President Tom Manley and the Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) Board of Governors today announced the appointment of Ann S Hudner as Vice President of Communications and Public Programs. Joining the senior leadership team of the college, this newly created position will oversee all functions of the Department of Communications and Public Programs, including media relations, interactive media, government and community engagement and public programming. At the same time, the College announced the promotion of Susanne Hashim to Vice President for College Advancement, a move reflecting the parallel importance of that department as the school moves into the public phase of a $32 million Centennial Campaign for PNCA+FIVE.
“PNCA is experiencing unprecedented forward momentum,” states Chairman of the Board of Governors, Al Solheim. “The creation of these positions is significant in continuing to advance and strengthen the reputation of the Pacific Northwest College of Art.”
As one of the fastest growing art colleges in the country, over the past year PNCA has announced many important initiatives including a $15 million gift to establish the Ford Institute for Visual Education (FIVE), the acquisition of the 130,000 square foot, historic 511 NW Broadway Building, endowed scholarship gifts, enhanced academic programming and the creation of new MFA’s programs. Along with the recently launched $32 million fundraising campaign these are important milestones in the College’s efforts to build the infrastructure of its urban campus and academic programs.
“I am extremely pleased that Ann will be joining the PNCA community at this moment in time,” states Tom Manley, president of PNCA. Over the past 8 months, Hudner has been involved with PNCA, consulting on a series of communications initiatives intended to study and evolve the public visibility and strategic communications of the college. “As the College continues to evolve both its programs and its public profile, these changes not only work to solidify, but enhance PNCA’s current efforts to participate in and at times, lead the discourse on art and design education.”
Hudner, a seasoned professional with over 20 years in public relations/communications in higher education and the arts, brings a depth of expertise to PNCA+FIVE ranging from positioning, strategies, planning, media relations, public programming and the development of collaborative platforms. Prior to joining PNCA, she spent 13 years at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), in Providence, RI. As Director of External Relations, Hudner was responsible for the creation of a national media relations program, the development of key partnerships and alliances to advance the reputation of the institution, served as spokesperson, participated as a member of the presidents’ senior staff and was intricately involved in RISD’s first comprehensive $110 million capital campaign.
Hudner also served as an adjunct faculty member in RISD’s Division of Graduate Studies. With an undergraduate degree in Business Administration and a master’s degree in Journalism her past experience has included Cone Communications in Boston, MA, Northeastern University and the IDPR Group specializing in strategic philanthropy. Currently, she is principal of Hudner|Advanced Strategies.
“There is a wonderful merging of creativity, passion and collaboration within the PNCA community,” comments Hudner. “The caliber of the faculty and students; the vision and clarity of leadership; the support of the community and the pride associated with being located in Portland, Oregon is invigorating. I am looking forward to being a part of this very progressive and stimulating environment.”
Hudner’s appointment signals a change in the responsibility of the department’s increased involvement in PNCA’s public programming and community outreach, thereby reflected in its new name of Communications and Public Programs. This recent development validates the importance of programming to further develop the content and engagement of the PNCA community to create a culture of collaboration as a catalyst for presenting dialogue important to the academic and Portland community.
Susanne Hashim has been at PNCA for the past three years as director of development and before that as a consultant. In both roles she has demonstrated the capacity to build the advancement program, strengthening friend and fundraising through the popular annual gala art party, the 20/20 Vision Campaign, and alumni and parent outreach efforts. The success of these efforts in bringing support to the College’s academic and scholarship programs and other infrastructural needs has been vital. Over the past four years alone, PNCA has seen record growth in philanthropic support, having raised $26 million towards or more than 80% of the $32 million campaign goal.
Hashim has been involved in philanthropy over the past 20 years with an emphasis on education and community programs. Prior to PNCA, Hashim’s past experience has included The Webb Schools of California, Pitzer College, Linfield College, the East-West Center in Honolulu, Hawaii and the California Community Foundation.
“This is an important juncture in the history of PNCA,” states Hashim, “It has been wonderful to bring more resources to the faculty, students and staff and to see how well they are putting them to use.”
President Manley adds, “As the College continues to develop innovative academic programming, support accomplished faculty and recruit a broad-base of exceptionally talented students, we are also advancing our reputation and fundraising capacity. The enhancement of the communications and philanthropy efforts are critical to achieving our commitment to lead PNCA towards a place of distinction among the best arts schools of art and design.”
About PNCA Since it’s founding in 1909, Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) has become a leader in innovative educational programs that connects students to a global perspective in the visual arts. The College offers Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in Communication Design, Illustration, Intermedia, General Fine Arts, Painting, Photography, Printmaking and Sculpture. In addition, the College offers a mentor-based MFA in Visual Studies that allows students to create a studio-centered curriculum to support their personal artistic vision. PNCA has the oldest continuously running community arts education program in the Northwest. Located in an award-winning campus in the heart of the Pearl District, PNCA is actively involved in Portland’s cultural programming through exhibitions and a vibrant public program of lectures and visiting artists from around the world. In connection with its Ford Institute for Visual Education (FIVE) the College most recently debuted the PNCA+FIVE Idea Studios featuring artists James Turrell and philosopher Jacques Rancière. Visit the full events calendar and to learn more about PNCA’s BFA degree, MFA in Visual Studies or Continuing Education courses for all ages and skill levels.
For more information, please contact: Becca Biggs 503-821-8892 | becca (at) pnca (dot) edu
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September 6, 2010
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