ASMSA’s new dean of academic affairs is an Arkansas native who is coming home after spending almost two decades at the Alabama School of Fine Arts.
Stuart Flynn was named dean of academic affairs in May after a national search. He assumed the duties in July. He follows Bob Gregory, who left the school to relocate near family out of state. Gregory had served as dean of academic affairs since Spring 2013.
The dean of academic affairs is the lead academic administrator for the campus. The dean provides leadership, supervision and evaluation to faculty members and staff within the academic component of the institution. The dean also determines teaching schedules and oversees the planning and implementation of statewide professional development and outreach opportunities for teachers around the state through digital learning, among other duties.
Flynn served as director of student support services at the Alabama School of Fine Arts in Birmingham, Ala., from 2015. Before that, he served as a creative writing instructor from 2001-2015 at ASFA. He served as chair of ASFA’s Creative Writing Department from 2002-2015. Flynn earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, a Juris Doctorate from the University of Arkansas School of Law and a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from the University of Alabama.
When he saw the ASMSA position advertised, he saw an opportunity to expand his educational leadership experience. He said he tries to be a listener and collaborative as a leader. Flynn said those are important qualities for a dean to have.
“Everyone has a different background. They have different needs and different interests. I try to appreciate those distinctive qualities that all students possess,” Flynn said.
Flynn said he sees his job strongly as one of support.
“I’m going to do everything I can that allows the student, teachers, staff and family to succeed and have a meaningful experience,” he said.
He said he is impressed with how the school approaches not only the education of the student but the student as a whole. “Student development and wellness is important. I think the environment is very attractive,” he said.
Before entering the teaching field, Flynn earned his law degree with an intention to work in politics. He did serve as a consultant for one political campaign and was a legal adviser for the Arkansas Workers Compensation Commission. That experience will help him in his new position as well, he said.
“I try to be a good listener and try to take in multiple perspectives. I try to see as many angles as possible and be deliberative about situations and what may be the best response. You also have to be prepared to navigate education law,” Flynn said.
The job has a personal advantage as well. Flynn grew up in Conway and has family members who live in Hot Springs. “I’ve wanted to live in Hot Springs for a while and wanted to move back over the last couple of years,” he said.