What's in a title? The developing role of an artist-critic in the university

Abstract

Abstract Arts professionals within higher education struggle with identity. Dual roles across departments, the changing role of the arts professor and non-traditional positions have challenged the notion of the studio arts instructor and whether institutional expectations are the best way to think about the future of the arts in higher education. As a veteran arts professor, dean, art historian, art critic and artist ‐ my role is not as straightforward as I originally thought it might be as an undergrad studio art major. Through a series of significant streams in my education and personal life, including successes and failures in the academic and professional art world ‐ a new identity emerged that is not represented in search profiles, academic departments or administrative positions.