New Dean Starts Duties at VCU-Qatar

By Tom Gresham

Allyson Vanstone, most recently the chair of design at Cornish College of Arts in Seattle, has started work as the new dean at Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar.

Vanstone, who received a Master of Fine Arts in Visual Communication Design from York University, previously served as dean of the School of Design at Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design in Vancouver, British Columbia, and led the Communication Technology Program at Dubai Woman's College. She also taught studio, humanities and theory courses at York and at Emily Carr.

"Allyson Vanstone's appointment signals a significant expansion of design research applied to the issues confronting Qatar, now one of the wealthiest countries in the world on a per capita basis," said Richard Toscan, vice provost for International Affairs and dean of the VCU School of the Arts. "Vanstone brings to VCU Qatar considerable experience developing partnerships with design professionals and the corporate community in both Seattle and Vancouver ranging from natural resource-based industries to high tech centers."

Vanstone, who has 16 years of experience in design and education, said she is excited about her new opportunity.

"From the first moment I met my new colleagues, advisory board members and students, I knew VCUQ was an academic environment I would be proud to join," Vanstone said. "I am inspired by the high level of commitment to education and professional exploration of contemporary design issues. My aim is to guide and support the innovative and creative endeavors of all members of VCUQ and our many collaborators."