Sarah Cole Appointed Dean of the School of the Arts

We are pleased to announce that Columbia University President Minouche Shafik has appointed Sarah Cole as Dean of the School of the Arts, effective immediately. Sarah has been serving as Interim Dean since last fall with incredible vision, commitment, and heart. We are delighted to share that this appointment has been made permanent. 

Read President Shafik's announcement here, and a message to our community from Dean Sarah Cole, below. 

Dear Friends,

It is a joy and an honor to have been asked to serve as Dean of Columbia University School of the Arts. As you know, I have been in this position on an interim basis since September and what I have found here has impressed me every single day. This is a community of artists and scholars like no other. I have many words to describe the art and scholarship being produced by our students and faculty as they pursue their individual visions and collaborate across their disciplines. Just a few of these are: unique, beautiful, challenging, arresting, funny, whimsical, exuberant, haunting, profound. The work of our artists is diverse in every way, but it has in common a commitment to the integrity of form, a desire to reach toward truth that can be shared, and the conviction that art is essential to society.

These last months have been uniquely challenging. Many in our community have felt shattered over the events of this past year or have felt angry and let down; some have found it extremely difficult to focus on their classes and projects. I wish that I could offer simple words of moral certainty. What I can share is that since arriving at the School, I have seen the immense courage of this community. Our students and faculty have forged ahead with their work; along with the School’s exceptional staff, they have offered compassion and care to one another. As artists, they have worked to take stock of this moment in all its complexity and historical significance. 

Despite these recent challenges, I am filled with optimism about the future of the School of the Arts. It is, quite simply, one of the great art institutions in our great art city. I look forward to collaborating with many of you in the upcoming months on new ideas and projects, big and small. As we take the School forward into its next phase, I am thrilled to have such creative and thoughtful partners. Guiding this School is a collective enterprise, and it will be a joy to work together to expand our reach, elevate our faculty, students, and alumni, and bolster our essential mission to educate each new generation of artists.

I can’t wait to see many of you in the fall. I know Dodge Hall will be buzzing from day one with the energy and exuberance of this immensely talented community.

Wishing you all a peaceful summer,

Sarah Cole
Dean, Columbia University School of the Arts