College of Design Dean Named

Campus Community,

I am pleased to inform you that Ned Crankshaw has accepted the position of dean of the College of Design, effective July 1, 2024, pending approval of the Board of Trustees. 

Professor Crankshaw has served as acting dean since August 2022. Under his leadership, the College of Design has seen sustained student enrollment growth as well as a move into the new home for the college in the Gray Design Building. In the new Gray Design Building, the possibilities for student learning and collaboration will reach new heights, and I am excited to see how the college grows into the space under his leadership.

With Professor Crankshaw’s guidance, the College of Design has continued supporting its scholars with funding programs and expanding research and the availability of fabrication equipment available to students and faculty. 

Professor Crankshaw also led the college as one of the recipients of the inaugural Provost IMPACT Awards that helped acquire soft goods lab equipment for the college’s Maker’s Suite to promote a new generation of innovation in students, faculty and all designers. The award also helped fund the hiring of new talent to the college and train faculty and students in research focusing on the intersection of design and textiles. 

Under his leadership, I am confident the College of Design will continue expanding opportunities for transdisciplinary collaboration efforts across campus. Professor Crankshaw will continue advocating for student success and growing our state’s capacity for design and forward-thinking innovation. 

Please join me in congratulating Professor Crankshaw on this new role. Thank you for all you do to advance UK. 

Robert S. DiPaola, M.D. 
Provost