To the campus community:

I am pleased to announce that, as a result of a national search, Dr. Laurie K. Baefsky will serve as the Dean of the College of the Arts and Media (CAM) effective January 1, 2021. Dr. Baefsky is currently the Associate Dean of Research & Strategic Partnerships, College of Arts & Media, at the University of Colorado Denver.

Dr. Baefsky holds a Doctor of Musical Arts, Flute Performance, from Stony Brook University, a Master of Music, Flute Performance, from the University of Michigan, and a Bachelor of Music, Flute Performance, from California State University, Fullerton.

Prior to her position as the Associate Dean of Research & Strategic Partnerships, Dr. Baefsky was the Executive Director of the Alliance for the Arts in Research Universities and ArtsEngine at the University of Michigan (2014-18), and Grants Manager for the Utah Division of Arts & Museums (2014). Former appointments also include being the founding Director of Utah State University’s ArtsBridge program, as well as Education Director and Director of Development Research with the Virginia Arts Festival, and many years performing in orchestras nationally. Dr. Baefsky comes to UM with a successful track record in traditional and interdisciplinary program development, both inside and outside of academia.

Dr. Baefsky presented a compelling vision for the future of arts and media throughout the recruitment process. I am confident her experience in the arts and academia will help her succeed in leading the College of the Arts and Media.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Baefsky on this appointment!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the following colleagues:

• John DeBoer, for two years of outstanding service as interim dean,
• Adrea Lawrence, Dean, Phyllis J. Washington College of Education, search committee chair,
• The members of the search committee for their thoughtful work and recommendations,
• Marcie Briggs, for her expertise and support to the search committee, and
• Hadley Jackson and Alicia Houghtaling in the Office of the Provost for the excellent administrative and logistical support provided to the search committee.

Reed Humphrey, Acting Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs