ATHENS—After a national search and great anticipation, the Lamar Dodd School of Art is excited to announce the appointment of Joseph Peragine to the position of director, effective August 1, 2022. Professor Peragine, an accomplished practicing artist, is an alum of the school (BFA, '83), and brings a wealth of experience to this position through his committed work as faculty and director of the Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design at Georgia State University and through his involvement in the Atlanta arts community. 

The School of Art would like to express deep appreciation to Professor Michael Marshall and Professor Isabelle Wallace for their outstanding leadership as interim co-directors during our director vacancy period.

Read Franklin College of Arts and Sciences Dean Alan T. Dorsey's appointment announcement below.

Franklin College of Arts and Sciences

I am pleased to inform you that Professor Joseph Peragine has accepted our offer to become the next Director of the Lamar Dodd School of Art, effective August 1, 2022. Professor Peragine currently serves as a Professor and Director of the Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design at Georgia State University. He has strong connections to UGA and the State of Georgia, having received his B.F.A. from the Lamar Dodd School of Art and an M.F.A. in drawing and painting from Georgia State University. A highly accomplished practicing artist, his works have appeared in exhibitions and museums around the world, and he has strong ties to the greater Atlanta art community. I look forward to working with Professor Peragine; I am confident he will provide the leadership needed to promote an atmosphere in which creativity, scholarship, and outstanding teaching will continue to flourish. 

As you know, this search has been an important one for both the Lamar Dodd School of Art and the University of Georgia. I would like to thank each of you for your interest and active participation in the search process. My thanks are extended to Dr. Pete Jutras and the members of the search committee for their thoughtful and excellent work. 

Finally, I would like to thank Professor Michael Marshall and Professor Isabelle Wallace for their outstanding service as the interim Directors. Interim leadership roles are always complicated, and we all owe both Dr. Marshall and Dr. Wallace a debt of gratitude for their commitment to the Lamar Dodd School of Art.

Alan T. Dorsey, Dean