Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to announce Professor Kevin Hamilton as dean designate of the College of Fine and Applied Arts (FAA). He is currently a full professor of new media in the School of Art + Design and senior associate dean in the college. Professor Hamilton’s new role will be effective August 17, pending approval by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees.

A member of the Illinois faculty since 2002, Professor Hamilton’s work as an artist and scholar has earned support from the National Science Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Illinois Arts Council. In addition to his art exhibition and commission career, he has published on the role of photography in nuclear weapons research and on the perception of bias in algorithmic systems. In his service in the dean’s office Professor Hamilton was instrumental in overhauling the promotion and tenure process, systematizing the college’s HR practices and has been a tireless advocate for diversity and inclusion at all levels of the organization.

Following a national search for this position, I consulted with the search committee, the College of Fine and Applied Arts executive committee and administrative council and with Chancellor Robert Jones. Professor Hamilton emerged as the best candidate to serve as the next leader of FAA. Professor Hamilton has agreed to serve in the dean position for a three-year appointment.

I wish to express my sincere gratitude to Peter Mortensen for his service as interim dean for the past year. Under his leadership, the college’s excellence has continued to advance and laid a solid foundation for future growth and success. I also want to thank the members of the search committee, chaired by Illinois Program for Research in the Humanities Director Antoinette Burton, for their efforts and commitment to this search.

Please join me in congratulating Kevin Hamilton on his appointment as dean designate of the College of Fine and Applied Arts at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Andreas C. Cangellaris
Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost