On January 16, 2026, the faculty, staff and students were informed that a new dean for the School of Fine Arts and Communication (SFAC) has been appointed. This announcement comes at the conclusion of a thorough and collaborative process—one that reflects the care and commitment BJU has for this school and the arts.
The search for a dean began with a profile constructed in part by SFAC faculty input. From this profile, BJU posted a job description and welcomed applications throughout last year.
After reviewing submissions, the field was narrowed to seven candidates who were asked to complete a questionnaire—later assessed by a committee made up of faculty, other deans and members of the Provost’s office. Following the questionnaire assessment, the remaining four candidates were interviewed by a panel and then individually by the Provost and President before Christmas break. Follow-up interviews with the final two candidates took place after the break and just days ago, this careful, collaborative process concluded with our new dean accepting the position.
We are pleased to announce the Dean of the School of Fine Arts and Communication is Dr. Michael Moore.
Dr. Moore brings 25 years of experience in arts education and a proven record of leadership in curricular innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, operational restructuring, donor relations, national accreditation and strategic vision for the future.
His academic journey began here at BJU, where he earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Education in Music Education. He went on to complete a Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting and a Ph.D. in Music Education at the University of South Carolina.
Dr. Moore’s history at BJU spans more than two decades, including roles as a graduate assistant, faculty, department head and division chair. His leadership has resulted in significant achievements—such as transitioning the Master of Music Education program online, earning national recognition, securing accreditation with the National Association of Schools of Music and raising over $1 million in scholarship endowments. He has also championed curricular innovations and articulated a vision for “redemptive artistry” and “aesthetic integrity” as hallmarks of BJU’s approach to the arts.
Beyond campus, Dr. Moore has served as President of the South Carolina Music Educators Association and has led statewide initiatives in arts assessment for over 20 years.
His motivation for serving as Dean of the School of Fine Arts and Communication at Bob Jones University is rooted in his love for the institution and his desire to see it thrive in its second century. As a member of a fourth-generation BJU family, his connection spans decades. His grandparents met on the campus in Tennessee. His parents met on the campus in Greenville—as did he and his wife, Dr. Deanna Moore.
Reflecting on his new role, Michael expressed, “I’m excited to partner with our incredibly talented faculty and staff as we steward our rich heritage of excellence in the arts. Our students are stepping into a beautiful tradition here—one that shaped me as a student. I look forward to sharing this tradition with the next generation of leaders as they pursue and share God’s beauty, goodness and truth through the arts.”
Alongside Dr. Moore’s appointment as dean, Emily Waggoner will lead the Division of Music as its newly appointed chair. Emily has served as Associate Chair since 2023 and has been a faculty member for 19 years.
