January 29, 2003

Pomo to lead School of the Arts

Roberto Pomo has been named interim director of the CSUS School of the Arts. The announcement was made Jan. 21 by William Sullivan, dean of the College of Arts and Letters.

Pomo joined the University in 1999 as chair of the University's department of theatre and dance and will continue in that capacity while he serves as interim director.

"Since his appointment in 1999, professor Pomo has given strong leadership to shaping the theatre arts curriculum and strengthening the department's engagement with performing arts organizations throughout the Capital Region," Sullivan said.

Pomo earned his doctorate from the University of Utah, his master's degree from UC Davis and his bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University. Included among the many honors he has received are two fellowships from the National Endowment of Humanities. The first was to the Center for 20th Century Studies at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee and the second was to the University of Puerto Rico in Rio Piedras.

In addition he has worked for the Sundance Institute. His most recent publication is an anthology of drama and theater that includes theater history, criticism and film.

Pomo said the work of the University and the School of the Arts "is fully committed to vibrant, artistic participation throughout Sacramento and the region. We continue to make significant connections for our students in forming liaisons, internships and other professional opportunities. It is a tribute that so many members of the artistic community in this area are graduates of this University. We have a rich past and an exciting future."

The appointment of Pomo follows the resignation of Rollin Potter as director of the School of the Arts. Potter was the founding director and shaped its structure both in internal and external relationships. Potter joined the University in 1990 as chair of the department of music. Potter plans to assume new responsibilities outside of the area in arts administration.

The School of the Arts was founded in the spring of 2000 to coordinate and strengthen the University's strong commitment to the arts. It brought together the departments of art, design, music, and theatre and dance. More than 100 professors and nearly 1,000 majors are involved in a coordinated arts community on campus.

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