Hello!

Massachusetts College of Art and Design is pleased to announce that Karen Townsend has been hired as their new Dean of Admissions.

Ms. Townsend has over 10 years of experience in higher education with more than 8 years of experience in art school admissions, working for Corcoran College of Art + Design, School of Visual Arts and most recently as the Dean of Admissions at Maine College of Art. Currently, Ms. Townsend is serving a two-year elected position as the Chair of the National Portfolio Day Association.

Ms. Townsend holds a BFA degree, with honors, from Corcoran College of Art + Design. While still a student at CCA+D, she began teaching art to at- risk youth in inner city Washington, DC through the Visual Arts Community Outreach Program. Upon graduation, she was hired as an adjunct faculty member by her alma mater, instructing high school students in foundation drawing, painting and portfolio development skills. In addition to her years of admissions experience, Ms. Townsend brings her first-hand knowledge of the art school experience from the perspective of both student and teacher.

About Massachusetts College of Art and Design:

Massachusetts College of Art and Design, founded in 1873, is the nation's first and only four-year independent public college of art and design in the U.S. Widely recognized as one of the premier colleges of art and design, MassArt is distinguished as an institution committed to providing an accessible, high quality professional arts education accompanied by a strong general education in the liberal arts. MassArt's professional baccalaureate and graduate programs prepare students to participate in the creative economy as fine artists, designers and art educators, and to engage in the well-being of their society.

The College offers the bachelor of fine arts degree in twenty-two disciplines; graduate programs including master of fine arts, master of architecture, master of science in art education, and master of arts in teaching; certificate programs; and professional and continuing education. It serves 1600 undergraduate students, 150 graduate students, and approximately 500 students each year through its continuing education programs. The student population is diverse with students of color representing over 20% of the student body.

The completion of a good search depends upon the participation and collaboration of good candidates and strong sources. On behalf of Massachusetts College of Art and Design, I want to thank you for your interest and assistance with this search.

Sincerely,