Joseph E. Steinmetz, vice provost and executive dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, announced the permanent appointment of Mark Shanda as divisional dean of Arts and Humanities. Shanda has served as interim dean since July 2010; he is a professor and former chair of the Department of Theatre.

“I have been impressed with Mark Shanda’s leadership during his interim appointment and look forward to working with him as we continue to move forward with our ambitious agenda for Arts and Sciences,” said Steinmetz. “I am confident that Arts and Humanities will make great strides under his leadership.”

In a related announcement, Lesley Ferris, professor and former chair of the Department of Theatre, has been named interim executive director of the Arts Initiative at Ohio State. Ferris replaces Karen A. Bell, who retired in December.

“Lesley Ferris’ appointment keeps the mission of the Arts Initiative moving forward during this time of transition,” said Steinmetz. “Her background as a department chair, her history of arts advocacy, and her current role as director of the OSU/Royal Shakespeare Company partnership reflect someone who is already advancing the arts and impacting our communities. Ferris will serve until a new executive director is selected in coming months.”

In addition to overseeing the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) partnership, Ferris will also be responsible for overseeing the OSU Urban Arts Space in downtown Columbus, managing and developing local partnerships and community engagement opportunities with Central Ohio organizations, and establishing a joint community/Ohio State committee for Advancement of the Arts.

“I look forward to this opportunity to expand the work of the Arts Initiative and broaden the Ohio State/RSC partnership. Our mission is central to the College of Arts and Sciences’ commitment to fostering and sustaining community and university dialogue,” said Ferris.

The Arts Initiative’s move from a stand-alone program into the recently restructured College of Arts and Sciences creates more opportunities for collaboration with academic departments and community organizations, and ensures more support for its efforts in engagement and outreach.

“Positioning the program and the Arts Initiative within the College of Arts and Sciences opens the door for more support and collaboration across the university, with increased involvement from Theatre, English, Education and other areas,” said Mark Shanda, divisional dean of Arts and Humanities in the College of Arts and Sciences.