David Wohl

David Wohl is the Interim Director of the MAAA Program and an Adjunct Professor at the College of Charleston. He retired in 2017 after serving seven years as Dean of Winthrop University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts and previously as Dean of West Virginia State University’s College of Arts and Humanities. He holds a Ph.D. in Theatre from Kent State University, an M.A. in Dramatic Arts from the University of Connecticut, and a B.A. in Psychology from Clark University.

• Ph.D., Theatre, Kent State University
• M.A., Dramatic Arts, University of Connecticut
• B.A., Psychology, Clark University

His research interests focus on arts administration, theatre education, and cultural policy. He has led initiatives in grant writing, strategic planning, and board development for non-profits, influencing arts funding in West Virginia and beyond. His career includes roles as Artistic Director of Charleston Stage Company and General Manager of Porthouse Repertory Theatre.

Awards:

• SETC Suzanne Davis Award (2001)
• Mayor’s Award for Individual Artist (1999)
• Lifetime Achievement Award (2006)
• Medal of Honor in the Arts (2017)

He has advised numerous institutions, including the West Virginia Arts Commission, and contributed to the design of K-12 theatre standards. His advocacy efforts secured over $15 million in grants for West Virginia’s arts sector. He also coordinates theatre activities for Festiv-ALL Charleston and serves on boards like the Arts and Cultural Council of Kiawah Island.

Wohl’s work spans film production (e.g., Chillers, Invasion of the Space Preachers) and international educational engagements in Uganda, South Africa, and beyond.