Leadership at the College of Fine Arts
From Dr. Gloria Waters, University Provost and Chief Academic Officer
As Dean Harvey Young prepares to conclude his service as dean of the College of Fine Arts (CFA) while continuing in his role as Vice President for the Arts, I am pleased to share that Lynne Allen, professor of art and chair of Print Media & Photography, has been appointed to serve as the college’s interim dean, effective July 1, 2026.
Professor Allen is a highly respected artist, educator, and academic leader who has been a valued member of the Boston University community for 20 years. In addition to her current role as chair of Print Media & Photography, she previously served with distinction as director of the School of Visual Arts from 2006 to 2015 and as dean ad interim of CFA from 2015 to 2017. Collaborative and strategic, Professor Allen’s accomplishments through the years have included raising nearly $25M toward the University’s campaign, investing in and expanding learning spaces, and launching in-house marketing and recruitment efforts for CFA’s online programs. She has also engaged with the broader University community in several capacities, having been a member of the University Appointments, Promotion, and Tenure Committee, a trusted mentor to Fulbright Scholar applicants, and a participant in the recent provost search.
An internationally recognized artist and scholar in printmaking and contemporary art, Professor Allen’s work has been exhibited widely throughout the United States and abroad. Her work is included in the collections of major institutions including the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Museum of Modern Art Library, the New York Public Library, the Library of Congress, and the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. Her exhibitions and collaborations have spanned Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America, reflecting both the global reach of her artistic practice and her longstanding engagement with international arts communities.
Professor Allen’s many honors and distinctions include a 2025 Guggenheim Fellowship, two Fulbright Scholarships, Andrew W. Mellon Foundation research grants, and numerous awards recognizing excellence in both artistic achievement and scholarship. Her broad experience as an artist, educator, administrator, and mentor positions her exceptionally well to lead CFA during this transition.
Prior to joining Boston University, Professor Allen served as a professor of art at Rutgers University, director of the Brodsky Center (formerly the Rutgers Center for Innovative Print and Paper), and master printer and educational director at the Tamarind Institute. She holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of New Mexico, a Master of Arts for Teachers degree from the University of Washington, and a bachelor’s degree from Kutztown University.
The search for permanent leadership for CFA will commence at the end of the 2026-27 academic year. During this period of transition, I am grateful to Professor Allen for her willingness to step into this important role and confident that the College of Fine Arts will continue to thrive under her leadership.