Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUQatar) Tuesday named new Dean for its school.

The appointment of Dr. Akel I Kahera is subject to VCU Board of Visitors' approval, VCUQatar said today.

Dr. Kahera succeeds Allyson Vanstone, who will leave VCUQatar in June after a successful eight-year tenure.

Kahera joins from Clemson University, where he is Associate Dean in the College of Architecture, Arts And Humanities, capping a nearly 20-year career in public university teaching and administration. He also serves as director of Clemson’s Pennell Center for Research in Design and Building, the university said.