SOU Dean of Arts & Communication Named Dean at North Carolina School

Andrew Kenneth Gay to lead David Orr Belcher College of Fine & Performing Arts at Western Carolina University

Mar. 21, 2026 at 4:52am

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Andrew Kenneth Gay, the dean of the College of Arts & Humanities and executive director of the Oregon Center for the Arts at Southern Oregon University, has been named the new dean of the David Orr Belcher College of Fine and Performing Arts at Western Carolina University. Gay will assume the new role on July 1 after serving at SOU for 12 years.

Why it matters

This move represents a significant career advancement for Gay, who has played a key role in growing SOU's arts and communication programs over the past decade. His departure is a loss for SOU, but the opportunity at Western Carolina University, a larger institution in North Carolina, is a testament to Gay's leadership and vision for arts education.

The details

In his new role, Gay will lead the David Orr Belcher College of Fine and Performing Arts at Western Carolina University, which has over 11,000 students enrolled, including more than 9,000 undergraduates. This is a significant increase from SOU's current enrollment of 5,363 students. Gay has served in various leadership positions at SOU, including as dean of the College of Arts & Humanities, executive director of the Oregon Center for the Arts, and in roles on the faculty senate and as the provost's lead on general education reform.

  • Andrew Kenneth Gay will assume his new role as dean of the David Orr Belcher College of Fine and Performing Arts at Western Carolina University on July 1, 2026.
  • Gay has served as the dean of the College of Arts & Humanities and executive director of the Oregon Center for the Arts at Southern Oregon University for the past 12 years.

The players

Andrew Kenneth Gay

The outgoing dean of the College of Arts & Humanities and executive director of the Oregon Center for the Arts at Southern Oregon University, who has been named the new dean of the David Orr Belcher College of Fine and Performing Arts at Western Carolina University.

Western Carolina University

A public university located in Cullowhee, North Carolina, with over 11,000 students enrolled, including more than 9,000 undergraduates.

Southern Oregon University

The university where Andrew Kenneth Gay has served as dean and executive director for the past 12 years, with a current enrollment of 5,363 students.

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What they’re saying

“After 12 happy and transformative years at Southern Oregon University, spring commencement will be my last at SOU.”

— Andrew Kenneth Gay, Outgoing Dean, College of Arts & Humanities and Executive Director, Oregon Center for the Arts, Southern Oregon University

“We are thrilled to welcome Andrew Gay to Western Carolina University. His vision, proven leadership and deep commitment to the arts make him an outstanding fit for the David Orr Belcher College of Fine and Performing Arts. Andrew's blend of academic excellence and community engagement will strengthen our programs and enrich our connection to the region. We look forward to the energy and insight he will bring to the campus.”

— Richard Starnes, Provost, Western Carolina University

What’s next

Gay will officially begin his new role as dean of the David Orr Belcher College of Fine and Performing Arts at Western Carolina University on July 1, 2026.

The takeaway

Andrew Kenneth Gay's move from Southern Oregon University to Western Carolina University represents a significant career advancement and an opportunity for him to lead a larger arts and performing arts program at a growing institution. His departure is a loss for SOU, but a testament to his leadership and vision in the arts education field.