JAMESTOWN, N.C. (Nov. 15, 2023) – Thomas Takayama, D.A., a community college educator and administrator for 25 years, has been named Guilford Technical Community College’s dean of business, creative and performing arts.

“We are very fortunate to have Thomas join us at GTCC. He brings an invaluable wealth and variety of experience and accomplishments to the college,” said Beth Pitonzo, Ph.D. GTCC’s senior vice president of instruction. “From his administrative, teaching, and performance roles, we know what a great asset Thomas is going to be for his colleagues, students, and the college.”

As the dean of the business, creative and performing arts, Takayama will be responsible for the development, implementation, evaluation, and management of programs within the business and creative and performing arts departments. He will provide leadership to employees and budget management and play a key role in curriculum, academic assessment, and strategic planning. In addition, Takayama will teach music appreciation and assist with the direction of the Titan Civic Band.

“I’m so excited to join GTCC and to be a part of a truly student-centered institution that values the success of its students, employees, and the growing community,” said Takayama.

Most recently Takayama was the dean of the school of arts and sciences at Greenville Technical College in Greenville, South Carolina, a position he held from 2019 to 2023. Prior to that he was the dean of humanities and social sciences at Valencia College in Orlando, Florida.

As an administrator Takayama has continued to teach classes in music and humanities. In addition, he has directed several stage productions and musicals at McHenry County College and Valencia College.

Takayama holds a Bachelor of Arts in music education from the University of Tennessee, a Master of Music History/Literature from Southern Illinois University, a music performance graduate certificate from Northwestern University, and a Doctorate of Arts in ethnomusicology, American roots music, from the University of Mississippi.

In his spare time, he enjoys performing, conducting, composing, and recording music. He has performed with the Grant Park Orchestra, Chicago Chamber Orchestra, and various blues, jazz, and rock bands. His hobbies include international travel, volunteering at local organizations, spending quality time with family, and being an advocate for the arts within the community.

About Guilford Technical Community College: Guilford Technical Community College is the fourth largest of 58 institutions in the North Carolina Community College System. GTCC serves more than 27,000 students annually from five campuses and a Small Business Center. For more information, visit gtcc.edu, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.