Michael Mehler, Ph.D., Allegheny College professor of theatre and administrative chair of the Music Department, has been named an academic leadership fellow by the Great Lakes Colleges Association (GLCA), one of 10 selected for this elite arts and humanities program. As a fellow for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 academic years, Mehler will serve in a fellowship administrative position as dean for visual and performing arts at Allegheny College.
During his fellowship, Mehler will lead a comprehensive initiative to expand Allegheny College’s visibility as a vibrant and inclusive campus with a thriving arts program. He will work with Allegheny College faculty and staff members to increase student enrollment in arts programs, implement a leadership cohort program to enroll and engage more students in the arts, expand opportunities for students interested in internships, jobs, and continuing their arts education in graduate studies.
Mehler sees his fellowship as an opportunity to bring larger audiences to Allegheny College’s events and more students into its programs.
I’m honored to have been selected and excited about raising the public profile of our strong arts programs,” he said. “The work of our students and faculty is exceptional, and I look forward to sharing their stories with people in our region and throughout the country.
Allegheny College’s approach to the arts is unique among schools in the region. Through a broad range of majors, minors, and microcredentials, students can explore their creative interests through the academic program and numerous activities on and off campus, enabling them to develop marketable skills for future employers seeking multi-perspective talent.
For more than 35 years, Mehler has designed scenery and lighting for theatre, dance, and opera and is currently the chair of the fellows of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology. His current research and teaching focuses on ecodrama and sustainable design and production for live performance.
