecticut) became part of Hartt, and in 1996 the Theatre Division was established. Today Hartt is a first-rate conservatory embedded within the University of Hartford. Hartt offers highly selective majors in instrumental and vocal performance, jazz, musical theatre, actor training, and dance, as well as demanding programs in music education, composition, music history, music theory, music management, performing arts management, ballet pedagogy, and music production and technology. Hartt also participates in the unique interdisciplinary B.S.E. Acoustical Engineering and Music program offered by the University's College of Engineering, Technology, and architecture.

2020 marked the 100th anniversary of Hartt's founding and served as a liminal moment for the School. Hartt is at a crossroads: recent years have seen the development of new curricula, degree offerings, and interdisciplinary programs that provide students with multiple pathways for careers in the performing arts. The University's president, Gregory S. Woodward, is now in his third year at UHart and has energized the campus with a focus on student success and enrollment. As one of the oldest and best-known schools at the University, Hartt has been called on to further develop and implement an innovative, distinctive approach to 21st century conservatory preparation. 

Working closely with faculty, staff, and students, the Dean will craft a bold vision that attracts students; prepares them for successful and fulfilling lives in the performing arts; enlarges the School's competitive market share; and enhances the School's reputation and reach. The successful candidate will possess a record of professional achievement in the arts; an ambitious and strategic sense of the role of a performing arts school in a university setting; a record of courageous and transparent organizational leadership and citizenship; financial acumen and insight; and a history of successful fundraising. For serious consideration candidates must possess a professional record that will support a faculty appointment at the rank of associate or full professor.

Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, has been retained by the University of Hartford to assist in this important search. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent in confidence to Anita Tien, Partner, and Ashton Lange, Senior Associate, via www.imsearch.com/7696. Electronic submission of materials is strongly encouraged. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. 

The University of Hartford is an open and welcoming community, which values diversity in all its forms. In addition, the University aspires to have its faculty and staff reflect the rich diversity of its student body and the Hartford region. Candidates committed to working with diverse populations and conversant in multicultural issues are encouraged to apply.