Wesley Kisting

Background

About Wesley Kisting

Strategic leader with over 15 years of experience leading cross-functional initiatives to develop innovative programs, address emerging needs of students and employers, and improve learning in Higher Education. Passionate about innovation, technology, and the liberal arts. My highest leadership role was as Dean of Arts and Sciences at UWRF, in which capacity I managed 26 direct reports and a $22M budget, providing strategic leadership for a diverse college with 14 departments, 145 faculty and staff, 1300 majors, and approximately 40 programs, and responsibility for 80% of instruction in the general education curriculum. Known for fostering trust, transparency, and growth, I excel at leading change, building strategic partnerships, and leveraging data to inform decision making. Over the past decade, I’ve developed dozens of innovative programs that combine state-of-the-art practical skills with the higher aims of liberal arts education. This includes securing over $14M in funding for Animation, Digital Storytelling, Intelligence & Security Studies, and AI initiatives, as well as authoring two comprehensive plans to enhance student learning and engagement across the university. Early in my leadership career, my university underwent a seismic shift in mission as our small commuter campus was merged with the state's only public medical college to become Georgia's newest R1 research institution. As we built a new university from the ground up, I gained unusually broad and deep experience with university operations—from strategic planning and policy development to faculty mentorship and student engagement. I earned my Ph.D. in English from the University of Iowa, specializing in Early Modern "Renaissance" English literature and theology of the conscience. Beyond my professional life, I’m a hiker, wooden boat builder, content creator, and devoted dad, always seeking out adventures with my wife and three daughters. Connect with me here or at weskisting@gmail.com—I’m always interested in expanding my network. Competencies: Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, Tableau, Navigate 360, Generative AI, Cursor Skills: Strategic Vision, Policy Development, Data Analysis, Creativity and Innovation, Curriculum Assessment, Transformational Leadership, Strategic Partnerships, Change Management, Higher Education Leadership, New Program Development, Fundraising, People Development, Decision-Making, Community Engagement, Strategic Enrollment Management, People Management, Continuous Process Improvement, Student Engagement, Attention to Detail