ed adams

The College of Fine Arts and Communications Convocation Ceremonies Celebrate the Graduating Class of 2023

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

Dean Ed Adams shares how those throughout the college have responded to COVID-19

Adams began his first term June 15, 2015 and will serve in the position for another five years

A new building will soon make its campus debut, starring BYU’s globally acclaimed School of Music. The BYU Board of Trustees approved the construction of a 170,000-square-foot building in the south end of the parking lot east of the J. Reuben Clark Law School. The new building will house the university’s music programs. The School of Music is currently located in the Franklin S. Harris Fine Arts Center (HFAC), which is also home to four other departments—and is the most-used academic building on campus. The new Music Building will free up space and bring music students above ground, out of the HFAC basement labyrinth of music classrooms and practice rooms. See the full article by Erin Johnston at magazine.byu.edu.

The convocation ceremonies were held on April 26 in the Harris Fine Arts Center (HFAC)

The directors and chair were re-appointed with overwhelming support

Jennifer Amott, LDS Philanthropies donor liaison for the College of Fine Arts and Communications, has been reassigned to manage the President’s Leadership Council and to fundraise for the Harold B. Lee Library. “Jenn has worked diligently for our college and has been a real blessing,” dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communications Ed Adams said. “Her natural ability to cultivate and build relationships is a gift. She has raised significant dollars for the college, but more importantly she has built friendships.” In a message to the college faculty Amott said, “I feel privileged to have partnered with you in promoting, the good, the true and the beautiful in a world that is in need of light. It is a thrill to see the progress that has been made and the world of possibilities ahead.” Damien Bard will take Amott’s position as LDSP donor liaison. Bard joined LDS Philanthropies in February 2014 and has worked in assignments at BYU Athletics and BYU Broadcasting. Bard has helped organize annual Broadcast Leadership Council meetings and facilitate donor cultivation opportunities. This transition officially occurs this month.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is scheduled to be the speaker during Brigham Young University’s Commencement Exercises in the Marriott Center on August 13 at 4:00 p.m. President Russell M. Nelson, also of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, will preside and give remarks. BYU President Kevin J Worthen will conduct the exercises. On Friday, August 14 graduates and faculty from the College of Fine Arts and Communications will gather together with friends and family in the de Jong Concert Hall at the Harris Fine Arts Center for a convocation to celebrate an ending, as well as a beginning, for those graduating in the 140th Summer Commencement Exercises. The convocation program will begin at 8:00 a.m. with a welcome from the new Dean, Ed Adams, and proceed with discourses from graduates Caitlyn Louise Costley, Hannah Elizabeth Richardson, Aubry Dalley, Laura Lee Dearden and Amber Nicole Lauritzen. The speeches will focus on themes such as choosing your own adventure, using imagination, nourishing the world through art and continuing education. Between talks there will be a musical number, Solo de Concert No. 4, op. 77 with Kelsey Jon Ripplinger Edmondson on the oboe and Amalie Simper on the piano.

Photo by Nathalie Van Empel Rory R. Scanlon, professor of theatre and media arts, has been appointed to serve a second term as associate dean in the College of Fine Arts and Communications. Ed Adams, dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communications, made the announcement last week and stated that Scanlon’s responsibilities will include Arts Production and Performing Arts Council. “Rory offers a unique opportunity in this college,” commented Adams. “I’ve got strength in Rory to test ideas of design so we don’t waste our time frittering away on impossible dreams–that we can make things happen and come at the issue in a way where we can actually see that something is deliverable. Scanlon received his MFA in costume design at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign in 1984 and has been a member of the BYU faculty for 31 years. His area of focus is design technology. He is the past president of the Rocky Mountain Theatre Association, was the Utah representative to RMTA for four years, sat on the Provo City Arts Council for three years and is a regularly invited presenter for the Utah Theatre Association. His design work in costumes, sets and lights includes work with Disney, Hasbro and university/professional productions throughout the United States. Scanlon was professionally involved in a redesign of the 1500 costumes for the Hill Cumorah Pageant for six summers and has worked with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on several other historical costume recreation projects in Salt Lake City, Mesa and Far West. His first book with Costume Fashion Press in New York, “Costume Design Graphics,” was released in 2001. He has previously served as associate dean of Fine Arts and Communications from 2004-2010, as an associate dean of Undergraduate Studies and Director of the BYU Honors Program from 2010-2012, executive producer in the college and associate chair in the Department of Theatre and Media Arts. “What I am excited about in this new position,” said Scanlon, “is that I will be doing what I am already doing!” Scanlon replaces outgoing associate dean Randy Boothe who will continue his responsibilities as an associate professor in the Music, Dance, and Theatre program. Boothe is also the artistic director for the world-renowned Young Ambassadors. Many of his former students are now on Broadway and performing with national touring companies, at Disney World, and on various cruise lines.

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.

Kirt Saville, BYU professor of music education and the associate director of bands at Brigham Young University, was named as the new director of the BYU School of Music. Ed Adams, incoming dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communications, made the announcement today in a School of Music faculty meeting. Saville begins his three-year term immediately, replacing outgoing director Kory Katseanes. “I’ve known Kirt since he’s arrived at BYU,” said Adams. “We’ve interacted on a variety of levels. Kirt has my confidence as Director of the School of Music. I appreciate his willingness to accept the position as director and wish him and his colleagues every success moving forward.” From the start of his career at BYU in 2008, Saville has involved himself deeply in the School of Music operations. He helped lead in the review and revamp of the music minor and graduate music education curriculum, as well in the curriculum redesign of other courses. Before arriving at BYU, he served 15 years as a department chair at Washburn University. “I’m thrilled to be at BYU. It has been one of the greatest blessings of my life,” commented Saville after the announcement. “I know that as the director of the School of Music there is a certain balancing act that has to go on between all of the interests and all of the excitement and all of the energy that comes up from the faculty–and from the administration that comes down. Somewhere right there in the middle of that hourglass is the director.” Adams also praised Katseanes for his two terms as director of the School of Music and his dedicated efforts to further the work of the School during his tenure. “Kory has been a remarkable effective advocate for and representative of the School during a period of tremendous accomplishment and growth,” said Adams. “He has been a successful leader in so many ways including chartering an inspiring vision for the School of Music, raising money and raising the awareness of the School to the various publics. The impressive results will have a lasting impact on faculty and students for years to come.' Katseanes was invited by Adams to share a few words during the meeting. Katseanes praised his colleagues in the School of Music office and on the executive committee. “Without the associate directors and those people who are running the affairs of the School, the director couldn’t survive. It’s too big. It’s too big,' remarked Katseanes. “In many universities, this is a college, not a department. That’s the complexity of this, but it runs because there are so many good people who do such good work.” Stephen Jones, outgoing dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communications, presided at the meeting and praised the School of Music faculty for their part in the selection of a new director.

BYU School of Communications Director Ed Adams was announced as the incoming dean of BYU’s College of Fine Arts and Communications on Monday, May 11.

The School of Communications welcomes Dr. Ed Carter as its new director. Carter replaces Dr. Ed Adams, who served as director for the last three years. Carter’s three-year term begins on June 1, 2015. Before accepting this position, Carter worked as an associate professor and an associate dean for the College of Fine Arts and Communications. He received his bachelor’s degree in journalism from BYU and earned a master’s degree from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. Carter attended the J. Reuben Clark Law School at BYU, and served as a law clerk for Judge Ruggero J. Aldisert. Later, he became a full-time faculty member of BYU’s Communication Department. During Adams' time as director, the Department of Communication became the School of Communications. In 2005, the Adlab was created and in 2008, the Bradley Lab went from a student run agency to a fully integrated public relations firm. Carter comes highly recommended by both his colleagues and the faculty. “Many names were submitted and considered for this position,” said Dean Stephen Jones. “The name that was most often mentioned was Dr. Ed Carter’s and over time it became clear that he was the right choice for this position. We appreciate Dr. Carter’s willingness to accept the position as Director of the School of Communications and wish him and his colleagues every success moving forward.” For Carter, this is a thrilling opportunity to serve both the students and the faculty of the School of Communications and he feels that there are many amazing possibilities on the horizon. “I look forward to the future and I know that there are challenges ahead but I choose to focus on the opportunities and the great things we can and will do together,” said Carter.