Bruce Seely, dean of Michigan Tech’s College of Sciences and Arts, announced the appointment of three new department chairs. On July 1, Anne Beffel will assume chairmanship of the Department of Visual and Performing Arts.
Beffel is an artist who works in many forms and media, including the visual and performance arts. She replaces Roger Held, who is completing seven years as chair of VPA. Beffel joins Michigan Tech from Syracuse University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, where she has taught since 2000. She defines herself as a “time artist,” which she says means that she is deeply interested in connecting art and social context in time, using all forms and media.
“Anne’s interests as an artist intersect with every area of expertise and emphasis within the department,” Seely said. “She seems an almost perfect fit to guide the department forward.”
All three new department chairs, Seely added, have had distinguished careers that demonstrate academic and administrative accomplishments and a commitment to education that promises success in their new roles. “I am deeply gratified at their willingness to take on one of the hardest roles in academic administration. But I am even more excited about the chance to work closely with these three energetic and enthusiastic new chairs,” the dean said. “I ask the campus community to help them feel welcome as they arrive in Houghton over the next month.”
Read more at Tech Today, by Bruce Seely.
