Florida State names new dean of Visual Arts, Theatre and Dance

Peter Weishar

Peter Weishar, dean of the Savannah College of Art and Design’s School of Entertainment Arts, has been appointed dean of Florida State University’s College of Visual Arts, Theatre and Dance, effective July 1.

Prior to assuming his current position as dean of the Savannah College of Art and Design’s School of Film, Digital Media and Performing Arts in 2004, Weishar served as a professor of computer animation and new media, as well as acting director of the animation program at New York University Tisch School of the Arts.

His private sector experience includes design and animation development management and work with a number of video and new media technology companies, as well as creative firms and advertising agencies.

“Peter Weishar has that unique combination of practical real world experience in the fast evolving visual arts field, along with the solid academic credentials and experience at the dean level that we need to head our College of Visual Arts, Theatre and Dance,” said Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Garnett S. Stokes. “We are very excited about Peter joining us later this year at Florida State.”

Weishar earned his bachelor’s degree at Union College in 1983. He also studied at the Rhode Island School of Design and Tel Aviv University.

“I am honored to be offered this opportunity at Florida State University,” Weishar said. “I am looking forward to working with my new colleagues and continuing the tradition of innovation and excellence when I assume my new leadership role at FSU.”

The College of Visual Arts, Theatre and Dance houses the Schools of Art and Design, Dance and Theatre. These academic units encompass six academic departments awarding bachelor of science, bachelor of arts, bachelor of fine arts, master of science, master of fine arts, specialists and doctor of philosophy degrees to over 300 students each year. In addition, the dean of the college oversees the Florida State University Museum of Fine Arts and the Facility for Arts Research in Tallahassee, and the John and Mable Ringling Center for the Arts in Sarasota, which includes the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training and the FSU Performing Arts Center.

Weishar succeeds Sally McRorie, who was appointed Florida State University’s vice president for Faculty Development and Advancement in July 2012. T. Lynn Hogan, an associate dean in the College of Visual Arts, Theatre and Dance and a faculty member in the School of Theatre, has served as interim dean.