Welcome Dean Petrella!
The College of the Arts is thrilled to welcome Diane H. Petrella, D.M.A. as Dean effective July 1, 2021. Dean Petrella was selected for the position of Dean following a national search.
Dean Petrella joins Kent State University's College of the Arts after 16 years at the University of Missouri-Kansas City's (UMKC) Conservatory, where she served as Dean from 2016 to 2021. At UMKC, Petrella had oversight of all academic, fiscal, development, personnel and administrative functions as chief executive officer.
“I am excited to join the visionary leadership team at Kent State,” Petrella said. “The College of the Arts is home to many outstanding programs, and I look forward to collaborating with the faculty, staff and students to increase the impact and accessibility of the arts, both nationally and internationally. I am grateful for this opportunity and eager to join the Kent State community.”
As Dean of the College of the Arts, Dr. Petrella will oversee the Schools of Art, Fashion, Music, and Theatre and Dance; the Kent State University Museum; and the Kent Blossom Art Festival programs (Kent Blossom Art Intensives, Kent Blossom Music Festival, and Porthouse Theatre.)