UTICA, NY.- Steven Lee Hansen of Edmond, Okla, has been named Dean of the School of Art at Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute. He is currently Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Design, University of Central Oklahoma. From 1987 to 2017, he chaired the Department of Visual Art, Communication and Design at Andrews University, Mich.

In his new position, Hansen will serve as the chief administrative officer of the Munson-Williams School of Art division, comprised of PrattMWP College of Art and Design and the Community Arts Education Program. PrattMWP is an extension campus of Pratt Institute, providing freshman and sophomore instruction in fine arts, communications design, photography, and art and design education since 2000. The Community Arts Education program offers noncredit professional art instruction to children, teens, and adults since 1941.

Hansen succeeds Ken Marchione, who will return to teaching full time in the program after serving as Interim Dean since 2018. Munson-Williams President and CEO Anna D’Ambrosio said Hansen was selected following a nationwide search. “We are delighted to bring Steve to the Munson-Williams campus. He is a dedicated, thoughtful professional with terrific positive energy. His academic and artistic achievements, administrative expertise, and positive energy will be an asset to Munson-Williams and to our community."

Hansen said he is thrilled to join the close-knit arts community at Munson-Williams and work with the faculty who share in the student-centered focus of PrattMWP. “The dedication of faculty, staff and leadership at PrattMWP as well as student achievement and faculty involvement are spectacular,” he said. “I am also eager to participate in community outreach through arts classes and events, working to build and maintain the arts as an integral part of Utica, and Mohawk Valley life. As a lifelong believer in the importance of the arts in creating and maintaining any great culture, the chance to work as part of the Munson-Williams leadership team is intensely gratifying.”

Hansen has authored articles for Ceramics Monthly magazine and his ceramic works have been featured in numerous scholarly journals, books, and exhibition catalogs. He has been represented in exhibitions throughout the United States and in collections at the American Museum of Ceramic Art, University of Iowa Hospital, Fuller Craft Museum, Midwest Museum of American Art, and the Sonny Kamm Collection.

Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute is an internationally prominent fine arts center serving diverse audiences. Through three program divisions--School of Art and Design, Museum of Art, and Performing Arts—Munson-Williams creates transformational art experiences that cultivate curiosity and creativity, enlighten, educate, and inspire
Munson-Williams was founded in 1919 and provides some 600 events annually with nearly 150,000 patrons enjoying the many exhibitions, performances, art classes and family-oriented activities.

PrattMWP College of Art and Design, an extension site of Pratt Institute, offers students a unique educational opportunity. PrattMWP is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, Middle States Association, and New York State Education Department. PrattMWP students spend the first two years of the bachelor of fine arts degree program at our campus in central New York before they complete their studies at Pratt’s main campus in Brooklyn.

PrattMWP maximum enrollment is approximately 200 students majoring in fine arts, communications design, photography, and art and design education. The School of Art and Design also operates a vibrant community arts education program that attracts approximately 300 students each semester of all ages enjoying non-credit classes in painting, drawing, pottery, jewelry, and more.

The PrattMWP faculty is made up of active artists who inspire, as well as educate, their students. They teach, exhibit their work, and participate in campus and community programs and events. This diverse group of gifted educators brings a real-world perspective to the classroom while helping students to develop their talents.