Robert C. Davidson, Jr. Re-elected, Third Term as Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Art Center College of Design

The Board of Trustees of Art Center College of Design announced today that Robert C. Davidson, Jr. has been re-elected to a third term as board chairman. The unanimous vote of confidence by his peers represents an endorsement of his exceptional leadership, deep commitment to the strategic growth of the College and unwavering dedication to delivering the best education possible to each individual student.

Davidson is the first African-American to serve as board chairman at Art Center, and among the first African-Americans to assume Board leadership of a member institution within the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design.

“It’s abundantly clear that the College—and the Board itself—has thrived under Bob’s leadership,” said Dr. Lorne M. Buchman, president of Art Center. “The Board and I unanimously voted to re-elect him to ensure the forward momentum he has so thoughtfully facilitated.”

“My guiding principal in every decision we make is always to ask how will this strengthen student learning,” said Davidson. “It is paramount that we provide our future creative leaders with resources to maximize their long-term success.”

Davidson has served on the Board since 2004. As chairman since 2010, he has contributed significant guidance and oversight to numerous committees, including Executive, Advancement and Lead Gifts, Audit, Governance and Compensation. During his Board chairmanship, the College initiated a five-year strategic plan already realized, in part, through the launch of four new degree programs, thoughtful campus expansion, Board growth and engagement, and record-breaking financial support from Board members and alumni.

The Board also announced today the election of Art Center alumnus and lynda.com co-founder Bruce Heavin as a Trustee. Heavin, who earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration, will serve on the Board’s Academic Affairs and Facilities committees.

“I’ve realized that everything the College has achieved in recent years is in direct support of its students,” Heavin said. “I’ve been a staunch advocate and longtime supporter of my alma mater, and now it’s especially rewarding to join the Board during this important era of growth and advancement in Art Center’s history.”

“Bruce’s knowledge and expertise will be extremely valuable as the College builds a robust curriculum in the virtual space online,” said Fred Fehlau, provost at Art Center. “The goal is to make our unique brand of rigorous art and design education available to the global community of students who desire to become the culture makers, professional influencers and leaders of the creative economy.”

About Art Center College of Design

Founded in 1930 and located in Pasadena, California, Art Center College of Design (artcenter.edu) is a global leader in art and design education. Art Center offers 11 undergraduate and six graduate degrees in a wide variety of visual and applied arts as well as industrial design disciplines. In addition to its top-ranked academic programs, the College also serves members of the Greater Los Angeles region through a highly regarded series of year-round educational programs for all ages and levels of experience. Renowned for both its ties to industry and its social impact initiatives, Art Center is the first design school to receive the United Nations’ Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) status. Throughout the College’s long and storied history, Art Center alumni have had a profound impact on popular culture, the way we live and important issues in our society.