Leadership Overview
School of Visual Arts has 6 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, information technology, institutional leadership, and academic program management.
Dedicated to advancing creative excellence, School of Visual Arts fosters an interdisciplinary environment where students master lens-based media, critical theory, and professional practice for success in the modern digital landscape.
Dedicated to advancing creative excellence, School of Visual Arts fosters an interdisciplinary environment where students master lens-based media, critical theory, and professional practice for success in the modern digital landscape.
Leadership Roles at School of Visual Arts
Dennis Mayer - Chief Financial Officer
Dennis Mayer, the Chief Financial Officer at School of Visual Arts, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation for the graduate lens arts program. Overseeing budgetary planning, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the financial sustainability of the MFA Photography, Video, and Related Media department. This role involves coordinating with academic leadership to fund advanced studio equipment and digital infrastructure necessary for high-level artistic production. By optimizing operational expenditures, Dennis Mayer directly supports the expansion of interdisciplinary curriculum offerings. The Chief Financial Officer maintains rigorous oversight of institutional assets, ensuring that financial strategies align with the long-term educational mission. Through careful management of tuition revenue and grant funding, Mayer secures the resources required for students to excel in fine arts galleries and commercial sectors. This financial discipline enables the program to remain a leader in lens and screen arts education within the competitive New York market.
David Rhodes - President
David Rhodes, the President at School of Visual Arts, directs the overarching institutional strategy and academic vision for the graduate lens arts program. Overseeing the alignment of curriculum with evolving industry standards, the President ensures that the MFA Photography, Video, and Related Media program maintains its reputation for excellence. This role involves fostering partnerships with fine arts galleries and commercial entities to provide students with professional opportunities. By championing critical thinking and historical inquiry, David Rhodes shapes the intellectual framework of the degree program. The President coordinates with department heads to refine the focus on still and moving images, ensuring the program meets the demands of a social media-driven world. Through strategic leadership, Rhodes drives the growth of the institution, expanding the reach of the program across North American and international creative markets. This commitment to academic rigor defines the institutional impact of the President.
Jin Lee - MARS Co-President
Jin Lee, the MARS Co-President at School of Visual Arts, manages the specific operational and creative initiatives within the MFA Photography, Video, and Related Media program. Overseeing the daily execution of interdisciplinary projects, the MARS Co-President ensures that students receive comprehensive training in both still and moving image production. This role involves facilitating collaboration between faculty and students to bridge the gap between aesthetic theory and commercial practice. By driving the development of specialized workshops in documentary filmmaking and installation art, Jin Lee enhances the program's practical output. The MARS Co-President works closely with other leadership to refine the curriculum, ensuring it remains relevant for graduates entering the fashion and fine arts sectors. Through the coordination of student exhibitions and professional development events, Lee supports the transition of creative professionals into the digital universe. This leadership role directly impacts the quality and visibility of student work.
Bishnu Poudel - President
Bishnu Poudel, the President at School of Visual Arts, oversees the administrative governance and long-term development of the graduate lens arts program. Managing the institutional framework, the President ensures that the MFA Photography, Video, and Related Media program adheres to the highest standards of academic and creative integrity. This role involves engaging with stakeholders to secure the resources necessary for maintaining state-of-the-art facilities in New York. By driving initiatives that integrate history and aesthetics into the curriculum, Bishnu Poudel shapes the educational experience for aspiring artists. The President coordinates with the board to define the strategic direction of the program, focusing on its role in the global creative economy. Through the promotion of interdisciplinary practices, Poudel ensures that graduates are prepared for diverse careers in still-life, fashion, and documentary filmmaking. This leadership role provides the stability and vision required for the program to thrive in a competitive educational landscape.
Kevin O'Callaghan - President
Kevin O'Callaghan, the President at School of Visual Arts, leads the creative direction and pedagogical innovation within the MFA Photography, Video, and Related Media program. Overseeing the development of unique studio practices, the President ensures that the curriculum emphasizes both technical mastery and conceptual depth. This role involves mentoring students as they navigate the complexities of fine arts galleries and commercial filmmaking. By driving the integration of new media and traditional techniques, Kevin O'Callaghan fosters an environment of constant experimentation. The President collaborates with industry professionals to ensure that the program remains aligned with current trends in the digital universe. Through the oversight of faculty recruitment and curriculum design, O'Callaghan maintains the program's status as a premier destination for lens-based artists. This leadership role directly supports the professional success of graduates, ensuring they possess the skills needed to excel in the modern creative marketplace.

Cosmin T. - Chief Information Officer
Cosmin T., the Chief Information Officer at School of Visual Arts, architects the digital infrastructure supporting the MFA Photography, Video, and Related Media program. Managing the complex network of high-end imaging labs and video editing suites, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless access to cutting-edge technology for all graduate students. This role involves integrating advanced software platforms with traditional lens-based practices to prepare artists for a digital-first universe. By overseeing the technical requirements for installation practices and documentary filmmaking, Cosmin T. drives the modernization of the curriculum. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with faculty to implement new media tools that enhance critical thinking and aesthetic development. Through the maintenance of robust data systems and creative hardware, T. provides the foundation for student success in fashion and still-life industries. This technical leadership ensures that the program remains at the forefront of technological innovation in the arts.
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