Dean Goodstein to step down from College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities post

CLEMSON — Clemson University College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities Dean Richard E. Goodstein has announced that he will step down effective Aug. 15, 2019.

Goodstein will return to the faculty of the performing arts department, where he served as chair from 1998 until 2010. He was appointed dean of the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities in 2011 after serving as interim dean for a year. Goodstein first joined the faculty of Clemson University in 1982, working with the bands first as assistant director and then as director of bands beginning in 1990.

“It’s a great time for the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities. I am proud of our college’s growth, our quality programs and our many contributions to furthering the university’s ClemsonForward goals,” Goodstein said. “After leading the college for almost a decade, I am looking forward to my return to teaching.”

Goodstein also plans to continue his consulting work with Disney and its All-American College Band, a relationship that began in 1987.

“Dean Goodstein has provided strong and passionate leadership in the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities for nine years,” said Clemson University President James P. Clements. “His devoted service to the university and his commitment to excellence will have an enduring impact on Clemson students and alumni, faculty and staff. Rick also is an accomplished teacher and I am pleased that he will continue to share his knowledge and experience with our students in the classroom.”

During his tenure as dean of the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities, Goodstein:

• Launched interdisciplinary, undergraduate degree programs in Pan African Studies, Women’s Leadership and World Cinema.
• Established an innovative, interdisciplinary Master of Resilient Urban Design program. Also, a Ph.D. program in Digital History is in development.
• Achieved and maintained top national rankings for some of the university’s most lauded programs, including construction science and management, architecture and landscape architecture.
• Expanded scholarship opportunities and other initiatives through more than $35 million in private gifts, bequests and other private giving to the college.
• Shepherded the college through a $3.1 million budget cut after the 2008 recession without sacrificing faculty, staff or the quality of academic programs.
• Opened Lee III, one of the most energy-efficient academic buildings in the United States.
• Created a virtual Humanities Hub to advance the outreach, scholarship and teaching of the humanities at Clemson. It will take physical form as part of the upcoming expansion of Daniel Hall.
• Founded a Hall of Fame to honor exceptional alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the college who have made a significant impact on its educational, research and service goals.

“Dean Goodstein is a highly respected leader among our faculty, students and alumni,” said Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Robert Jones. “His administrative colleagues see him as a model for positive leadership built on respect, collaboration and data-driven decision-making.

“The results are clear,” Jones said. “His college not only survived the financial downturn of 2008-09, but has since thrived with upward momentum that will continue for the foreseeable future.”

The College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities has nine academic divisions: the School of Architecture and the departments of construction science and management, English, history, languages, performing arts, philosophy and religion, city planning and real estate development, and visual arts.

A search committee has convened and the national search for the new dean is well under way.