Interviews complete for Fine Arts dean

 

 

By Brandon Goodwin

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The position for dean of Fine Arts awaits a final decision after a week of interviews wrapped up Wednesday.

The final candidate for the position, Michael S. Tick, interviewed in front of faculty and students in an open forum Wednesday at the Singletary Center for the Arts.

Bob Shay, dean of the College of Fine Arts for the past 12 years, decided to step down from his position and return to teaching, said Associate Dean Geraldine Maschio.

“I think he has done a good job bringing the college together, making a difference and being a champion for fine arts,” Maschio said.

Maschio and Dean of the College of Design, Michael Speaks, led the committee dedicated to searching out possible candidates.

Based on the College of Fine Arts Search Committee recommendations, UK Provost Kumble Subbaswamy invited three candidates to campus to interview for the position.

Tick was one of three candidates to interview for the position this month. He currently serves as the chair of the Department of Theater at Louisiana State University.

Benjamin C. Withers, chair of the Department of Art and art history professor at UK, is one of the other candidates.

“As a native Kentuckian, I know how important the fine arts are to Kentucky,” Withers said.

Through his time at UK, Withers said he has gotten to know the department and the university and wants to be more involved.

Wade Weast, director for academic affairs at the School of Music at State University of New York at Fredonia, is the other candidate vying for the position.

Although students and faculty are able to give evaluations of the candidates, the final decision lies with Subbaswamy, said Maschio.

It is unclear when the final decision from Subbaswamy will be made.

“I hope our faculty, staff and students … get to know the candidates,” Subbaswamy said. “And share their opinions about who will be the best fit for the future of UK’s College of Fine Arts.”