Montevallo Appoints Dr. Sean Atkinson as College of Fine Arts Dean

December 12, 2024

The University of Montevallo has appointed Dr. Sean Atkinson as the new dean of the College of Fine Arts. Atkinson previously served as associate professor of music theory and for three years as the director of the School of Music at Texas Christian University.

“I am thrilled to be joining the University of Montevallo and the College of Fine Arts,” Atkinson said. “The arts are a vital resource for both the University and the surrounding community, and I am excited for the opportunity to serve as dean.”

Leading TCU’s comprehensive music school with bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and artist’s diploma programs from 2021 to this year, Atkinson managed a multi-million dollar budget, oversaw the recruiting, hiring, yearly review and promotion of more than 50 full-time faculty and staff and coordinated schedules for all music classes, concerts and recitals across three performance venues.

As a professor of music theory, Atkinson has taught courses in the core music theory and ear-training sequence for music majors, form and analysis, and various graduate courses and seminars. Prior to TCU, he was an assistant professor of music theory at the University of Texas at Arlington.

Atkinson’s research currently explores the role of music in video games. His work addresses the meaning that results from the complex interactions between actions on screen and in the music. He has presented this research at regional, national and international conferences, and published articles in several peer-reviewed journals and collected works published by Intellect and Oxford University Press.

Atkinson holds a Ph.D. in Music Theory from Florida State University. He earned a M.M. in Music Theory from Florida State University in 2006 and a B.M. in Music Theory and Trombone Performance from Furman University in 2004.

“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Sean Atkinson to the University of Montevallo as our next dean for the College of Fine Arts,” said Dr. Courtney Bentley, provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs at UM. “The College celebrated its 50th anniversary in spring 2024 and is valued for its premium academic programs, quality performances and exceptional opportunities for our students. I have every confidence that Dr. Atkinson is poised to forefront the College of Fine Arts’ established reputation and work collaboratively with faculty and staff to set a positive vision that will position them to thrive in our current landscape.”

To learn more about degrees offered in Montevallo’s College of Fine Arts, visit montevallo.edu/bachelors-degrees-college-of-fine-arts.