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FacebookMiami names fine arts dean
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
OXFORD— After a yearlong search, Miami University has hired James Lentini as the dean of the School of Fine Arts.
Lentini, a classical guitarist and award-winning composer, has been dean at the College of New Jersey's School of Art, Media and Music since 2003. Lentini was a professor of composition at Wayne State University from 1988 to 2003.
After a yearlong search, Miami has hired James Lentini as the dean of the School of Fine Arts. Lentini, a classical guitarist and award-winning composer, has been dean at the College of New Jersey's School of Art, Media and Music since 2003.The position was formerly held by Jose Bowen, who left Miami to head the School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University last year.
Lentini said he hopes to build on the established art programs by collaborating with the faculty and identifying points of strength and challenges.
"I've known for a long time that there's been a tradition of a really healthy arts culture," Lentini said. "The blending of education in the arts with the liberal arts is something I've always admired at Miami."
Miami Provost Jeffrey Herbst said Lentini, who will begin as dean July 1, stood out for his energy, experience and emphasis on computer-based technology in music and the arts.
"He has a thoughtful and nuanced approach to complex issues, including the role of technology in the fine arts and the need to promote interdisciplinary collaboration," Herbst said.
Lentini said computer technology provides a new frontier for students developing as artists at Miami and hopes to work on that front.
"The challenge is to make sure we can train artists, musicians, architects, interior designers and all our students with traditional ways of training blended with these emerging knowledge bases," Lentini said.
Cultivating cross-discipline communication between departments, raising funds for scholarships and programs and a role in beginning a $30 million new art building were cited by Lentini as some of his other accomplishments at TCNJ.
