Presidential Search Committee Update:

The Board of Trustees has confirmed the selection of Isaacson, Miller as the search firm to conduct Art Center’s presidential search. Isaacson, Miller is a national executive search firm with international reach, with offices in Boston, Washington, D.C. and San Francisco. Since its founding in 1982, Isaacson, Miller has focused on recruiting exceptional leaders for mission-driven organizations, and is an established leader in serving higher education and socially responsible companies. The firm has conducted more than 2,500 successful searches for a wide variety of organizations, including leading universities, research institutes, foundations, cultural institutions, economic development organizations, human service agencies, and national advocacy groups.

Trustee Bob Davidson, who is heading the search committee, said, “Isaacson, Miller’s expertise in the placement of leaders in academic institutions and in high profile, mission-driven institutions is impressive. Through their very thorough process of engaging the College’s stakeholders, they will develop a deep understanding of Art Center’s rich history, stimulating environment, challenges and future direction. With this knowledge, their approach to potential candidates will be balanced, thoughtful and sensitive. We are confident that the search committee has chosen the right firm to bring our search to a successful and timely conclusion, and we will continue to keep the Art Center community apprised of our progress in the months to come.”

Leading the Art Center search will be David Bellshaw, Vice President & Director; Regan Gough, Managing Associate; and Stephanie Mardell, Associate. David entered the field of executive search in 1990 with Heidrick & Struggles before joining Isaacson, Miller at its Boston headquarters. After moving to California, he rejoined Isaacson, Miller in 2003 in their San Francisco office. David’s broad range of experience includes recruiting executives for the most senior roles in corporations as well as leading dean, president, and research director searches in higher education. He holds a BS in business administration from the University of California at Berkeley and an MBA from the University of California at Davis.

David Bellshaw said, “We are delighted to be working with the Board of Trustees, the search committee, and the Art Center community on this important project. In order to best understand the College and the Presidential role, we will be visiting with various stakeholders over the next few weeks and look forward to meeting as many of you as possible during that time. We are very committed to helping the search committee identify the best candidates for this position by conducting a rigorous and successful search process.”

We encourage you to visit the Isaacson, Miller web site at www.imsearch.com to learn more about this impressive firm and the leadership team for the Art Center search.

We will continue to post updates about the search process, and how the Art Center community will be able to participate directly.

 

Art Center College of Design Appoints Dr. Frank L. Ellsworth as New Interim President

Pasadena, Calif., October 9, 2008 – The Board of Trustees of Art Center College of Design announced today the appointment of Dr. Frank L. Ellsworth as Interim President of the College. Dr. Ellsworth’s appointment is effective immediately and will extend through the ongoing search for a permanent president, which is anticipated by the end of 2009.

In a career spanning over forty years, Dr. Ellsworth brings a broad range of experience in higher education, the arts, fundraising, nonprofit management, and governance. During his academic career he served as President of Pitzer College, as the youngest president in the history of The Claremont Colleges; President of the Independent Colleges of Southern California; and most recently, President of The Japan Society in New York City. He has combined teaching and administration at these and a diverse number of academic institutions, including Columbia University, Sarah Lawrence College, Pennsylvania State University, and The University of Chicago, where he served as Assistant Dean in the Law School.

Active in cultural and community affairs, Dr. Ellsworth currently serves on several boards, including Give2Asia, The Paul Taylor Dance Foundation, Global Partners Institute, and the American Friends, National Portrait Gallery (London).

Dr. Ellsworth received his A.B. cum laude from Adelbert College, Case Western University; his M.Ed. from Pennsylvania State University and his M.A. from Columbia University; and his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago. He has also received two honorary Doctor of Law degrees from Pepperdine University and Southwestern University School of Law.

In making the announcement, John Puerner, Chairman of The Board of Trustees said, “On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we are very pleased to have Frank join us as Interim President and provide ongoing momentum for Art Center during this transition period. We are confident that Frank’s diverse background combined with his deep knowledge of higher education will be very valuable as we continue to move the College’s agenda forward. We look forward to his contributions and leadership.”

Dr. Ellsworth said, “The reputation of the faculty of Art Center College of Design is long standing and outstanding. The graduates reflect admirably on this small, vibrant College and their influence permeates the lives of people throughout the world. I am honored to be able to play a role.”

ABOUT ART CENTER COLLEGE OF DESIGN
Art Center College of Design (artcenter.edu) is a global leader in art and design education. Since its founding in 1930, Art Center’s alumni continue to have a profound impact on popular culture, the way we live, and important issues in our society today. Located in Pasadena, California, Art Center offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a wide variety of art and design disciplines, as well as public programs for all ages and levels of experience.

 

Update from the Presidential Search Committee (9/29/08)

At today's meeting of the Presidential Search Committee, three search firms were interviewed. These firms — which were selected from an initial group of six well-respected firms that had submitted proposals — are all internationally-recognized, have impressive track records of success, and clearly understand the depth, breadth and scope of search that Art Center requires.

The Search Committee will make their decision within the next few days and will meet with the selected firm next week. The search firm will then meet with the Board of Trustees and report on their progress at the October 23 Board meeting.

The Search Committee will issue periodic updates when additional milestones have been achieved in the search for a new permanent President for Art Center.

 

Presidential Search Committee Members Announced

September 25, 2008

Trustees
Robert C. Davidson, Committee Chair (Bob)
Kit Hinrichs*
William D. Horsfall (Bill)
Timothy M. Kobe* (Tim)
Samuel J. Mann (Sam)
John P. Puerner, Board Chairman
Judy C. Webb

Art Center Department Chair Representative
Anne Burdick*, Chair, Graduate Media Design

Art Center Faculty Council Representative
Thea Petchler, Director of Writing,
Humanities and Design Sciences Faculty

Art Center Student Council Representative
Jillian Mamey, ACSG Vice President and Secretary,
Fine Art-Photography major

Art Center Staff Representative
Jean L. Ford, Senior VP, Human Resources and Trustee Relations

* Art Center alumni

Art Center College of Design Announces Early Departure of President Richard Koshalek

Pasadena, California, September 24, 2008 ... The Board of Trustees of Art Center College of Design announced today that they have reached an agreement with Richard Koshalek allowing for Mr. Koshalek to be released from his position as president of the College prior to his contract term date (December 2009). With this agreement, Mr. Koshalek’s departure from the College’s Board of Trustees is effective immediately.

“We honor Richard’s request to leave early and want to thank him for the hard work and dedication he has shown over the past nine years,” said John Puerner, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Art Center College of Design. “Richard’s commitment to educational excellence and the value of design education in the world is truly noteworthy, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

“It has been a great privilege to lead this important institution and to work with the College’s talented students, faculty and staff,” said Mr. Koshalek. “Throughout its history, Art Center has been a leader in art and design education, and I have no doubt this will continue to be the case well into the future.”

While the Board of Trustees has already launched the search for a new president, they have recognized the need to appoint an interim president as soon as possible. Meanwhile, the College’s senior management team will report directly to the Board of Trustees.

“The trustees are moving swiftly to secure interim leadership to ensure a smooth transition,” said Mr. Puerner. “This will also enable the search committee to focus their full attention on finding a permanent president who can lead Art Center into the future while meeting the curricular and programmatic needs of our students.”

The presidential search committee, which was organized several months ago, is headed by Trustee Robert Davidson and is comprised of a broad representation of key Art Center stakeholders, including trustees, faculty members, students, and administration. The committee has begun working on identifying the qualities the College will seek in candidates for the presidency, including a strong track record of successful leadership in the academic world or in industry, a deep understanding and appreciation of design and the creative process, and the ability to articulate and implement a strong strategic vision for Art Center.

ABOUT ART CENTER COLLEGE OF DESIGN
Art Center College of Design (www.artcenter.edu) is a global leader in art and design education. Since its founding in 1930, Art Center's alumni continue to have a profound impact on popular culture, the way we live, and important issues in our society today. Located in Pasadena, California, Art Center offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a wide variety of art and design disciplines, as well as public programs for all ages and levels of experience.

Art Center Implements Zero Waste Plan

In our ongoing efforts toward creating a sustainable campus, Art Center College of Design is implementing a zero waste plan that will encompass composting, source reduction, recycling, reuse, and environmental preferred purchasing. Zero waste is a design principle that goes beyond recycling by taking a “whole system” approach to the vast flow of resources and waste.

Phase one of creating a sustainable campus was to conduct a waste stream analysis, spearheaded by EcoCouncil in the spring and summer terms of 2007. The study identified steps to achieve zero waste through maximizing recycling and composting while minimizing waste.

The second phase of creating a sustainable campus is to implement the zero waste plan. Next week, Art Center will be meeting with an organics hauler to arrange composting of the College’s organic waste (i.e. food scraps, biodegradable foodservice items, napkins, etc.). Once the contract is in place, all polystyrene and plastic foodservice items (plates, cups, take-out containers, utensils) in the Cafeteria will be replaced with compostable and biodegradable products. We depend on the entire Art Center community to make zero waste a success. Please do your part and place compostable and biodegradable products in the proper bins.

For information about the composting program look for EcoCouncil displays and posters around campus or attend an EcoCouncil meeting. For specific details about the program and future phases visit Inside Art Center (http://inside.artcenter.edu) or speak to Jered Gold, Director, Internal Communications and Community Relations at 626.396.2251 or jered.gold@artcenter.edu.

*** REVISED 7/2/08 ***

Art Center College of Design Confirms Commitment to College’s Hilllside Master Plan Zoning Application

Design and Construction of Specific Buildings Will Require
Further Board and City Approvals

Pasadena, California, July 2, 2008 – Art Center College of Design’s Board of Trustees today confirmed its commitment to going forward with its pending application to obtain zoning in Pasadena for its Hillside Campus Master Plan.

The Master Plan represents Art Center’s long range vision over the next 25 years. Zoning approval will allow Art Center to plan for upgrading existing facilities, incorporating new technologies, and accommodating new approaches to design education that are essential to ensuring its competitive edge as a leading educational institution.

The Master Plan application is one step in a long term process that will provide the parameters for the future design of proposed new development on the campus.

Art Center College of Design (www.artcenter.edu) is a global leader in art and design education. Since its founding in 1930, Art Center’s alumni continue to have a profound impact on culture, lifestyle, and important issues in society. Art Center offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a wide variety of art and design disciplines, as well as public programs for all ages and levels of experience.

Statement from John Puerner

June 24, 2008

On behalf of the College’s Board of Trustees, I want to bring you up to date on some important matters at Art Center. Over the last few weeks, the Board received considerable input in the form of letters, petitions and emails voicing concern and comment on various subjects.

First and foremost, the Board and administration remain firmly committed to continuing the high quality of education that Art Center is known for worldwide. It has always been our most important priority. As trustees, our primary responsibilities are to provide governance and oversight as we work closely with the administration in charting a course for the future. A key role of governance is to provide for the proper leadership and organizational structure to best lead the College.

Over the last nine years, Richard Koshalek has exhibited dynamic and original leadership of Art Center, and we look forward to and support his continuing leadership. His efforts have been of great value to the College, the communities it serves, and we are very thankful for his contributions, which include the following:

Importantly, leadership must continue to evolve to meet future challenges. Therefore, the Board has decided to start the search for a new president. Our search will be done in a deliberate manner to ensure we select the best possible person to carry on the important educational mission of Art Center. This search may take some time, and our objective is to select a new president by the end of next year. As a first step, we will be forming a search committee to lead this process.

Of all of the input received, I want to respond directly to three concerns thoughtfully communicated in a letter from the Art Center Student Government. These concerns focused on improving the liaison between the Board and students, increasing the funding available for tuition assistance, and improving the facilities that support education at the College.

The Board and the administration believe that our student body is the most important constituency we serve, and we can benefit greatly from their input as we work with the administration on short and long term initiatives. Therefore, the governance committee of the Board will undertake a study to determine how the relationship between the student body and the Board can be expanded and strengthened. We will communicate our recommendations as soon as possible.

During this time of year, we begin the financial planning for the coming year. Key steps in the process are determining tuition rates, financial assistance and scholarship funding. To provide the quality of education expected, we need to set tuition and fees accordingly. However, we also know that affordability is a very important factor in enrolling and retaining the right numbers of high potential students we desire in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Importantly, Art Center’s tuition currently falls in the middle of colleges it competes with. As we move through the budget review with the administration for 2009, we will see what can be done to provide more financial support to students. This will take some time due to the complexity of the process.

Significant concerns have also been expressed about the balance between investment in current facilities, future projects and near-term educational needs. The leadership of the College understands that it is very important to create the right environment and technology to support high quality education.

One project in particular, the Design Research Center (DRC), has received the most comment. As Richard has discussed in various forums, expanding the College’s mission into more research and development can provide many new possibilities for students and faculty. This is a possibility that the Board generally supports. However, there may be some misunderstanding about the status of this project. Approval to construct the DRC has not been requested nor given. Last fall, the Board did approve an initial phase to do detailed design for cost estimating and fundraising efforts. Approval of this first phase was contingent on putting appropriate funding in place. To date, funding has not been obtained under acceptable terms, and as a result the design phase has not gone forward.

The administration is currently developing a number of other projects for review in our capital planning. These include investments and maintenance of the Hillside Campus, and continued renovation of the South Campus to house more Graduate Programs. All of these projects, including the DRC, are now being reevaluated and reprioritized by the facilities and finance committees of the Board. Projects will be selected and approved based on a ranking of specific needs, and the availability of funding. In addition, the Board fully supports the new taskforce that Richard recently formed to plan the technology needs of Art Center. We look forward to their observations and recommendations.

Lastly, I want to reiterate the Board’s collective commitment to the Art Center community. All of us serve as volunteers and come from varying backgrounds. Some trustees are alumni, some have children who attended the College, some are professional designers, some have experience in higher education and the arts, some have experience leading large corporate concerns—but the one thing we all share is a deep affection and respect for the College. We look forward to continuing the conversation and we encourage you to reference the Community Forum Web site for updated information going forward.

John Puerner
Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Art Center College of Design

Statement from Richard Koshalek

June 24, 2008

Without a doubt, Art Center College of Design is an exceptional educational institution in terms of its past accomplishments and tremendous capacity for future achievement. The College has a distinguished group of Department Chairs, faculty, and staff with extraordinary leadership capabilities and students with the great potential and talent to creatively redefine the world in the future.

In the coming 18 months I am truly excited to work with the appropriate Art Center leadership to complete a number of projects begun during my tenure. These include: (1) engaging the Art Center community to enrich curriculum and the overall student experience; (2) expanding the overall fundraising effort and building the scholarship endowment, which was $16 million when I arrived at the College in 1999 and is now $43 million; (3) moving forward with plans to build Student Housing at South Campus, which was developed to meet student interest and demand; (4) continuing the ongoing efforts of Designmatters, a unique International Initiatives education program through which Art Center, the only design college with NGO status, works with the United Nations and other organizations to advance social and humanitarian causes through design; and other projects to further the success of Art Center, its faculty and students in a rapidly changing world.

Upon my departure, after ten years as President of the College, I look forward with the greatest optimism to developing a series of international ideas and initiatives that have been offered to me—such as the conception, design and construction of an innovative art and design college with digital library and virtual design museum, and the organization of a world design event, both in Asia—together with other projects that are regionally and internationally based. Above all, I will continue to be unwavering in my support of and enthusiasm for the future of Art Center.

Richard Koshalek
President
Art Center College of Design