June 21, 2017

Associate Dean Karin Kuenstler has been an important leader of this College for more than three decades. As the long-serving Department Head of Design she oversaw the Interior Design, Fashion Design, and Design & Merchandising programs. During her tenure, these programs experienced enrollment growth, were successfully accredited, adapted new technologies, and launched new and exciting Study Abroad programs. As Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies, the College has seen our research grant funding grow over the past six years from less than $50,000 to well over $2.5 million. Karin represents a treasure trove of institutional memory, of longstanding and solid relationships across the University, and of selfless, important leadership.

The College launched new graduate programs in Design Research, Urban Strategy, Museum Leadership, Merchandising & Retailing, and the College’s first PHD program in Digital Media. In recent years, she has overseen the promotions process for contract faculty and the College’s Mini-Grant program.