Photo Credit: School of the Art Institute of Chicago
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago has named Jiseon Lee Isbara as its new president.
On Thursday, Feb. 15, the School announced in an email that Jiseon will replace Elissa Tenny as its leader. Jiseon’s term will begin on July 16. A leader in higher education and an accomplished textile artist, Jiseon will be the second woman in SAIC’s history to lead the school.
Jiseon currently serves as provost at Otis College of Art and Design in California. According to the email sent by SAIC, Jiseon made critical contributions to improve Otis’s student experience, by revising the curriculum so it aligns with mental health and career preparedness. She was also a champion in strengthening the school’s diversity, equity, and inclusion infrastructure, the email said.
Jiseon’s professional experience also includes several roles at the Oregon College of Art and Craft, including interim president, dean of academic affairs and chief academic officer, and head of the fiber department. During her 16-year tenure at OCAC she also taught as a faculty member.
“In each of her roles, she has shown a deep understanding of the innovations and evolutions driving effective teaching and learning. At both OCAC and Otis, she demonstrated a clear ability to bring students, faculty, and staff together to drive meaningful change,” the School wrote.
Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, Jiseon received a Master of Fine Arts degree from Colorado State University and a Master of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees from Ewha Womans University in Seoul. In addition to her years of experience in art education, Jiseon has exhibited her work around the world.
The School said it believes Jiseon will bring a significant record of bold and courageous leadership, administrative and financial acumen, and managerial skills to SAIC as its new president.
“SAIC is an exceptional place deserving of an exceptional leader, and I am certain we’ve found one in Jiseon,” said Board of Governors Chair David J. Vitale. “With her robust experience at Otis College of Art and Design and the Oregon College of Art and Craft, and her emphasis on student success and culturally responsive pedagogy, she’s demonstrated that she has the skills and vision to guide SAIC through its next chapter.”
