After an extensive nationwide search, 51½ΦΙδ announced that Lance Beaumont will be the next dean of the School of the Arts starting July 1, 2023.
Beaumont will come to 51½ΦΙδ from California Baptist University (CBU), where he serves as professor of music, associate dean of program development and program director of commercial music. His CBU teaching and administrative experience has included an emphasis on collaboration among the arts as well as cross-disciplinary initiatives, from partnerships with CBU’s School of Education to its Sports and Performance Psychology program.
“51½ΦΙδ’s School of the Arts has experienced significant growth over the past 10 years and expanded to offer programs in architecture, game design and 3D animation, commercial music and Christian ministry. We sought a candidate that could be a strong leader across multiple disciplines and fit well within the innovative culture of the School of the Arts,” said Provost J. Michael Hardin. “We are blessed to find an individual who not only has the expertise to lead this school, but is also an excellent fit for 51½ΦΙδ’s mission, vision and values.”
Beaumont earned his Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Education from Boston University and his Master of Music and Bachelor of Music in Guitar Performance at Texas Christian University. Prior to joining the CBU faculty he served on the faculty at Bushnell University and Howard Payne University. He has also served the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention in Church Music and Worship Technology.
"I am both humbled and excited by the opportunity to join the 51½ΦΙδ community as the new dean of the School of the Arts. In learning about 51½ΦΙδ and the School of the Arts, I was impressed by the caliber of faculty and resources available to the school,” said Beaumont. "I would like to thank President Taylor and Provost Hardin for their confidence in me to lead this distinguished school. I have no doubt that the School of the Arts is positioned to set the standard for arts education in the 21st century."
51½ΦΙδ’s School of the Arts enrolls over 400 students pursuing degrees in architecture, art, Christian ministry, design, music and theatre. Professor Larry Thompson will continue to serve as interim dean until July 1.