DETROIT - Dean Sharon L. Vasquez of the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts (CFPCA) announced today that she is leaving the university to become provost of the University of Hartford in Hartford, Conn., effective August 16, 2010. Vasquez has been dean of the college for six years.

"Though we will miss her at Wayne State, this is a great opportunity for Sharon," said Wayne State University President Jay Noren, "and we wish her every success as she takes this major step along her career path."

Noren said he intends to appoint an interim dean until a permanent replacement can be found.

Under Vasquez's leadership the college exceeded its goal for the Wayne First capital campaign, launched the Ovation Awards to recognize distinguished alumni and friends of the university, and increased its influence and visibility both locally and nationally. Vasquez also bolstered the college's ability to address the training and future employability needs of students. In 2008, she launched an incubator for creative sector-based businesses at TechTown, the university's high-tech research park, and implemented "ARTreprenuership" training modules to help students gain hands-on business knowledge for careers in the arts.

She most recently spearheaded the formation of a new partnership, called the Creative Film Alliance, with the University of Michigan and Michigan State University to drive above-the-line workforce development in Michigan's burgeoning film industry.

Other recent milestones include her work to establish a shared television studio space with Channel 56 in Wayne State's Maccabees Building, and recent efforts to pursue renovation and expansion of the Hilberry Theatre. What's being called "The Hilberry Gateway project" is expected to begin this fall.

"This decision has been a difficult one both personally and professionally as I have found my work with the many valuable staff and colleagues here at Wayne invigorating, rewarding and productive," Vasquez said. "As I look forward to a new set of responsibilities at the University of Hartford, I remain appreciative of the relationships built at Wayne State University and the collective accomplishments of this fine institution. I will of course work closely with my staff to insure a smooth transition and believe that the collective work of this college over these past six years has affirmed its extraordinary contributions to the university, the region and beyond."

Vasquez, who began her career as a dancer/choreographer, holds master of fine arts (MFA) and bachelor of fine arts (BFA) degrees from Florida State University. She also earned a CMA (advanced certification in Movement Analysis) from the Laban Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies in New York. Her continuing education includes the Institute for Management and Leadership in Education at Harvard University and the Summer Institute for Women in Higher Education Administration at Bryn Mawr.

Vasquez's work in the performance world led to experience as a choreographer and director in professional and academic settings including numerous workshops presented in the U.S. and abroad, a Fulbright Award for work in Peru, and participation in the USA/Netherlands Cultural Exchange.

A strong advocate and visible spokesperson for the arts in Detroit and nationally, Vasquez has served on numerous nonprofit boards, state arts councils, peer review panels and K-12 task forces. She is in high demand as a consultant for arts program development and recently was asked to be an accreditation specialist for the Hong Kong Council on Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Programs.

Vasquez is president-elect of the International Council of Fine Arts Deans and past chair of the Commission on Accreditation for the National Association of Schools of Dance. She previously was president of the Council of Dance Administrators and has also been active in ACE Michigan's State Network for Women. She serves on the board of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

"Sharon leaves behind a legacy of cohesiveness and a greater sense of shared success within CFPCA than was the case when she came to Wayne State," Noren said. "She has increased cooperation among the college's units; integrated the latest technology into both administration and academics; and promoted a team approach to problem-solving that has strengthened the college as a whole. The University of Hartford is fortunate to have her join its ranks."

Wayne State University is a premier urban research university offering more than 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 32,000 students.