Andrew W. Polk III

Andrew Polk respected by coworkers, will return to UA next year

Andrew W. Polk III, director of the school of art in the College of Fine Arts, announced his resignation from the position yesterday.

Polk was appointed as interim director of what was then the department of art in 1994. He was unable to be reached for comment.

During his time as director, Polk helped the department of art achieve national accreditation by the National Association of schools of art and Design. He later led the former art department to attain school of art status.

Colleagues spoke highly of Polk's work as director.

"Andy is a fantastic person, and as far as an administrator and faculty member, he's exceptional. He is a true asset to our school," said Maxine Marquez, an administrative secretary in the school of art.

Polk will spend spring semester teaching the University of Arizona's art and humanities program in Florence, Italy. Afterward, he will return to the UA campus as director of the studio art foundation program and an art professor.

Dennis L. Jones, a current professor in the school, will serve as interim director of the school of art until a permanent director is hired.

Jones has been part of UA's art faculty since 1983 and is a nationally exhibited artist. He also has administrative experience in the School of Art's sculpture and graduate programs. In 1999, he was appointed interim dean of the graduate college.

In a climate of frequent budget cuts, Jones said he is being realistic about his new position.

"It offers many new challenges that would challenge anybody," he said.