Presidential Search

As we search for Minneapolis College of Art and Design’s next president, we face an important juncture for the future of the college. Recognizing the significance of the moment, we will rely on MCAD’s clear and sound mission as our guide throughout the entire process.

MCAD provides a transformative education within a community of support for creative students of all backgrounds to work, collaborate, and lead with confidence in a dynamic, interconnected world.

We will look for a leader who embodies our values of empathy, inclusivity, and creativity. We will be looking for a president to build upon the rich history of MCAD, but also see the new opportunities for a stronger, more innovative college with greater relevance in today’s complex world. Because this process is inclusive and collaborative, we know that the next president will represent the needs and desires of the students, alumni, and broader community.

— Chris Barry and M.E. Kirwan, Co-Chairs, Board of Trustees

SEARCH COMMITTEE

We have established a Presidential Search Committee, which includes representatives from the student body, faculty, staff, and Board of Trustees. We are grateful to these individuals who are giving generously of their time and expertise to this effort.

• Chris Barry, Co-Chair, Presidential Search Committee and Co-Chair, Board of Trustees
• Greg Hoffman ‘92, Co-Chair, Presidential Search Committee and Trustee
• Santiago Calderon ‘26, Student
• Susan Calmenson, Life Trustee
• Martha Dayton, Trustee
• Regan Golden-McNerney, Associate Professor of Fine Arts
• George Hoagland, Professor of Liberal Arts
• Kevin Kamin, Adjunct Faculty of Media Arts
• M.E. Kirwan, Co-Chair, Board of Trustees
• Mark Pihlstrom, Trustee
• Ken Piper, Trustee
• Melissa Rands ‘97, Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs
• Hunter Wright, Trustee

We are committed to an inclusive and thoughtful process. To this end, we are eager to hear from you as the search process begins. For those who would like to share their thoughts with the search committee, we have developed an online survey for your convenience. We value your input.

SEARCH FIRM

The nationally recognized executive search firm Isaacson, Miller will assist the search committee and the board by managing the search process and actively recruiting a deep, diverse candidate pool. With more than half of their work devoted to university and college leadership, Isaacson, Miller is one of the largest and most diverse higher education executive search practices in the United States. The firm has placed presidents, provosts, and deans into the country’s leading colleges and universities, and they have recently conducted presidential searches for ArtCenter College of Design, Moore College of Art & Design, New York University, Rhode Island School of Design, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, among others.

Ben Tobin, Sheryl Ash, and Andy Marshall are leading this search for Isaacson, Miller. If you believe you have observed someone who possesses the skills that would make them an outstanding candidate, or if you would like to apply for consideration yourself, the Committee welcomes your nominations and submissions.