KENNESAW, Ga. | Mar 6, 2019

Founder of University’s dance program is distinguished leader in arts community

Kennesaw State University President Pamela Whitten and Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Kathy Schwaig have named Ivan Pulinkala dean of the College of the Arts, effective March 18.

Pulinkala has served as interim dean of the College since July 2018. Previously, he was the chair of KSU’s Department of Dance, a program he founded in 2005 and developed into the largest collegiate dance program in Georgia. He also was instrumental in the development of the Dance Theater on the University’s Marietta Campus, Atlanta’s first theater designed specifically for dance.

“Ivan Pulinkala is a strong advocate for the arts and its ability to transform communities. In sharing his passion for the arts with our students, he helps them realize their own potential,” Whitten said. “He has brought national recognition to Kennesaw State through his leadership in the Department of Dance, and I am confident that as dean he will tap into that same passion and vision to help further elevate the College of the Arts.”

Pulinkala has received arts grants in both India and the United States for his work, and he has served as a guest artist for a number of professional companies and university programs. His numerous recognitions have included receiving the KSU Foundation Award for his creative scholarship and the KSU Clendenin Graduate Fellowship for his doctoral studies, and he was selected for the University System of Georgia’s Executive Leadership Institute and Accelerated Leadership Academy.

Pulinkala has presented choreographic commissions in Israel, Spain, China and India in addition to the United States. Pulinkala also helped launch the first study abroad program in Israel for Kennesaw State in May 2016.

“The faculty, staff and students in the College of the Arts at KSU make up one of the most artistically and intellectually vibrant communities in Georgia,” said Pulinkala. “I am honored to serve as their next dean, advancing the arts at KSU and across the region.”

Pulinkala received his Doctorate in Higher Education Administration from the University of Alabama, his M.F.A. in Dance from Mills College in Oakland, California, and his Bachelor of Commerce (Honors) from Hindu College, Delhi University.

“We are delighted to welcome Ivan as the new dean in the College of Arts at KSU,” said Schwaig. “He truly loves this University, and I know he will bring his deep experience and his focused passion to the role.”

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.