Meet the Recently Promoted CFA Faculty
James Grady, Rob Patterson, and Gareth Dylan Smith are among the 38 members of Boston University faculty promoted this year
Photo by Janice Checchio
Meet the Recently Promoted CFA Faculty
School of Visual Arts’ James Grady, and School of Music’s Rob Patterson and Gareth Dylan Smith are among the 38 members of Boston University faculty promoted this year
This article was originally published in BU Today on June 30, 2026.
EXCERPT
In a letter sent to faculty on June 25 announcing the promotions, outgoing Provost and Chief Academic Officer Gloria Waters wrote: “At the heart of great universities are outstanding faculty who advance our understanding of the world through their scholarship, improve the quality of life through their research, and prepare new generations for success and leadership through their teaching,” adding that each of the 38 faculty recognized by these promotions are leaders in their chosen fields, “demonstrating daily the caliber of education and accomplishment possible through innovation, creativity, and commitment to student success.
Boston University College of Fine Arts faculty promotions include James Grady, associate professor of art, graphic design, Rob Patterson, associate professor of clarinet, and Gareth Dylan Smith, associate professor of music, music education. They are among the 38 faculty on Boston University’s Charles River Campus recently promoted to the rank of full professor or associate professor.
James Grady
Associate Professor of Art, Graphic Design
James Grady has established a distinctive national profile through a body of creative research and professional practice that advances the intersection of graphic design, emerging technologies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and public engagement.
Through his design studio, funded interdisciplinary research initiatives, and leadership of the BU Spark! Technology Innovation Fellowship, he has produced innovative work in UI/UX design, data visualization, motion graphics, interactive media, and creative coding that has received national recognition from organizations including Fast Company, Graphic Design USA, and the American Digital Design Awards.
His interdisciplinary research explores how design can foster collaboration across fields while making complex systems and information more accessible, dynamic, and socially impactful.
Rob Patterson
Associate Professor of Music, Clarinet
Rob Patterson is an accomplished clarinetist who has received national attention as a performing artist and teacher.
He maintains active performing engagements with major organizations across the United States and has created well-respected clarinet pedagogy resources, including written publications as well as the creation and administration of The Clarinet Sessions—a ten-week online program open to clarinetists of all ages, backgrounds, and skills, featuring seminars and lectures by guest artists from around the world.
His professional profile includes national and international masterclasses, guest artist performances, lecture presentations and clinics, and world premieres of commissioned solo works.
Gareth Dylan Smith
Associate Professor of Music, Music Education
Gareth Dylan Smith has made significant and multifaceted contributions to the field of music education research, particularly focusing on popular music education, the sociocultural dimensions of music learning, and drum kit pedagogy.
His creative output encompasses academic books, peer-reviewed journal articles, edited volumes, and practitioner-oriented publications. His work supports educators in adopting innovative and authentic music teaching methods, particularly in drum kit and popular music instruction. He has a robust and sustained record of professional service marked by leadership roles in multiple international music education organizations, extensive peer review contributions for prominent publishers and journals, and active conference organization.