Dr. P. Gregory Warden examines an artifact at the previous Etruscan art exhibit at the Meadows Museum. (Photo Courtesy of SMU)
SMU Professor and Assiociate Dean P. Gregory Warden will be moving to Lugano, Switzerland this summer as the new president of Franklin College.
After spending 30 years at SMU as a distinguished art history professor and associate dean for research and academic affairs at the Meadows School of the Arts, Dr. Warden will leave SMU at the end of the 2011 to 2012 school year and will begin his presidency at Franklin College July 1, 2012.
Although Franklin College is about 5,000 miles away, SMU maintains a close relationship by sending students over to the Lugano, Switzerland school each year as part of the SMU study abroad program.
Though many students, professors and faculty will be sad to see Dr. Warden go, they are also very excited for his accomplishment.
“We are very sorry to see Greg leave SMU, but at the same time we are thrilled for him—it’s an incredible honor to be chosen for such an important and prestigious position, and we know he will make an exceptional leader for Franklin College,” Dean of the Meadows School Jose Bowen said.
He searched all over the globe for 11 months and then was unanimously chosen by Franklin’s board of trustees from a pool of more than 100 candidates including current and former college presidents, deans and many other experienced intellectuals.
Chairman of the Board at Franklin College Pascal F. Tone said Dr. Warden’s accomplishments and credentials made him a convincing candidate from the get go.
“Few individuals possess the unique blend of successful experiences in scholarship, higher education leadership, dedication to students, capacity to attract resources and managerial acumen that he now brings to Franklin,” Tone said.
Not only has Dr. Warden served at SMU since 1982, but he’s earned several accolades during his tenure with the university. He currently serves as the associate dean for research and academic affairs for the Meadows School and he was also the chair of the art history department for six years, interim director of the Meadows Museum and interim chair of the Division of Arts Administration for tow years.
He also co-founded and directed the SMU-in-Italy program for over 20 years.
And if this isn’t enough to display his capabilities, he also wrote and co-wrote five books and over 70 articles and reviews regarding topics ranging from Greek archaeology to Etruscan art, archaeology and Roman architecture. He has lectured internationally and has organized exhibits at the Meadows Museum.
“While I am looking forward to this leadership opportunity at Franklin College, I will miss SMU and the community that has been so supportive of Diane and me over the past 30 years,” Dr. Warden said.
“SMU is an exceptional institution, the Meadows School under José Bowen’s leadership is an exciting and inspiring place, and Dallas is one of the most welcoming and supportive cities in the world. I look forward to maintaining close ties with our many friends and colleagues in Texas.”
