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Jeff Beekman just took over leadership at one of the nation’s top-ranked art schools. The University of Arizona School of Art appointed him as director, effective July 1, 2026. This marks a major leadership shift for a school educating nearly 700 students across highly ranked programs.
🔥 Quick Facts
- New Director: Jeff Beekman comes from Florida State University, where he chaired the Department of Art since 2023
- School Size: Nearly 700 major and 60 graduate students, with 30 full-time and 14 adjunct faculty members
- Top-Ranked Program: School’s Photography and Video programs ranked No. 3 nationally by U.S. News & World Report
- Background: Beekman received an Emerging Arts Administrators Fellowship in 2023 and earned his BFA from University of Florida, MFA from University of New Mexico
A Leader Coming from FSU with Strong Track Record
Beekman’s tenure at Florida State University demonstrates substantial administrative success. Since joining FSU in 2013, he progressed through multiple leadership roles, including director of BA programs and associate chair before becoming full department chair in 2023. As chair, he secured additional faculty lines and arranged over $1 million in facility upgrades.
Beyond brick and mortar, Beekman fundraised more than $1.2 million for Studio Arts, doubling the department’s previous endowment. He expanded collaborative initiatives, bringing partnerships with CERN, the Florida Department of Community Corrections, and the Jacksonville Zoo into student projects.
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An Artist-Administrator Who Values Collaboration
Beekman isn’t just an administrator, he’s a practicing artist whose work explores landscapes and human-environmental relationships. His lens-based projects have exhibited across the U.S. and internationally in New Zealand, Australia, China, South Korea, Hungary, England, Ecuador, Italy, and Vietnam. This dual identity as both artist and leader shapes his philosophy about breaking down institutional barriers.
Dean Hasan Elahi of the College of Fine Arts and Arizona Arts praised Beekman as a leader who brings care, curiosity, and deep respect for artists and educators. This approach aligns perfectly with Arizona‘s mission to expand creative horizons.
University of Arizona School of Art’s Impressive Scope
The University of Arizona School of Art operates at a significant scale in the Southwest creative landscape. With nearly 700 undergraduates and 60 graduate students, the school maintains 30 full-time faculty and 14 adjunct positions across diverse disciplines. This substantial faculty ensures mentorship and specialized instruction across all major art forms.
| Program Detail | Information |
| Total Students | Nearly 700 undergraduates, 60 graduate students |
| Faculty | 30 full-time, 14 adjunct faculty members |
| Top-Ranked Programs | Photography and Video, ranked No. 3 nationally (U.S. News & World Report) |
| Director Start Date | July 1, 2026 |
“Overcoming institutional silos can be difficult, but when done well it opens opportunities for students and faculty. It facilitates a culture of collaboration, creativity and inclusion within the department and beyond.”
— Jeff Beekman, School of Art Director
Replacing Leadership After a Decade of Direction
Beekman succeeds Colin Blakely, who directed the school for 10 years before departing in July 2025 to become associate provost at the Rhode Island School of Design. During the interim period, Professor Karen Zimmermann served as temporary director, keeping the school running smoothly through the transition.
The search process began in November 2025 when the university publicly announced the directorship opening. The successful selection of Beekman demonstrates the school’s commitment to finding a leader who combines artistic credibility with administrative innovation and collaborative vision.
What’s Next for Arizona Art Under Beekman’s Leadership?
Beekman expressed excitement about joining the University of Arizona, citing the school’s caliber and faculty quality as major draws. He noted his deep love for the American West, positioning his arrival as both a professional and personal fit. His stated goal is to connect people, ideas, and resources across the school, college, university, and community to expand future horizons.
Given his success fundraising $1.2 million at FSU and his track record securing facility improvements, the University of Arizona School of Art may expect enhanced resources and expanded partnerships during his tenure. Will Beekman’s collaborative approach transform how Arizona Art engages with the broader Tucson community and beyond?
Sources
- KVOA News 4 Tucson – Coverage of Jeff Beekman’s appointment and leadership background at FSU
- University of Arizona College of Fine Arts – Information on School of Art enrollment, faculty, and ranked programs
- Florida State University Department of Art – Details on Beekman’s prior administrative roles and achievements
