College names interim president after resignation

College names interim president after resignation

Oliver Evans. Courtesy Kendall College of Art and Design

A local college named an interim president today, following the resignation of its president.

Ferris State University, headquartered in Big Rapids, announced today the appointment of Oliver Evans as interim president of Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids.

Evans agreed to serve as interim president upon the announcement of David Rosen’s resignation, which was effective today.

Marc Sheehan, a university spokesperson, said the university had accepted Rosen’s resignation with regret, but employee resignations were considered confidential under university policy.

A university search committee will undertake the process of finding a permanent replacement for Rosen during the upcoming academic year.

First tenure

Evans previously served as president of Kendall College of Art and Design for 18 years before his retirement in 2012.

Upon agreeing to serve as interim president until a new president can be appointed, Evans said his familiarity with the college will serve as a bridge to the next chapter of its history.

“It is an honor to again serve on behalf of the students, faculty and staff at Kendall,” Evans said. “My goal is to continue to build upon the successful partnership Ferris and Kendall have forged since their merger almost a decade and a half ago now.”

During his previous tenure as president, Evans oversaw the merger between Ferris State University and KCAD, in addition to the partnership between the college and ArtPrize.

FSU said Kendall nearly tripled in size in terms of student enrollment during Evans’ first leadership period, and his past experience will assist in a smooth transition.

KCAD

KCAD offers degree programs in art and design and provides collaborative education fostering intellectual growth and individual creativity, according to its website.

As of the fall 2013, KCAD had more than 1,400 students, 17 undergraduate degree programs and four graduate degrees.