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ATLANTA—Chester Phillips, interim dean of the College of the Arts at Georgia State University since 2023, will become the dean of the college effective Aug. 1.
The college’s founding dean, Wade Weast, will serve as special assistant to the provost and provide insights and support in the university’s academic mission.
“Atlanta is the undoubted hub of the arts and entertainment in the Southeast, and the College of the Arts at Georgia State has a significant role to play in our region’s stature,” said Phillips. “By training the next generation of creatives and those who work in the industry, this makes leadership of the college incredibly vital, and I am honored to have this opportunity.”
“With the work and dedication of the talented faculty and staff, I am confident that the College of the Arts will play an even greater role in our city’s artistic and cultural life,” he continued.
“Under Dr. Phillips, I am certain that the college will continue to demonstrate the best in creative works, academic excellence and student opportunity beyond college and into careers now and into the future,” said Nicolle Parsons-Pollard, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs.
Phillips joined the Georgia State faculty in 2009. He has served on the committee responsible for crafting the new strategic plan which includes innovation in research, scholarship and creativity as one of the university’s foundational pillars.
Prior to his previous appointment as the Director of the School of Music, Phillips served as the founding director of the Panther Band and Associate Director of Bands at Georgia State.
Under his leadership, the Georgia State Panther Band received several honors and accolades including participation in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2014, performing in the Pepsi Super Bowl LIII Halftime show in 2019, marching in the 57th Presidential Inaugural Parade in 2013, a national top-10 honor by the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA), selection by the Southern Division of CBDNA for outstanding performance in 2012, 2016 and 2020, and participation in the 2022 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif.
As an educator, Phillips is a Conn-Selmer Educational Clinician and has presented and designed for organizations across the United States, Japan, Canada, Australia and Finland, where he regularly conducts, gives master classes and designs marching drills.
Prior to his appointment at Georgia State, Phillips taught for seven years as the associate director of bands at Harrison High School in Kennesaw, Ga., and for two years in the Gwinnett County public schools at the middle and high school level.
He earned a Bachelor of Music degree in music education from the University of Georgia, a Master of Music degree in music education from the University of Illinois and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in wind conducting at the University of Georgia.
To learn more about the College of the Arts, click here.