Dean Arbuckle is leaving us. Her title will be longer, but she’ll always be known simply and elegantly as the “dean” to us. By August 2016 she’ll be working with FIT’s President Joyce Brown. We know her heart will always be with the School of Art and Design and ours with her. Here is a sampling of parting words and snapshots of our love and adoration.

“Joanne was a dean with integrity who worked tirelessly to raise the level of education for our Art and Design students. She was a great listener, efficient, decisive, and always looking to improve and grow and advocate for all 17 departments. She will be missed and I’m personally grateful for her leadership.” Joel Werring, Chair, Fine Arts

 

“Dean Arbuckle has always been generous with her time and advice. She guided me through many projects over the years and helped me become a better teacher. I really appreciate what she has done for me and the School of Art and Design!”

Prof. CJ Yeh, Communication Design

 “Her vision has been crystal clear. She’s always had an understanding of where the School of Art and Design should be headed and been relentless and tireless in achieving those goals.  She’s been an absolute pleasure to work with in aligning the School with the college’s greater strategic goals.”

Eric Odin, Director of Human Resource Services

“Joanne has been so supportive in enabling us to grow as a department. She’s always been a colleagial and pleasant colleague.”  Prof. Cynthia Gallagher, Fine Arts

“Joanne’s support of the Interior Design faculty and department is second to none! She’s been extremely enthusiastic of our initiatives, events and our commitment to service learning. We will miss her! Eric Daniels, Chair, Interior Design

“Having had Joanne, as a professor when I attended FIT, and as a dean over the past years, there are qualities that always hold true. She is dedicated to her work and more importantly to this school. She’s gone above and beyond to ensure that each program is the highest educationally for our students, and leads the education standards of each major. In the classroom, she encouraged every student to surpass his or her expectations. She’s been such an advocate for the arts and will be missed. Prof. Lauren Zodel, Fashion Design

“I’m glad you’re not going very far away so we may have ‘Joanne’ sightings! Have fun upstairs. Thanks for talking me down when I got crazy! You are wonderful!” Prof. John Goodwin, Computer Animation