Dean Adams, acting dean of Montana State University’s College of Arts and Architecture, has been selected as the new director of MSU’s Center for Faculty Excellence.

The Center for Faculty Excellence supports the professional development of tenure-track and non-tenure-track faculty in areas such as teaching, research, creativity, outreach and leadership. Adams will oversee and implement faculty development programs in coordination with other academic areas, including orientations, workshops, discussion groups, mentoring opportunities and several grant programs offered through the MSU provost’s office.

Adams has been a faculty member in the MSU College of Arts and Architecture School of Art since 2010. From 2017 to 2019, he was associate dean of the college and in February was named acting dean. Adams is also the co-founder and co-director of the International Wild Clay Research Project, an interdisciplinary teaching, learning and research endeavor in the School of Art. He has a Master of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in ceramics and drawing from the University of Iowa, as well as a master’s degree from the University of Iowa and a bachelor’s degree from MSU.

Adams will begin serving as director once he completes his duties as acting dean of the College of Arts and Architecture. He will report to Senior Vice Provost David Singel.

Adams succeeds Marilyn Lockhart, who recently announced her retirement.