Department Head Chosen for Theatre Arts Department in USU’s Caine College of the Arts

 Kenneth Risch, dean of the School of Fine Arts at Viterbo University (La Crosse, Wis.), has been appointed head of the Department of Theatre Arts at Utah State University, effective July 1.

“Ken Risch has the experience and skill to guide the theater department to new levels of excellence,” said Craig Jessop, dean of the Caine College of the Arts. “He loves new challenges and is passionate about his work. I know our theatre faculty will rally behind him.”

Risch, dean of Viterbo’s School of Fine Arts since 2006, spent the previous six years as a tenured professor of theater and department chair at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, one of the largest theater programs in Wisconsin.

In addition, he also served as an associate professor of theater at Tulane University in New Orleans.

“He falls right in line with the leadership goals of the college,” said Richard Ratliff, search manager for the department head search committee. “He is strong on every front. He is a steady force driven by collaboration and wisdom.”

The search committee was impressed with Risch’s heightened level of organization and familiarity with our institution, said Thomas Rohrer, search committee head  and USU music department faculty member.

“Ken is going to bring a great mix of experience and talent to our department,” Dennis Hassan, a member of the search committee and faculty member in the theatre arts department. “He has held administrative positions in different universities and has a wide background in theater. He is experienced in academic and professional theater and is excited to be teaching and doing creative work.”

“Kenneth is a talented candidate from an incredible pool of applicants,” Rohrer said.

A Wisconsin native, Risch earned a bachelor of science degree in speech education from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and a master of fine arts degree in acting from the University of Minnesota.