The Board of Trustees of the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design has named Jeffrey (Jeff) Morin, dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication (COFAC) at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, as MIAD’s next president. Morin will take office on June 1, 2015, succeeding retiring president Neil Hoffman.
An award-winning artist, teacher and strategist, Morin brings 30 years of higher education experience to MIAD. His breadth of expertise includes strategic planning, diversity and access, enrollment management, marketing, fundraising, curriculum development and assessment, and interdisciplinary programming that brings college constituencies and community members of all ages together in new and innovative ways.
Morin created, expanded and fostered numerous programs at COFAC that span a college diversity plan, including outreach and scholarships; production camps for high-school students; an interactive lecture series that forms communities around such cross-disciplinary themes as the physics of liquid crystal formation and glassblowing; several endowed award programs; a new glass studio and program; and the Scarabocchio Art Museum.
He is also a prolific writer, exhibiting artist, curator and lecturer.
Morin’s selection followed an extensive, six-month search facilitated by global firm Korn Ferry and conducted by a 12-member search committee chaired by MIAD Board of Trustees Vice-Chair Bob Mikulay. The committee, comprising representatives from MIAD’s board, faculty and staff, reviewed nearly 40 resumes culled from an initial list of 250 individuals nominated or put under consideration. The candidates hailed from across the United States and six countries worldwide.
“MIAD is known for its student-centered approach, a value that we both share,” said Morin. “I am grateful to be joining MIAD at this exciting time for the college and for the City of Milwaukee. MIAD has crafted a forward-thinking curriculum that is smart and of outstanding value to any student considering the institution. The college is also physically located in one of the most exciting urban areas in this country, an area that sets the standard for renaissance or rebirth. I look forward to partnering with many organizations in Milwaukee as we collectively build on its vibrant creative economy.
“My personal philosophy is that the most effective educational administrator is a servant leader, putting the needs of others first and helping others to create and achieve. This leader champions the institution and its students, reminding all of the transformative nature of education.”
“In addition to his outstanding credentials and experience, the search committee was very impressed with Jeff’s thoughtful, genuine, calmly confident personal style,” said Madeleine Kelly Lubar, MIAD board chair. “He is an insightful and intelligent leader who listens to different viewpoints before making decisions. The committee believes that his extensive personal education and professional experience in art and design, and his interpersonal skills and leadership style, are a perfect match for MIAD.
“Jeff will provide the innovative leadership to build on the successes MIAD has experienced during Neil Hoffman’s tenure as president. MIAD is stronger than it has ever been. The college has a new residence hall, new academic and cultural programming in both fine arts and design, expanded partnerships with industries and Marquette University’s College of Engineering, and international recognition of the college’s economic and cultural impact. I know I speak for the entire MIAD community in looking forward to welcoming Jeff and his husband, Brian Borchardt, to Milwaukee.”
Morin holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interdepartmental Studies from Temple University’s Tyler School of Art, Philadelphia and Rome, Italy; a Master of Art in Studio Art from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Education; and a Master of Fine Art in Studio Art from UW-Madison. He also holds a Certificate in Fundraising Management from the Lilly School of Philanthropy, Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis.
Before serving as Dean at COFAC, Morin was chair of the Department of Art & Design at UW-Stevens Point and a professor in the department since 1996. He also served as foundations coordinator and professor in the Art Department of the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, and as assistant professor at Bethany College in Kansas.
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