Western Carolina University Provost Alison Morrison-Shetlar announced a change in leadership in the College of Fine and Performing Arts. Robert Kehrberg, founding dean of the college, is stepping down from that position and will return to the faculty in the School of Music. Darrell Parker, dean of WCU’s College of Business, has agreed to also serve as acting dean of the College of Fine and Performing Arts.

“I would like to thank Dr. Kehrberg for his years of committed service as founding dean of the College of Fine and Performing Arts, a role he has held since July 1, 2007, and to Western Carolina University,” Morrison-Shetlar said. 

Prior to becoming dean, Kehrberg had served as interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences since June 2005, as well as for a brief stint in 2004. Under a reorganization plan implemented in 2007, academic programs in the arts that had been housed in the College of Arts and Sciences were relocated to the newly created College of Fine and Performing Arts.

In addition, an announcement is forthcoming about the membership of a campus committee, including its chair, that will conduct a national search to fill the vacant dean’s position on a permanent basis.