Dean, Belmont University Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business

Belmont University
Belmont University

Posted on Oct 19, 2026
Belmont University is seeking a dynamic visionary leader, scholar, educator, and practitioner to build upon the extraordinary success of the Belmont University College of Entertainment and Music Business, and lead its outstanding faculty, staff, students, alumni, and partners into the future. Belmont University (https://www.belmont.edu/) is a private, Christ-centered university focusing on academic excellence and whole person formation. Belmont is an ecumenical Christian institution located in the heart of Nashville, one of the fastest growing and most culturally rich cities in the country. Serving nearly 9,000 students from every state, more than 35 countries, and a diversity of faith traditions, Belmont University is the second largest private university in Tennessee. The Mike Curb College of Entertainment Music Business (CEMB) (https://www.belmont.edu/curb/about/) located on Nashville’s iconic Music Row, is a globally recognized leader in entertainment and music business education, preparing the next generation of industry leaders across music, media, film, television, publishing, sports and emerging entertainment sectors. Since its roots in Belmont’s pioneering music business program established in 1973 and its formal designation as the Mike Curb College in 2003, CEMB has built an exceptional reputation for academic excellence, industry engagement and career-ready learning. With a distinguished faculty that includes scholars, entrepreneurs, songwriters, producers and industry professionals, CEMB offers innovative undergraduate and graduate programs that connect theory with practice and position students to launch impactful careers from day one. Guided by its mission to shape culture through entertainment education that fosters wisdom, character and community, CEMB seeks a visionary dean who will advance its global leadership, strengthen industry partnerships, promote academic innovation and inspire a community dedicated to preparing leaders of character who will shape the future of the entertainment industry. Reporting directly to the Provost Executive Vice President for Academic Excellence, the Dean of the College of Entertainment Music Business (CEMB) will serve as the academic and organizational leader of Belmont University’s highly regarded and largest college, and will demonstrate exceptional character, creativity, and innovation in line with the University’s key principles. Stakeholders have identified vision, integrity, transparency, trustworthiness, authenticity, visibility, an even temperament, and possessing a student-focus as desired characteristics of the next Dean. The Dean will be an exemplary representative of and relentless advocate for CEMB and Belmont University. The Dean will communicate Belmont’s mission to external stakeholders; build philanthropic support among alumni, parents, donors, and partners; and bring a collaborative, relational leadership style to this work. Success in this role will require the ability to lead within a complex organization, understand future trends in the entertainment industry and higher education, and remain committed to Belmont’s Christ-centered, student-focused mission. The Dean will oversee CEMB’s academic degrees which consist of: Undergraduate Programs (https://www.belmont.edu/curb/programs.html): Music Business, Media Entertainment Industries, Songwriting, Cinema Television Studies, Sports Administration, Animation Media Arts, Audio Engineering Technology, Journalism, Motion Pictures Production, Publishing, Film TV Writing, Media Production Graduate Programs (https://www.belmont.edu/curb/programs.html): Master of Science in Audio Engineering, Media Entertainment Industries, Sport Administration In addition to providing academic leadership and strategic direction for CEMB, the Dean will cultivate partnerships that create relevant, experiential student learning opportunities across campus and throughout the entertainment and music business industries. The Dean will steward CEMB’s resources through effective financial management, thoughtful deployment of personnel, and purposeful fundraising that supports CEMB’s mission and strategic priorities. The next Dean will have a strong record of successful leadership, demonstrated skill as an effective and collaborative executive, and be gifted in relationship building, fund raising, and the capacity to foster an entrepreneurial spirit among the CEMB team. The Dean must also possess a robust capacity to manage a complex organization, demonstrate a broad intellectual orientation and appreciation for future trends impacting higher education, and have a passion for the transformational power of higher education. It is also critical that regardless of the Dean’s religious faith, they will have the capacity to lead CEMB on Belmont University’s Christ-centered, student-focused mission. Belmont College of Entertainment and Music Business reserves the right to exercise a preference for those candidates who support the goals and mission of the University. You may read Belmont’s Non-Discrimination statement HERE. Other Key Responsibilities of the Dean: Serve as the chief academic and administrative officer for the College, fostering a culture of teamwork and collaboration. Cultivate and steward relationships with alumni, corporate sponsors, donors, industry partners, and the professional community. Be a recognized leader within entertainment, media, sports, and creative industries in order to meet fundraising and engagement objectives in partnership with the Office of Development. Work collaboratively with university marketing and communications and the Office of the President around strategic branding opportunities. Identify and foster opportunities for collaboration across the various Colleges within Belmont University. Provide leadership and supervision for CEMB associate deans, assistant deans, department chairs, faculty, and staff, and provide support and guidance for organizational, curricular, and administrative work related to the CEMB. Oversee the student educational experience, including student learning, formation, support, retention, and success. Lead student recruitment and enrollment growth strategies for CEMB in partnership with university enrollment, marketing, and admissions teams. Advance continuous improvement across academic initiatives, with attention to teaching, scholarship, student support, and service. Lead the programmatic accreditation processes within the college, ensuring compliance with relevant accrediting bodies. Commit to continual improvement of current and future curricula with attentiveness to new program creation,innovation, or emerging industry opportunities. Collaborate with other deans, university administrators, and faculty members to advance interdisciplinary initiatives, research collaborations, and shared educational resources. Participate in university-wide structures, committees and initiatives as necessary, contributing to the overall strategic direction of the university. Manage CEMB’s financial resources and budget responsibly in alignment with strategic priorities. Collaborate with the university administration to allocate resources efficiently, seek external funding opportunities, and make strategic investments in faculty, staff, and infrastructure. Recruit, hire, and evaluate exceptional faculty members in accordance with University policies and CEMB practices. Mentor and support faculty through professional development opportunities that foster excellence, collaboration, and innovation. Perform other duties as assigned and directed by the President or Provost Executive Vice-President for Academic Excellence.