Art Center College of Design Announces Early Departure of President Richard Koshalek

Pasadena, California, September 24, 2008 … The Board of Trustees of Art Center College of Design announced today that they have reached an agreement with Richard Koshalek allowing for Mr. Koshalek to be released from his position as president of the College prior to his contract term date (December 2009). With this agreement, Mr. Koshalek’s departure from the College’s Board of Trustees is effective immediately.

“We honor Richard’s request to leave early and want to thank him for the hard work and dedication he has shown over the past nine years,” said John Puerner, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Art Center College of Design. “Richard’s commitment to educational excellence and the value of design education in the world is truly noteworthy, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

“It has been a great privilege to lead this important institution and to work with the College’s talented students, faculty and staff,” said Mr. Koshalek. “Throughout its history, Art Center has been a leader in art and design education, and I have no doubt this will continue to be the case well into the future.”

While the Board of Trustees has already launched the search for a new president, they have recognized the need to appoint an interim president as soon as possible. Meanwhile, the College’s senior management team will report directly to the Board of Trustees. “The trustees are moving swiftly to secure interim leadership to ensure a smooth transition,” said Mr. Puerner. “This will also enable the search committee to focus their full attention on finding a permanent president who can lead Art Center into the future while meeting the curricular and programmatic needs of our students.”

The presidential search committee, which was organized several months ago, is headed by Trustee Robert Davidson and is comprised of a broad representation of key Art Center stakeholders, including trustees, faculty members, students, and administration. The committee has begun working on identifying the qualities the College will seek in candidates for the presidency, including a strong track record of successful leadership in the academic world or in industry, a deep understanding and appreciation of design and the creative process, and the ability to articulate and implement a strong strategic vision for Art Center.

ABOUT ART CENTER COLLEGE OF DESIGN
Art Center College of Design (www.artcenter.edu) is a global leader in art and design education. Since its founding in 1930, Art Center’s alumni continue to have a profound impact on popular culture, the way we live, and important issues in our society today. Located in Pasadena, California, Art Center offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a wide variety of art and design disciplines, as well as public programs for all ages and levels of experience.