BOONE, N.C. — The College of Fine and Applied Arts (FAA) at Appalachian State University has welcomed three department chairs: Dr. Jim Toub in the Department of Art; Dr. Scott Welsh in the Department of Communication; and Michael Helms in the Department of Theatre and Dance. The three professors began their respective chair appointments Aug. 1.

“It’s an exciting time for our college and for our students as we welcome new leadership,” said Dr. Janice T. Pope, FAA’s interim dean. “All three of our new chairs are recognized leaders within their faculty, excellent teachers and mentors to our students and are well prepared for the challenges ahead as we expand the way we deliver our courses.”

About the FAA department chairs

Dr. Jim Toub

Department of Art

Toub, who has been named chair of Appalachian’s Department of Art, joined the department’s faculty as a professor in 1992. He previously served as the department’s interim chair (August 2019–July).

“Jim has brought compassion, attention to detail, a sense of humor and a dedication to equity during his time as interim department chair,” Pope said. “I’m happy to be able to say the Art department is in good stead with him in this role.”

Toub received his Ph.D. and M.A. from Boston University and his B.A. from Hampshire College. He is an accomplished artist, with a number of paintings and drawings selected for juried and invited exhibitions in the United States and France.

Toub, who has taught more than 30 classes at Appalachian, is a recipient of an Appalachian State University School/College Award conferred by the University of North Carolina Board of Governors. Additionally, he has received the Student Government Association Excellence in Teaching and the College of Fine and Applied Arts Excellence in Service awards.

He is a longtime member of the selection committee for Appalachian’s Chancellor’s Scholars and one of the faculty leaders for the Honors College’s short-term study abroad program in Vienna, Austria.

Before coming to Boone, Toub taught art history and studio art for nearly eight years in Aix-en-Provence, France, at the Institute for American Universities and the Marchutz School of Fine Arts. He has also taught at the University of Angers, in Angers, France, and Hampshire College.

Dr. Scott Welsh

Department of Communication

Before being named chair of Appalachian’s Department of Communication, Welsh served as the department’s interim chair (August 2019–July) and prior to that served as the department’s assistant chair.

“Scott is a strong leader, a thoughtful intellectual and he cares deeply about the education we are providing our students,” Pope said. “The Department of Communication and our student media outlets and communication agency — The Appalachian, WASU-90.5 FM, AppTV and Second Story Media — are fortunate to have his guidance as we face unprecedented challenges ahead.”

Welsh joined the Department of Communication in 2007, after teaching for a semester at Wabash College. He has written a book — “The Rhetorical Surface of Democracy: How Deliberative Ideals Undermine Democratic Politics” — and authored numerous scholarly articles.

Additionally, he has been a mentor for students in Appalachian’s Honors College and served as first reader on Honors College thesis projects. He holds a doctorate and a master’s degree in communication and culture from Indiana University and a bachelor’s degree in communication and philosophy from Taylor University.

Michael Helms

Department of Theatre and Dance

Helms, who chairs the Department of Theatre and Dance and has served at Appalachian since 2009, is a professor of theater who specializes in scene design, stage technology and lighting. He is also the resident scene designer for the department and for the Ensemble Stage in Banner Elk.

“Mike is a strong advocate for our Theatre and Dance faculty and has been a great mentor for students participating in our stage productions,” Pope said. “I welcome his leadership as the Department of Theatre and Dance makes plans to meet the challenges of performance in a time of social distancing.”

Since coming to Boone, Helms has worked as the lighting and scene designer for 38 theater and dance productions at Appalachian. He also has lent his talents to Hayes School of Music performances and other local and regional theater venues.

He has been the lighting and technical director for the Nevada Ballet Theatre and the production manager for the Utah Shakespearean Festival. Helms holds an MFA in scene design and stage technology from Brigham Young University and a BFA from Utah State University.

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About the Department of Art

One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department of Art at Appalachian State University prepares students to explore art, identity, expression and creative problem-solving while challenging them to go beyond their previous limits by discovering new connections to culture. The department offers degrees in art and visual culture, art education, graphic design, studio art, photography and graphic communications management, with minors in art history, studio art, photography and graphic communications management. Learn more at https://art.appstate.edu.

About the Department of Communication

One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department of Communication at Appalachian State University focuses on preparing students to succeed in the varied fields within the communication industry. The department offers five majors – advertising, communication studies, electronic media/broadcasting, journalism and public relations – and a minor in communication studies. Graduates work in a wide range of positions in media, corporate, agency, government and nonprofit organizations. Learn more at https://communication.appstate.edu.

About the Department of Theatre and Dance

The Department of Theatre and Dance is one of seven departments housed in Appalachian’s College of Fine and Applied Arts. Its mission is to facilitate transformative experiences for students and the public, which cultivate compassionate, creative and collaborative communities through theatre and dance. The department also offers coursework for integrated learning through the arts to the general university student population. Its dynamic co-curricular production program provides exemplary theatre and dance experiences to departmental students, the university community and the region. Learn more at https://theatreanddance.appstate.edu.

About the College of Fine and Applied Arts

Appalachian State University’s College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of seven academic departments, bringing together a variety of perspectives, experiences and real-world education to provide unique opportunities for student success. The college has more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate majors. Its departments are Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance. Learn more at https://cfaa.appstate.edu.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.