q&a
Your career as a higher education administrative leader and professor of art spans two decades with the University of Mississippi. What about the School of Art and Design at Illinois drew you to the Midwest?
I have been aware of the strengths of the School of Art and Design for many years. This is not only because of the school’s strong national reputation, but also due to mentors, alumni, and colleagues I have known that have direct connections here and have always spoken highly of it. The school’s reputation as a center of inquiry and creativity is well-known nationally. This, coupled with the amazing faculty and students, along with untapped growth opportunities, especially around interdisciplinary research and teaching, are just a few of the reasons that attracted me here. I am very enthusiastic about the school’s future and am eager to lead it into the next chapter.
The School of Art and Design consists of 12 degree programs ranging from studio art and sculpture to art education and fashion. How do you plan to nurture the unique qualities of each creative discipline while also fostering a community of diversity and inclusion across the school?
The humanities encompass the full range of human experiences. I firmly believe that our strength lies in our ability to engage in meaningful discussions that integrate educational models combining art, design, culture, and society. Through this approach, we can foster a culture that embraces art, design, and culture as vehicles for addressing pressing issues such as climate change, social justice, equity, and accessibility, and we can develop innovative solutions and sustainable strategies for these programs. When we embrace the interconnectedness of each unique program within the School of Art and Design, we have the potential to provide a sustainable and engaged practice throughout the arts and society.
As director of a growing school within a major public research university, what are your top priorities over the next three years?
Since I arrived, I have been deeply moved by the overwhelming support I have received. It truly exemplifies the inclusive and growth-oriented culture of this esteemed educational institution. In the years ahead, I aim to have a significant impact in various areas, including supporting the establishment of new facilities that reflect the dynamic nature of artistic production and research in art and design today, fostering a strong sense of community throughout the school, and collaborating to cultivate interdisciplinary opportunities for the School of Art and Design across the College of Fine and Applied Arts.
The School of Art and Design has nearly 10,000 alumni living across the US and throughout the world. What do you feel is the most important lesson an arts student should leave college with to be successful after graduation?
This question is excellent because it explores the significance of the arts as an essential part of community. Community plays a critical role in our collective success as we rely on each other for feedback, ideas, collaborations, support, opportunities, and more. Therefore, it is vital for us to establish a strong sense of community. As the director, I will focus on fostering this community spirit among our alumni by continuing to support opportunities to gather. Some ideas I have include on-campus symposia, exhibitions, internships, and visiting our alumni so that we can create spaces for the community to come together.
As an artist specializing in lens-based photography who has been exhibited nationally and internationally, what from your experience as a practicing artist do you hope to bring to your role as director?
As a photography-based artist, observation and time are crucial to shaping my artistic process, and I rely on keen observation skills to translate my ideas into a visual language that resonates with viewers.
As director, I prioritize where to focus my energy to ensure dedication to initiatives that reflect our shared passions and vision. Throughout my artistic career, I have created art in response to landscapes and places, often addressing issues related to climate change and our impact on the environment. My work has consistently explored the interconnectedness of local and global influences. This focus also shapes how I lead, as I always consider our connection to both the local and the global and how each influences the other.