The Board of Trustees of Pennsylvania College of Art & Design (PCA&D) announces the search for the college’s next president and invites nominations and applications for this uncommon leadership opportunity. Having progressed through twenty-five years of steady growth to firmly establish PCA&D as a baccalaureate degree granting institution, President Mary Colleen Heil has announced her retirement effective in July, 2018. Enrollment growth, curricular enrichment, and strong financial stewardship underscore PCA&D’s current strength and provides a positive point of inflection from which a new president can build an exciting future.
The desire for visionary, creative, and informed presidential leadership, prepared to take PCA&D to the next level of accomplishment, is palpable among all constituencies. As PCA&D moves into its next chapter, the college community is eager to welcome a president who can serve as a catalyst for establishing a new vision and measured strategic change that will be consistent with institutional mission, educational philosophy, planning goals, and future educational needs.
PCA&D is a 35-year old institution that has come of age as higher education and the field of art and design are both making cosmic shifts. The board, faculty, and staff work creatively to make the new happen and to improve on the old. As a community, PCA&D knows how to plan, to be agile, and to think past the more traditional aspects of higher education. The 2017-18 enrollment in the BFA program has grown by 22 % in the last three years. The College has an alumni base of over 1500, with majors in Fine Art, Illustration, Photography, Graphic Design, and Digital Media.
Pennsylvania College of Art & Design seeks a president with energy, strength of personality, and an ability to articulate the transformative process of helping students to find their creative voice through conceptualizing, making, and critiquing art. The College recognizes that there are many pathways to a successful college of art presidency and leadership interests from a variety of venues will be welcomed. Academic credentials and artistic accomplishments are desirable, but an understanding of and deep appreciation for teaching and making the visual arts will be essential.
Prior to making application, prospective candidates are encouraged to learn more about the specific expectations and desired attributes in PCA&D’s next president, and the details of the application process. The Presidential Search Profile is available at http://engage.pcad.edu/
Thomas B. Courtice, Ph.D.
Search Consultant
Pennsylvania College of Art & Design does not discriminate against any individual for reason of disability, handicap, ancestry, race, color, age, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law in the admission of students, administration of programs, employment of faculty and staff, or any terms of instruction and employment.
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