UNC Asheville Appoints Dr. Tim Channell As Inaugural Dean of College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences
This week, the University of North Carolina Asheville announced the appointment of Dr. Timothy Channell as the inaugural Deal of the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, effective July 1st, 2026. Dr. Channell brings a background as an academic administrator, higher education consultant, and Professor of Music Business, helping steer the newly structured college, align its academic programing with the University’s commitment to a future-facing liberal arts and science education.
"Dr. Channell understands both the enduring value of the liberal arts and the importance of preparing students for a rapidly changing world," said UNC Asheville Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Yvonne Villanueva-Russell. "His ability to build partnerships, support innovation, and lead collaboratively will be a tremendous asset to UNC Asheville."
Dr. Channell brings more than two decades of executive higher education experience to UNC Asheville. He recently served as the Interim Dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts at Radford University, where he successfully guided five creative departments through a complex transition into the 178,000-square-foot Artis Center for Adaptive Innovation and Creativity. During his interim deanship, Dr. Channell implemented cross-disciplinary faculty initiatives and strategic recruitment efforts that boosted new student enrollment by 21 percent.
"I am truly honored and excited to join the UNC Asheville community," said Dr. Channell. "From my earliest conversations during and throughout the search process, it was clear that UNC Asheville is a place defined by passionate faculty and staff; talented students; meaningful relationships; and a deep commitment to creativity, innovation, and student success."
He co-led the creation and state approval of the New River Valley Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities, establishing an early academic pipeline for high school students. His forward-thinking approach to education also includes studying the responsible and ethical integration of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, into curriculum design. Dr. Channell holds a Doctor of Education from Marshall University, a Master of Business Administration from West Virginia Wesleyan College, and a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Marshall University.
