Dean Donald McGlothlin to Step Down

David R. Colburn, Provost

Dr. Donald E. McGlothlin, Dean of the College of Fine Arts, has informed me that he intends to step down from that position effective June 30, 2005. At that time, Don will have completed 15 years as CFA Dean, 19 years as a University of Florida arts administrator (counting the years he served as Chair of our Music Department in the early 1970’s), and a total of 34 years of uninterrupted service as an arts administrator at three public universities.

Since 1990, when Don returned to UF as Dean, the College of Fine Arts has emerged as a leader in broad and important fields ranging from multi-cultural and diversity education to international and interdisciplinary studies. The number and quality of students pursuing accredited professional degrees, including eight new programs, offered by the College has grown significantly, with graduate enrollment more than doubling. In addition, the arts have increasingly become part of the University’s general education program with more courses being offered than at any time in UF history.

During Don’s tenure as Dean, the College has significantly increased the number and quality of full-time faculty and professional staff; developed an outstanding administrative leadership team; obtained funding to enhance the professional activities of its faculty, renovate existing facilities, and for equipment and information technology resources; and secured State and private support for a new Theatre and Dance facility and expansion of the Music building.

Strongly committed to collaborative programs and partnerships, Don has provided leadership for the creation of UF’s nationally recognized Center for World Arts, and the Center for Arts in Healthcare Research and Education, which links the College to Shands Medical Center. Most recently, Don helped establish the Digital Worlds Institute, which is designed to nurture leading-edge research, creative activity, and education between the Colleges of Fine Arts and Engineering, utilizing the tools of digital technology and culture.

Of particular importance, is Don’s leadership in developing a formal partnership with the award-winning New World School of the Arts, which is a cornerstone of UF’s visibility and outreach efforts in Miami.

In addition to serving as Dean, Don was Executive Director of UF’s new Performing Arts Center for ten years. He oversaw completion of the facility, established its advisory Board of Directors, and recruited its professional staff, which has developed a nationally acclaimed program in this area.

Recognizing that the margin of excellence we desire for our visual and performing arts programs will be found in non-state funding, Don helped create the Friends of Music organization in 1974, which has provided scholarships to more than 1500 music students at UF. Since 1990, Don has helped generate over $13 million in external funding for the arts. This includes the naming endowment gift from Dr. Curtis and Barbara Phillips for the Performing Arts Center, a major gift from Dr. William and Nadine McGuire for the new Theatre and Dance facility, and a gift from George Steinbrenner to provide new facilities for the University Band Program.

At the end of the 2004-05 year, which marks the 30th anniversary of the creation of the College of Fine Arts, Don will return to the faculty of the School of Music to pursue his teaching and research interests. He has had a remarkable career in academic administration. Equally important, Don has remained a gentleman throughout and a good friend to many of us. I am pleased as I know many are that Don will remain on the faculty and he and Jane will remain in Gainesville.