Dear Cooper Union,

As we prepare for the start of the second half of our academic year together, I am writing to share some bittersweet though exciting news. At the end of December, School of Art Dean Mike Essl let us know that he would be stepping down from his role as dean at the conclusion of the fall semester. Mike has been presented with the chance to pursue what is, in his words, his “dream job” as designer and author of four new books for Marvel and Dark Horse Comics – a new opportunity he is very excited to begin. As many of you know, this decision returns Mike to a practice that he is deeply passionate about – a practice he deferred more than a decade ago when he first prioritized the fight for Cooper’s return to full-tuition scholarships and later took on the roles of acting dean and dean in 2016 and 2017, respectively. A 1996 graduate of the School of Art and longtime faculty member here, Mike will take a leave, effective immediately, to work on the books and then a well-deserved sabbatical. He will return to teaching at Cooper for the fall semester of 2025.

Fortunately for Cooper, Mike’s partner in stewarding the School of Art has been Adriana Farmiga. Also a member of the School of Art’s Class of 1996, Adriana became assistant dean in 2017 and associate dean in 2018; she’s been a member of the faculty since 2011. A strong advocate of Cooper’s dynamic, collaborative learning environment and its return to free education, Adriana is also a practicing artist. Her transdisciplinary work encompasses drawing, sculpture, video and site-specific installations that explore autobiography and perceptual shifts. Adriana has participated in numerous residencies and received fellowships including Joan Mitchell (2016), Art Omi (2019) and MacDowell (2017). Her work has been widely exhibited including in such venues as: Spinello Gallery, Miami; Mother Gallery, Beacon; Morgan Lehman Gallery, New York; Marisa Newman Projects, New York; La Mama Gallery, New York; The Ukrainian Museum, New York; and The Ukrainian Institute, Chicago.

I am delighted to announce that Adriana will move into the role of acting dean, also effective immediately, ensuring consistency for School of Art students, faculty, and staff.

There is much from Dean Essl’s time at Cooper for us to build on together as a community. Highlights of his tenure include collaborations with faculty to introduce Digital Techniques; to reimagine course structures, giving students more time in studio with faculty; and to realign credit requirements for first-year students with the goal of opening up more creative time and creating a smoother transition to college life. When the pandemic shut down in-person learning, Mike spearheaded a major initiative, along with faculty and technicians, to get equipment and materials to students at home. Also during his time as dean, he secured grant funding to support students in technology, launching the Computational Studio class. He supported the launch of the AACE Lab and positively impacted the composition of the School of Art’s faculty, hiring five new full-time faculty in seven years’ time.

Mike has also contributed meaningfully to the work of restoring free tuition at Cooper, not only as a passionate voice and advocate in the years leading up to our 10-Year Plan to Return to Full-Tuition Scholarships, but also through his involvement in critical early fundraising that helped to launch it – nearly six years later, that plan has achieved overwhelmingly positive momentum and is on track.

Similarly, the School of Art is in a strong position for a successful leadership transition in 2024 and beyond. We are incredibly grateful to Dean Essl for his relentless commitment to The Cooper Union and its legacy, and we are so pleased for Acting Dean Farmiga as she works along with faculty to further shape the future for the School of Art. Mike has graciously agreed to work with Adriana and me into the spring semester 2024 to help ensure a smooth transition, and I will shortly begin discussions with School of Art faculty on next steps and a timeline for a search in the fall semester 2024.

Please join me in sharing your congratulations both for Mike in his new venture and for Adriana as she steps into the work of Acting Dean this semester. And, importantly, please do read a message from Mike Essl below.

Demetrius

 

Dear Colleagues and Students,

I shared news with President Sparks late last month that an incredible opportunity had emerged for me to design and author four new books for Marvel and Dark Horse Comics, publishers I have loved all my life. It was an opportunity that came together very quickly, and I have much gratitude for Laura, Demetrius Eudell, and Adriana Farmiga, who worked with me to make the necessary adjustments that would allow me to pursue what, for me, are dream projects.

Seven years ago, I accepted the position of dean of the School of Art, which followed my one year as acting dean. As many of you know, my decision to serve in these roles had everything to do with our students and with my fierce belief that we, all of us, have a responsibility to steward The Cooper Union in a way that honors Peter Cooper’s founding vision. Because I was so integrally involved with the fight to return to free tuition, I felt it was equally my duty to help get us there.

In these seven years, I can honestly say that I have seen first-hand what a positive turnaround story can look like. The Cooper Union is well on its way to restoring the legacy of providing an education that is second-to-none and without the financial burden and barrier that tuition can be for so many.

I am also very proud of the progress we have made in the School of Art, both in terms of growing and diversifying our faculty, and seeing the level of sheer creativity and ingenuity that our students discover about themselves and produce in their studios semester after semester. I am thankful for the commitment of our faculty and staff and their deep dedication to our students; and I am particularly thankful for the partnership I have shared with Adriana as we worked side by side for the entirety of my time as dean.

The School of Art will be in excellent hands from this point forward with Adriana stepping into the role as acting dean.

Thank you again to everyone for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of Cooper’s story – a place that has meant so much to me I literally tattooed it on my chest. And thank you, again, to Laura, Demetrius, Adriana, and our faculty, students, and alumni for making it possible for me to move quickly and say “yes” to the exciting work ahead of me. I look forward to returning to the classroom in the fall of 2025.

--mike