KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Feb. 3, 2011) — Jacqueline Chanda, Ph.D., academic dean of the Institute for American Universities and director of the Aix Center in Aix-en-Provence in France, has been appointed president of the Kansas City Art Institute, effective July 1, L. William Zahner, chair of the KCAI board of trustees, announced today.
“After a comprehensive, international search, the college’s search committee recommended Dr. Chanda to the KCAI board of trustees, and the trustees enthusiastically accepted their recommendation,” Zahner said. “Her passion for art and design education, her global experience and her capacity for leadership make her a perfect fit for the Kansas City Art Institute at this exciting moment in its 125-year history.”
Chanda received a Ph.D. in art history in 1983 and a Master of Arts degree in art education in 1977, both from the Sorbonne University in Paris. She earned a bachelor’s degree in art from the University of California in 1972. Before her appointment in 2009 as academic dean and director of the Aix Center, she was associate dean of academic and student services at the University of Arizona (2006-2009). Earlier she was on the faculty of the University of North Texas, where she was chair and professor of art education and art history. She has taught French in Zambia, been a lecturer at the University of Zambia and served as a classroom teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School District. She also has taught at Ball State University in Muncie, Ind., and The Ohio State University.
"I am excited to have the opportunity to lead KCAI during the next important phase of its growth with the assistance of talented faculty, dedicated staff and a progressive board of trustees," Chanda said. "Drawing from my academic, professional and international experience, my goal will be to strengthen and expand KCAI’s academic mission and contributions to visual arts and design education.”
Chanda is a member of the International Council of Fine Arts Deans; the National Art Education Association; and the College Art Association.
She has taught undergraduate courses in teaching art methods, drawing, learning strategies, art methods for elementary teachers, art history, criticism, aesthetics and art appreciation (online and face-to-face), as well as graduate courses in history of art education, research methods and issues in art education, curriculum for art history, advocacy and political action in art education, qualitative research in action and art history.