SUNY New Paltz appoints Fine and Performing Arts Dean

SUNY New Paltz President Donald P. Christian announced  that Jennifer Mokren has been appointed Dean of the School of Fine and Performing Arts beginning August 3.

“Those who work with Jennifer Mokren praise her style of working with others, her success in challenging times, and her strong advocacy — for programs, students, and faculty,” Christian said. “Both the search committee and I were impressed with how her experience and skills connect to the mission and purpose of the School of Fine and Performing Arts and the larger institution. I look forward to having Jennifer join us as Dean, and to her leadership to advance the essential values the arts bring to the campus, our students, and the broader community.”

Mokren, who served as Chair of the Art and Design Department and Associate Professor of Art at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. joined UW-Green Bay in 1998 as a Lecturer and was appointed Assistant Professor in 1999 and Associate Professor in 2003. She served Vice-Chair of the Art and Design Department from 2007-2010 and became Chair in 2010. From 2013-2014 she served as Special Assistant to the Provost. During her tenure, Mokren provided leadership on all assessment initiatives including writing the assessment plan for the General Education program and working as part of the Open Pathways process of reaccreditation with the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.

Commenting on her appointment, Mokren said, “I’m very much looking forward to working with the talented and creative faculty and staff in the School of Fine and Performing Arts, and as an advocate for their departments and programs. Together we will continue the tradition of offering students an outstanding educational experience, as well as finding new ways for the arts to connect with the campus and greater community.”

Mokren was twice named a UW-Green Bay Teaching Scholar and is the recipient of numerous grants from the Research Council. Her artwork has been exhibited widely across the country and internationally.

She holds a master of fine arts degree in jewelry/metalsmithing from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a bachelor of fine arts degree in jewelry/metals from Kent State University.