SC Wisconsin News

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point has announced Stuart Benkert as the new dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication (COFAC). Benkert, who previously led the Performing Arts and Technology department at North Carolina State University, will assume his new role on July 14.

Benkert will take over from Valerie Cisler, who is retiring after eight years as dean. He will oversee nearly 1,000 students pursuing degrees in various disciplines within COFAC’s School of Performing Arts and the School of Design and Communication.

Benkert brings extensive experience as an administrator, fundraiser, and professor in university music and fine arts programs across North Carolina, Colorado, and Tennessee. At NC State, he played a pivotal role in launching the university’s first four-year arts degree program. His efforts also led to expanded programming with additional orchestras, jazz bands, dance ensembles, and group courses. This expansion resulted in a 30% increase in major and minor enrollment.

“Dr. Benkert is an experienced and enthusiastic arts educator, compelling communicator and accomplished higher education administrator,” stated 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 has focused on student support programs aimed at helping music students succeed academically. He expressed enthusiasm about joining UW-Stevens Point: “My work in building student success and fine arts helps build dreams and ensures the artists’ vision,” he said. “There is a lot of support for the arts in Stevens Point and I want to be a part of that.”

Before his tenure at NC State, Benkert was the founding dean of Undergraduate Education and Student Success at Colorado State University Pueblo and head of the Department of Performing Arts at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He holds degrees from the University of Kansas, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg Junior College along with certificates in philanthropy, research, leadership, accounting, and inclusion.

Benkert resides with his wife Jackie; they have two adult children.