The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point has announced the new dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication (COFAC). Stuart Benkert, formerly head of Performing Arts and Technology at North Carolina State University, will begin July 14.
Benkert succeeds Valerie Cisler, who is retiring after serving as dean for eight years. In this role, Benkert will lead the nearly 1,000 students earning degrees within COFAC’s School of Performing Arts, which includes acting, musical theatre, dance, arts management, theatre design and technology, music, music education, music performance, jazz studies and a master in music education, and the School of Design and Communication, including art, pre-art therapy, graphic design, interior design, media studies and professional communication.
Benkert is an experienced administrator, fundraiser and professor who has worked in university music and fine arts programs in North Carolina, Colorado and Tennessee. Most recently at NC State, he facilitated the implementation of the university’s first four-year academic degree in the arts, an innovative music technology program as a collaboration between engineering and performing arts. He also expanded programming by adding a third orchestra, third jazz band, third dance ensemble and additional group piano and guitar courses. During this period, enrollment in performing arts activities increased to 1,600 students while major and minor enrollment increased 30%.
“Dr. Benkert is an experienced and enthusiastic arts educator, compelling communicator and accomplished higher education administrator,” said La Vonne Cornell-Swanson, provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs. “His considerable experience working directly with students, managing faculty and academic affairs and engaging external constituents serves as excellent preparation for his new role as dean of COFAC.”
Benkert’s work in student support programs stemmed from looking for ways to help his music students find what they need to be successful college graduates. He is looking forward to being surrounded by creative people at UW-Stevens Point while advocating for faculty and students.
“My work in building student success and fine arts helps build dreams and ensures the artists’ vision,” said Benkert. “There is a lot of support for the arts in Stevens Point and I want to be a part of that.”
Previously he was the founding dean of Undergraduate Education and Student Success at Colorado State University Pueblo and the founding head of the Department of Performing Arts at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He is active in several professional music and educational organizations.
He holds degrees in music education from the University of Kansas, University of South Florida and St. Petersburg Junior College. He has also earned certificates in philanthropy, research, leadership, accounting and inclusion.
Benkert and his wife, Jackie, have two adult children.