Thursday, August 25, 2005

WRITER/CONTACT: Dana Vannoy, (706) 542-1511, dlvannoy@uga.edu

RICK JOHNSON NAMED DIRECTOR OF UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA'S STUDIES ABROAD PROGRAM IN CORTONA, ITALY

Professor Rick Johnson has been named the new director of the Lamar Dodd School of Art's Studies Abroad Program in Cortona, Italy. He will assume the position in January 2006. Johnson has been at UGA for 33 years, 26 as a faculty member in the Lamar Dodd School of Art where he has taught book arts, printmaking, graphic design and photography, and eight in University Student Administration.

“For the last seven years, Rick Johnson has served as the associate director of the School of Art and has done a remarkable job working with the students, faculty and staff," says Carmon Colangelo, director of the Lamar Dodd School of Art. “Rick is widely known to be one of the students’ favorite teachers and is a great person to work with. He also demonstrates a clear sense of vision and passion for the Cortona program."

A nationally recognized book artist and graphic designer, Johnson earned his BA in psychology from Louisiana State University in 1969 and his MFA in graphic design from UGA in 1976. In addition to being a student on Cortona program, Johnson has taught in the Cortona program on seven different occasions since 1984.

“With his experience and affection for the program I can't imagine anyone better qualified to take over the helm,” says R.G. Brown, who has directed the Cortona program since 1998. With the program in the “safe hands” of Johnson, Brown can devote his time to teaching sculpture and to art-making. Says Brown, “I know he will take the program to a higher level."

The Cortona Studies Abroad Program has been a leader in international arts education for more than 35 years. The program provides an opportunity for art students who wishe to combine international travel with an intensive studio and classroom experience. The medieval hill town of Cortona offers a rich historical environment where students can easily integrate with the lifestyle of a typical Italian community.

"Rick Johnson will make an ideal director for the Cortona Program,” said Franklin College Associate Dean Hugh Ruppersburg. “His enthusiasm and energy, along with his many years of experience, will help the program continue to build on its record of excellence as the oldest and among the most distinguished of UGA study abroad programs. Cortona is a unique resource that has contributed to the University's national reputation. Rick will honor and strengthen the goals of this valuable program."