Jody Lamb named interim dean of College of Fine Arts

Ohio University has named Dr. Jody Lamb as the interim dean of the College of Fine Arts, effective June 17, 2024.

In May, Dean Matthew Shaftel announced that he would be leaving the University to serve as the president of Russell Sage College.

Lamb most recently served as graduate director and curriculum chair of the School of Art + Design. He is an associate professor emeritus of art history.

“I am thankful that Dr. Jody Lamb has agreed to serve as the interim dean of the College of Fine Arts,” said Dr. Donald Leo, who will begin serving as OHIO’s executive vice president and provost on July 1, 2024. “Dr. Lamb has had a distinguished career at Ohio University and has served in several key roles in the College of Fine Arts. He is a respected leader with the knowledge and experience needed for this position, and I am looking forward to working with him.”

Lamb first joined Ohio University in 1991 as an assistant professor in the Department of Art History in the School of Art + Design. He has held several leadership positions in the college, including interim director and director of the School of Film, associate director of the School of Art + Design, director of the School of Dance, Film and Theater, and associate dean, which he held from 2007-2021. He also has led education abroad programs to London and Edinburgh since 1992.

During his time at OHIO, he has served on numerous committees and organizations in the College of Fine Arts and across the University, including as the chair of the College of Fine Arts Curriculum Committee, chair of the College of Fine Arts International Education Committee, member of the University Curriculum Council (UCC) and UCC Programs Committee, member of the Graduate Council, chair of the Kennedy Museum Collections Committee and the OHIO representative to the Jack Kent Cooke Graduate Arts Award. 

Before joining OHIO, Lamb served as visiting professor of art history at the University of Kansas and visiting professor of art history at the University of Alaska, Anchorage. He received his Ph.D. in the history of art from the University of California, Santa Barbara, an M.A. in the history of art from Arizona State University, and an M.S. in adult education administration from the University of Southern Maine. 

“I’m honored to serve as the interim dean of the College of Fine Arts,” Lamb said. “Our College is noteworthy for its extraordinary and passionate faculty and staff who collectively provide our highly creative students with outstanding educational opportunities and experiences. This is a uniquely exciting time for the College of Fine Arts due to building renovations, new construction and program relocations. I much look forward to working with our students, faculty and staff.”

Lamb will serve as the interim dean until a permanent dean is named.