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Monday, March 2, 2026
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Lehman Welcomes Associate Dean John McCluskey
March 2, 2026
Lehman College has named John McCluskey associate dean for the School of Arts and Humanities, bringing to the role a background in academic leadership, curriculum design, program growth, recruitment, fundraising, and interdisciplinary work. He joins Lehman from Shorter University in Georgia, where he most recently served as dean.
The attracted McCluskey’s attention because it offered a chance to build on his experience in fine arts administration while expanding into the broader scope of arts and humanities. As he learned more about the College’s mission, values, and community-centered identity, the move felt like the right fit.
“Lehman is the communal embodiment of individuals each working towards being the best version of themselves, while also being good neighbors to their community,” he said.
In his new role, McCluskey is eager to get to know the people across the School of Arts and Humanities and to support faculty, staff, and students in reaching their goals. He’s excited to arrive at a moment when recent major gifts are opening new possibilities to strengthen support for students, faculty, and the broader community. Looking ahead, he said he hopes to contribute to campus life not only as an administrator, but, when possible, in the classroom as well.
A musicologist and saxophonist, McCluskey holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from Lee University and a master’s degree and Ph.D. in musicology and ethnomusicology from the University of Kentucky. His research focuses on music’s relationship to sports, particularly college football, and he has published and reviewed scholarship on the subject. He previously taught at Transylvania University and the University of Kentucky.