amy petersen jensen

As the dean of the BYU College of Fine Arts and Communications, I’m grateful for all the energy and efforts of our faculty, staff and students to contribute in a meaningful way to help alleviate the pain and hurt in our society and communities. Recent events have once again shown me that this college is filled with deep-feeling and compassionate souls. Last year, our college undertook an initiative to create a diversity and inclusion statement. It is a work in progress, headed up by associate deans Amy Jensen and Jeremy Grimshaw, and involves many from around the college. The College of Fine Arts and Communications Diversity and Inclusion Committee has been meeting weekly during Spring term and will continue working together during the 2020-2021 school year. Committee members are charged with working on diversity, inclusion, and accessibility goals established by college and department leaders. I hope as a community we are committed to change, not just making statements. In a recent email, some of our colleagues in the Department of Art expressed much of what I have been feeling. Collectively and individually, I hope we move forward in ways that demonstrate sustained efforts to show love, care and concern for all people. I invite you to read the statements made by President Nelson and President Worthen and consider how you can foster dialogue on these crucial issues. I hope we truly envelop a commitment to the BYU Aims, which state a desired outcome for all of us: “Leading him or her to the ultimate wellspring of charity — the love for others that Christ bestows on his followers.” -Ed Ed Adams Dean, College of Fine Arts and Communications

Wade Hollingshaus, an associate professor in Theatre and Media Arts, has accepted the position as chair of the department beginning July 15, 2015. The three-year term opened up with the recent appointment of current chair Amy Jensen as associate dean for the College of Fine Arts and Communications. Ed Adams, dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communications, made the announcement July 1 during a special faculty meeting. “Wade is solutions oriented,” said Adams. “I appreciate Wade making the sacrifice and accepting the position.” Hollingshaus received his Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota in 2008 and has served in various area leadership positions. For the past three years Hollingshaus has led the assessment efforts of the department, where he worked to integrate the Aims of a BYU Education into TMA’s assessment measures and outcomes. He has also been integrally involved in the department's preparation for the NAST accreditation and site visit that will occur in 2017. Adams also praised Jensen for her leadership of the department. “I hold Amy in high regard,” added Adams. “Under Amy’s direction this department is well-respected at the university. Amy has been effective in creating a strong community and has increased faculty engagement.” During Jensen’s tenure, she directed the department's process for long-term strategic planning, collaboration and teamwork within TMA areas, intra/inter-departmental student mentored projects, retooling of curricular offerings, increased funding for student scholarships and internships, encouraged and supported faculty scholarship, and prepared for and successfully completed university reviews.

Amy Petersen Jensen and Jeremy Grimshaw will replace Rodger Sorensen and Ed Carter as associate deans in the College of Fine Arts and Communications this summer. A third candidate, to replace Randy Boothe, will be selected later. Ed Adams, incoming CFAC dean, made the announcements this week to the faculty and staff of the CFAC. Jensen’s responsibilities, effective July 15, will revolve around faculty hiring, promotion, funding, professional development, arts education and research. “I look forward to serving the College of Fine Arts and Communications with Dean Ed Adams,” said Jensen. “He is a great leader whose practical vision for the CFAC will benefit us all. I am also very excited to serve the faculty of our college as they work to meet their scholarly and creative goals.” Grimshaw’s responsibilities, starting July 1, will include undergraduate/graduate student matters including curriculum, assessment, advisement, the college student association, as well as international programs and student funding. “I am very flattered and honored to serve in this capacity,' commented Grimshaw to a crowd of School of Music colleagues. “I’m grateful to have an opportunity to do it, to be able to work with Ed and Amy, and to be able to continue working with you.” Noting the service of Sorensen, Carter and Boothe–who will return to their departments/school–Adams praised them by saying that each has made significant contributions to the college during their tenures. “Their dedication and commitment have been exemplary and I express gratitude for the service they have given to the college and university in their assignments,” said Adams.