Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff:

It is a pleasure to announce that Courtney Davis has been appointed Dean for the School of the Arts. Her term as dean begins immediately.

As many may know, Courtney joined UVU as a full-time faculty member in 2007 and is tenured to the Department of Art & Design. She most recently held the position of Interim Dean of the School of the Arts and previously served as the Department Chair of Art & Design and the Acting Director and Associate Director of the UVU Center for the Study of Ethics. While at UVU, she has been instrumental in curriculum and course development across the visual arts, including an art history major and minor and numerous individual courses and flex-learning options. With a focus on undergraduate research, Courtney is the founder of UVU's Biennial Art History Symposium and co-founder of the annual Student Ethics Symposium. Her commitment to students and excellence in education is underscored by her recognition as UVU Alumni Outstanding Educator of the Year for the School of the Arts on three occasions. She is also a two-time Faculty Senate Award of Excellence recipient.

Courtney holds a Juris Doctor and a Master of Art in Art History & Curatorial Studies from Brigham Young University. She explores her dual interest in art history and the law through her research with publications focusing on intellectual property law, arts management, and contemporary art. Prior to joining UVU, Courtney was an associate attorney at the Provo law firm Hill, Johnson & Schmutz, where she practiced business and family law. She is a licensed member of the Utah State Bar.

Courtney believes strongly in the unique power of the visual and performing arts to inspire, educate, liberate, and transform by stretching deep into the history of human culture and by creating a gateway to self-discovery, and leading cultural change. Courtney is honored to have the opportunity to lead the School of the Arts during this exciting time. She believes the arts are emissaries, communicating to the world the quality of UVU education and programming and UVU as a destination for cultural experiences.

Please join me in congratulating Courtney on this wonderful opportunity. We look forward to what she will do to further the mission of the School of the Arts.

 

Wayne Vaught, PhD
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Professor of Philosophy

Courtney Davis