Meet Dean, the new Dean of the College of Arts and Architecture

Dean Adams, the newly appointed Dean of the College of Arts and Architecture (CAA), has been an integral part of the CAA at MSU for 22 years. After receiving his undergraduate degree from MSU in 1992, he returned as a first-year art instructor in 2001. 

“The most rewarding aspects of my work at MSU are defined by the wonderful people I have the privilege to work with — students, staff, faculty, and leaders,” he said. “This is an incredible community, and the relationships, some short-term and many longer-term, enrich my life in numerous ways. I have always found joy in my work at MSU.”

Adams was announced as the new dean of the college in April after a national search for candidates was narrowed down to three people, according to the MSU News Service. The search committee consisted of deans, faculty, external advisory council members, and students. After a series of interviews and open forums, Adams was chosen for the job.

Adams became a tenured associate professor in 2016. His work in the ceramic field led him to founding the Wild Clay Project with fellow professor and ceramic artist Josh DeWeese. 

“Josh DeWeese and I have worked together for many years and recognize the power of ceramics to bring people together,” Adams said, “Often ceramics is referred to as ‘the world’s most fascinating hobby,’ implying many people have some experience with the medium, whether as children, as hobby art or as their profession.”

The Wild Clay Project is an interdisciplinary initiative to educate people about local clay and indigenous ceramic techniques, Adams said.  

“The elements that combine to make clay are the most abundant materials in the Earth’s crust by weight, which is why we find clay all around the planet and [why clay is] a medium for human expression across time,” he said. “We use local clays to teach ceramic art, but we also find opportunities to bring art and other disciplines together.”

After a stint in 2019 as the acting dean of the College of Arts and Architecture under Dean Royce Smith, Adams took on the role of director of the Center for Faculty Excellence (CFE). The CFE is a resource that supports faculty members and promotes their success in teaching, which in turn directly affects student success. They host workshops and seminars, and help faculty in acquiring grants for professional development opportunities.

“By supporting faculty success, we also support student success at MSU – the two are intrinsically connected,” Adams said. “The work we do positively impacts individual faculty members, departments, students and our entire university community. My time in the CFE has been an exceptional experience.” Adams will leave his position at the CFE to assume the role of dean. 

Adams’ background as an artist, educator, collaborator and leader makes him uniquely qualified for the position. “My ability to become a dean is a result of the wealth of experiences I have had in higher education which have been sustained through numerous colleagues and mentors who care about my success and who have generously shared with me their knowledge and experiences in higher education,” Adams said. 

Alexis Pike, co-director of the School of Film and Photography, said, “he's proven he is up for the task. Dean Adams will approach the position with an understanding of the needs of the college and the needs of individuals — students, staff and faculty. He is personable and an attentive listener, which is vital in leadership.”

“Students can expect in me a dean who is committed to creating and maintaining a positive and supportive environment where students can thrive academically and personally and bring their whole selves to their educational experience. I will be accessible and responsive to student concerns and celebratory of student achievements,” Adams said. “My heart belongs to the College of Arts & Architecture. It is my original home at MSU and I am looking forward to working collaboratively with all members of our community to achieve our shared goals.” 

Adams will assume the deanship on July 1, 2023.