BOZEMAN— Dean Adams, professor of art and director of the Center for Faculty Excellence at Montana State University, was selected as the new dean of the College of Arts and Architecture. He will begin his new position July 1. 

Adams will oversee the schools of architecture, art, music, and film and photography, as well as the outreach program Montana Shakespeare in the Parks. About 1,100 students are enrolled in the MSU College of Arts and Architecture. 

“As the newly appointed Dean of the College of Arts and Architecture at Montana State University, I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to help lead a community of students, faculty and staff who are dedicated to advancing our understanding of what it means to be human through studio-based learning, critical studies, creative practices and public engagement,” Adams said. 

Robert Mokwa, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost, described Adams as an excellent teacher, communicator and leader. 

“He understands the many challenges and opportunities of leading a diverse college at a research land-grant university, and he has the intelligence, calm demeanor and decision-making ability that will position him as a solid leader of one of the most renowned colleges of arts and architecture in the Northwest,” Mokwa said. 

Adams was one of three finalists interviewed last week after a national search. The interview process included meetings with faculty, administrators and students. Members of the public were also invited to participate in open forums and submit comments online. 

“We had a strong pool of applicants and an excellent group of finalists who each participated in a full day of interviews that were attended by over 100 faculty, students and staff members,” Mokwa said. “This is a testament to the vibrancy and sense of community in the College of Arts and Architecture and the excitement about future opportunities. The faculty and staff in the college have been key contributors to the success of MSU, and I am confident that under the leadership of Mr. Adams, the college will continue on an even stronger trajectory in achieving excellence in teaching, research and outreach.” 

Adams will replace Royce Smith who has been dean of the college since 2016. 

Adams has long been connected with MSU. He received a bachelor’s degree in art from MSU in 1992 and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Iowa in 1995 with an emphasis in ceramics and drawing. He then went on to a career of teaching and creating art. 

He returned to MSU in 2001 as an adjunct instructor. In 2010, he became an assistant professor and foundations coordinator for the School of Art, overseeing first-year student curriculum. He achieved tenure and the role of associate professor in 2016. 

In 2017, he became associate dean and was acting dean for roughly eight months in 2019. Starting in 2019, he has overseen faculty development programs as the director of Center for Faculty Excellence. 

“I am committed to working collaboratively with all members of the CAA community to ensure we continue to provide the highest quality education, creative and scholarly endeavors, and community engagement opportunities to our students and to enhance our impact on the world around us,” Adams said. “Together, we will continue to build a vibrant and inclusive community that reflects the values of the CAA and MSU.”