Reappointment of Mary Ellen Poole as the Stanley and Marcia Gumberg Dean of the College of Fine Arts

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

Dear Members of the Carnegie Mellon University Community:

I am delighted to announce the reappointment of Mary Ellen Poole as the Stanley and Marcia Gumberg Dean of the College of Fine Arts (CFA).

Since joining CMU in 2021, Dean Poole has provided dedicated leadership, strengthening the college’s position as a world-class destination for artists and innovators. Her first term has been defined by a focus on stabilizing the college’s operations and championing the vital role of the arts within our institutional mission. Under Dean Poole's leadership, CFA has reached significant milestones in interdisciplinary collaboration and academic excellence. She bridges the vast disciplines within its five schools — Architecture, Art, Design, Drama and Music — while advocating for an environment where bold thinking and creativity can flourish.

Dean Poole is a tireless advocate for the professional and creative growth of CFA’s educators, fostering a culture that empowers faculty to pursue groundbreaking projects and research. She is a champion of their research and practice, connecting our faculty to the resources and institutional support necessary to remain at the forefront of their respective fields.

This approach extends directly to the student experience, where Dean Poole has prioritized an inclusive environment that ensures students are able to thrive at CMU and beyond. We are fortunate to continue benefiting from her extensive expertise and her passionate advocacy for the arts and their power to shape both culture and industry.

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the evaluation committee for their diligent work and comprehensive review throughout this process. I also want to thank the CFA faculty, staff, students and alumni who shared their thoughtful perspectives and recommendations.

The evaluation committee members were:

  • Co-Chair: Wendy Arons, Professor and Director, Center for the Arts in Society
  • Co-Chair: David Harding, Professor of Viola and Chamber Music, School of Music
  • Joshua Bard, Associate Professor and Associate Head, School of Architecture
  • Mark Baskinger, Professor and Director, Joseph Ballay Center for Design
  • Daniel Nesta Curtis, Associate Teaching Professor, School of Music
  • Erica Cochran Hameen, Associate Professor and Program Director of UDream, School of Architecture
  • Kristen Letts Kovak, Senior Associate Dean for Academics, College of Fine Arts
  • Amy Nichols, Associate Head and Director of Operations, School of Drama
  • Suzie Silver, Professor of Art, School of Art
  • Kelsey Small, Business Manager, School of Design (through April 10, 2026)
  • Keith Webster, Helen and Henry Posner, Jr. Dean of the University Libraries and Director of Emerging and Integrative Media Initiatives
  • Charlie White, Professor and Head, School of Art
  • Shelley Anna, Vice Provost for Faculty (ex-officio)

As part of their review, this group provided a comprehensive and forward-looking analysis for the college. I am confident Dean Poole will use this feedback as a catalyst for growth while championing the creative excellence that defines CFA.

Please join me in congratulating Mary Ellen on her reappointment and in thanking her for her continued service and leadership at Carnegie Mellon University.

Sincerely,

James H. Garrett Jr.
Provost and Chief Academic Officer