GRAND RAPIDS – Oliver Evans, immediate past president of Kendall College of Art and
Design, has agreed to serve as interim KCAD president upon the announcement of current
President David Rosen’s resignation.
Evans retired as Kendall president in 2012 after leading the college for 18 years. During that time Kendall nearly tripled in size, growing to approximately 1,400 students. Evans also helped oversee the merger of the college with Ferris State University. Other significant developments during Evans’ first leadership of the college include its partnership with ArtPrize and the development of graduate degrees, including Ferris’ MBA with an Innovation and Design Management component from Kendall. His depth of experience with the college and the West Michigan community will help make for a smooth transition of leadership.
University spokesperson Marc Sheehan said that such personnel issues as employee resignations were considered confidential under university policy. However, he added that the university had accepted Rosen’s resignation with regret.
In accepting the interim appointment, Evans said he believes his familiarity with Kendall College of Art and Design will serve as a bridge to the next chapter of the college’s 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.”
The university will begin forming a search committee and conduct the process of finding the next KCAD president during the upcoming academic year.