Presidential Search | Minneapolis College of Art and Design

Presidential Search

MCAD retained Isaacson, Miller to assist in this recruitment.

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MCAD campus during the summer with a green lawn and a blue sky
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Gwen Freed

Dr. Gwendolyn Freed announced as MCAD's 20th President

April 10, 2025

As Co-Chairs of the Board of Trustees, we are excited to announce the appointment of Dr. Gwendolyn Freed, MCAD’s 20th president of the college. Following a national search, she was selected by unanimous vote of the Board. Dr. Freed brings a deep passion for art and design, and more than two decades of senior leadership experience in higher education, the arts, and nonprofits. She will start on June 1, 2025.

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 are grateful to these individuals who gave 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

POSITION PROFILE

Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD), a leading independent college of art and design, seeks a collaborative and strategic president to lead in this pivotal moment. Deeply committed to access, MCAD offers an innovative curriculum across a multitude of programs that prepares all students to find both personal and professional purpose as creative leaders. Learn more about the position profile by clicking the link below.

Learn More About MCAD:

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.