Dean Charles L. Metten Announces His Retirement

Published: November 17, 2003 | Author: Renee Ballenger | Read Time: 3 minutes

Dr. Charles Metten, Dean of the Southern Utah University College Performing and Visual Arts, announced today his plans to retire, effective June 30, 2004.

Metten came to SUU in July 1998 to serve as the founding dean of the newly-formed College of Performing and Visual Arts.

“Chuck Metten’s vision, enthusiasm and remarkable experience made him a splendid founding dean for this vital new college,” SUU President Bennion states. “After a distinguished career as professor and chair of the department of theatre arts at BYU, SUU was fortunate to lure Dr. Metten out of retirement to provide the leadership and advocacy needed to successfully launch this new college. He leaves a special legacy and will certainly be missed!”

Metten’s vision and passion for the arts will, indeed, long be remembered. From his own background as a talented actor who has been seen in numerous SUU and Utah Shakespearean Festival plays; as a creative and seasoned director; to a strong advocate of art, dance, music and theatre; his impact on SUU’s performing and visual arts will remain in the treasured annals of the institution.

Provost Abe Harraf notes: “Charles Metten’s imprint on the performing and visual arts at SUU provides a most important series of contributions. Under his watch, SUU launched its new MFA in Arts Administration; started a new emphasis in graphic design that is growing in numbers and quality; became the official owner of the Burch Mann American Folk Ballet Company; and moved many of the faculty and instructional functions of the college into the new South Hall this past summer, to name just a few important initiatives.”

Fred Adams, Founder and Executive Producer of the Utah Shakespearean Festival, adds further insight on Charles Metten. “Before Chuck came to serve full-time at SUU, I had the delightful opportunity to associate with him on an intermittent basis. He kindly came to Cedar City during the early years of the Festival to play a key role in Julius Caesar. On short notice, he came to SUU in the fall of 1997 to play the lead role for the University in Woman in Black. His service with the Utah Shakespearean Festival has been of immense importance as a leader, colleague, actor and friend. We will miss him greatly!”

Dance faculty member and Associate Chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance Shauna Mendini observes: “To work with Dean Chuck in the advancement of the arts has been a joy. His enthusiasm, passion and wonderful sense of humor have made his years with us exciting and filled with new opportunities. He has been a special friend and mentor to so many of us.”

Metten, in regards to his service at SUU, states: “It has been a very special joy of my life to cap my professional career at this great University as the founding dean of the College of Performing and Visual Arts. To the faculty and staff, to students, to the administration, supporters of the arts and to so many artistic colleagues/friends, I want to express my profound appreciation for the journey with you at SUU.” He concludes, “After extensive time reflecting and visiting with my dear wife Pat, I feel that this is the time to move on.”

A national search to hire Metten’s replacement will be launched in the near future.

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