The first dean of Emporia State University’s School for Visual + Performing Arts brings decades of experience teaching from sixth grade to graduate level, plus 14 years as a college administrator.
Dr. David Sharlow, currently professor of music and department chair of Performing Arts at Missouri Southern State University, will begin his new role in Emporia on June 10.
“David has an impressive record of accomplishments and the necessary experience to hit the ground running,” said Dr. Brent Thomas, ESU provost and vice president for academic affairs. “He has prior experience leading an academic unit that includes music, art and theatre, a strong background in music education, as well as many years of teaching experience.”
Sharlow earned a bachelor of music education in 1991 from Friends University in Wichita and a master of music education in 1996 from Wichita State University. In 2006, he completed his doctor of philosophy in music education/curriculum and instruction from University of Missouri, Kansas City, Conservatory of Music and Dance.
His career includes teaching music in Grades 6 through 12 in Kansas public schools before moving into higher education in 2003.
Sharlow has been at MSSU since 2010 as director of choral activities. He also spent time as director of music education, department chair in music, assistant to the dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and department chair in performing arts, his current role.
He was not looking for a new role when he saw the opening at Emporia State.
“I thought it was very radical that it was elevated to what it was,” Sharlow said of the new School of Visual and Performing Arts at Emporia State, noting that many institutions are cutting arts. “I like how things are going at Emporia State.”
He was one of more than 40 applicants for the role of dean, according to Dr. Heidi Hamilton, chair of the search committee. That number was pared down for Zoom interviews then four candidates were brought to campus.
Sharlow plans to begin his new role by meeting key groups. First will be the faculty and staff in the school, then he will expand out into the Emporia community.
Said Thomas: “Our visual and performing arts serve critically important roles for our students, the university and our community. David is committed to working collaboratively with our local school districts, local artists and businesses and others to deepen our engagement with the community and region that ESU serves.”