Introducing Dean Jayme Host: A New Era for the School of the Arts

Speaking of ... College of Charleston

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On this episode of Speaking of…College of Charleston, Edward Hart, professor of music, sits down with Jayme Host, Dean of the School of the Arts, to discuss her background, career and first impressions of the college and the city of Charleston. Host speaks of her passion for dance and education, highlighting her past roles and achievements which include working with various international dance companies and educational institutions. Host talks about the newly renovated Albert Simons Center for the Arts, emphasizing the state-of-the-art facilities that will support the arts programs. She expresses her excitement about the opportunities and her commitment to fostering a vibrant and successful environment for students and faculty.

Featured on this Episode:

Jayme Klinger Host, Dean, School of the Arts

Host has more than 25 years of student success and higher education experience. Her comprehensive knowledge of higher education has been developed through work at three different public and private institutions of higher education. Host has extensive experience directing complex departments and projects, and intentionally bringing people together across divides and generating a positive vision that is long term, expansive and solution driven.

In her previous role as the director of East Carolina University’s School of Theatre and Dance, within the College of Fine Arts and Communication, Host led the school’s strategic plan while serving as its senior academic officer, and was responsible for curriculum, human resources and fiscal operations. Her extensive administrative, artistic and academic career is steeped in a tenacious advocacy for student success and support. She is intentional in cultivating artistry, inclusive practices and global citizenship.

Originally from Central Pennsylvania, she is a professor, dancer, choreographer, STEAM educator and Arts Integration specialist with 28 years of experience of teaching dance in higher education. As a dancer, she performed with Tandy Beal Dance Company in Tokyo, with the Pennsylvania Dance Theatre in State College, PA and as an independent artist. She has created over 50 original works throughout her career.

Resources from this Episode:

· Renovated Simons Center

· School of the Arts

· 2024-2025 Event Season