Karen Hoffman, First Woman President of Pasadena’s ArtCenter

INSIDE OUR SCHOOLS

Karen Hofmann (Photo – artcenter.edu)

ArtCenter College of Design’s Board of Trustees announced today that, after an extensive international search and a unanimous vote, the College has named educator and industrial designer Karen Hofmann as its next president and chief executive officer. Hofmann, an ArtCenter alumna, is the first woman to hold the position in the 90+ year history of the College.

By News Desk

More than 100 candidates were considered across a broad spectrum from academia to industry, public institutions to the private sector, with significant representation from women and underrepresented minorities.

Following a career in product design, automotive design, and consumer and design research, Karen Hofmann returned to the College in 2002 to assume increasing responsibilities in education, first as an instructor, then chair of the Product Design department beginning in 2010. Hofmann was named provost of the ArtCenter in 2018 and, for the last four years, has helped lead the College through significant cultural and operational changes.

In making the announcement, Su Hale, chair of the Board of Trustees, said, “Throughout the search process, the Board was impressed with Karen’s vision for balancing ArtCenter’s legacy with a commitment to redefining art and design education for our students and faculty, and the professional industries that employ our graduates.”

“It was critical to the Board that our next president understand the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion to lead ArtCenter’s students and faculty, as well as remain relevant in a global world,” Hale continued. “Given Karen’s experience as our current provost, and also as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, she displays a deep understanding of ArtCenter’s commitment to make advancements in access, affordability and inclusion as outlined in the College’s strategic agenda.”

Linda Hill, co-chair of the presidential search committee, added, “It was her commitment to accessible and inclusive higher education, and her passion for developing the next generation of global talent, that secured the committee’s confidence in selecting her as the next president.”

Hofmann’s role as president is effective July 1, 2022. She will work closely with current ArtCenter president Dr. Lorne M. Buchman (who announced his retirement in March 2021) on a transition plan, including an interim strategy to fulfill the provost’s responsibilities and initiate a comprehensive search for a new provost over the next few months.

Buchman, who steps into the role of president emeritus upon his retirement, said, “I am thrilled to know that ArtCenter is in such capable hands. It has been an honor to work with Karen these last several years, and I’m confident she has the vision and essential skills to lead this venerable institution. She will do a great job.”

Source: ArtCenter. Edited by Ann Hunnewell