ENMU hires new dean

PORTALES – Eastern New Mexico University has chosen Joseph Kline of Savannah College of Art and Design as the new dean of the College of Fine Arts on the Portales campus. Kline will officially begin September 14 of the fall semester.

Kline is enthusiastic about his new position at ENMU. “I was looking for a university that had a student focus like Eastern does,” explains Kline. “My wife loves the west so when the position was open at Eastern we saw it all come together and I applied.”

Kline is looking forward to continuing the success of the college of fine arts by linking more of the artistic fields to each other. Kline says by creating the “synergy” between disciplines then “we are not locked down to one specific art form.” He explains, “filmmakers can learn from painters and actors can learn from sculptors; it’s all about creating opportunities to find the commonalities and enhance our skills.”

ENMU President Steven Gamble says, “We are fortunate to employ a dean of fine arts of the caliber of Dr. Kline.”

Jamie Laurenz, vice president of academic affairs at ENMU adds, “Dr. Kline combines significant professional and administrative experience with a passion and enthusiasm for the arts that bodes well for the future of the college.”

Kline will move his wife, Tiffany, and his daughter, Maybelline, to Portales. “Life is a constant process of change and we are very enthusiastic about coming to Portales,” says Kline. “My daughter is just turning five so this is a great time for us to move and it’s a great place to move to.”

Kline’s wife will be the proud owner of a new car because of the long distance between Portales and the larger cities surrounding the area. “I will be happy to drive my 400-year-old car until the end of time so she can have a new one,” says Kline.

Kline is anticipating his arrival on campus and is happy to have an open-door policy. “I hope to meet my new colleagues and students as soon as possible so just come right up and say ‘hi,’” says Kline.

Kline attended Colorado State University for his bachelor’s degree, The Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. for his master’s degree and earned his doctorate in fine arts at Texas Tech University.

Dr. John Olson will continue to serve as the interim dean of the College of Fine Arts until Kline’s start date.