Candidates for College of Fine Arts Dean Visit Campus, Attend Open Forums

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 24, 2017) — The University of Kentucky is conducting a national search for the next dean of the UK College of Fine Arts. 

As part of this process, the search committee, dedicated to finding a qualified and visionary leader, has selected three finalists for the position.

Throughout the next several weeks, these candidates will visit campus, participate in open forums and meet with constituent groups in the UK community on the following dates:

• Alan LaFave: On Campus: April 24 & 25. Open forum: April 24, 4-5:15 p.m., in the President’s Room in the UK Singletary Center for the Arts.
• Candidate B: On Campus: May 1 & 2. Open forum May 1, 4-5:15 p.m., in the President’s Room in the UK Singletary Center for the Arts.
• Candidate C: On Campus: May 3 & 4. Open forum May 3, 4-5:15 p.m., in the President’s Room in the UK Singletary Center for the Arts.

The first candidate’s curriculum vitae is available on the search website, where names and CVs for the other candidates will be posted 48 business hours in advance of their forums. UK community members will be able to provide anonymous feedback through the website. 

The dean serves as the academic and administrative head of the College of Fine Arts and is responsible for the leadership and operation of all aspects of the college. These responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Providing outstanding leadership and administrative acumen in an environment of shared governance;
• Demonstrating capacity as a strong fundraiser;
• Advocating for the arts internal and external to the University;
• Inspiring an expansive vision for a world-class college within a leading university, as well as a commitment to excellence in research and creative activity;
• Possessing strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively and collegially with individuals on and off campus;
• Thinking innovatively and entrepreneurially while building consensus for new initiatives and ideas;
• Developing a positive collegial environment committed to affirmative action and diversity in higher education; and
• Appreciating and respecting the various missions of the College’s disciplines and programs while providing a vision and common goals for its future.

"Input is critically important," said UK Provost Tim Tracy. "I hope members of the UK community find time in their schedules to attend these forums and provide us with your feedback, as we identify the most qualified, well-suited individual to join the UK family in this position."