I am pleased to announce that I have appointed Edward Hart ’88, chair of the Department of Music, as dean of the School of the Arts (SOTA). He succeeds Dean Valerie Morris, who is retiring this year after expertly guiding the school since 1998.

A music faculty member since 1993, Dean Hart has a longstanding commitment to the success of the College and Charleston’s vibrant arts community. He has served as department chair since 2013, demonstrating visionary leadership as well as many administrative and artistic talents.

Dean Hart has also cultivated and enhanced partnerships with many local arts organizations, including the Charleston Symphony, where he serves on the executive board, the Charleston Jazz Orchestra; the Charleston Men’s Chorus; the Charleston Symphony Orchestra Chorus and the Charleston Opera Theatre. He has served on the board of the South Carolina Arts Commission and is a regular guest lecturer for Spoleto Festival USA’s Salon Series.

Dean Hart earned his master’s and doctoral degrees in music from the University of South Carolina and his B.A. in music here at the College of Charleston.

Please join me in welcoming Dean Hart to this new leadership role.

Suzanne Austin

Provost and Executive Vice President

Division of Academic Affairs

Related: https://www.postandcourier.com/columnists/edward-hart-named-college-of-charlestons-dean-of-the-school-of-arts/article_b5f67e5e-511a-11eb-92b2-4733efe22ed3.html