Jon Esser is one of the chapter's new professional staff delegates. An alumnus of Purchase College, he has a BFA in Sculpture and took his MFA at Brooklyn College. At the moment, he is exploring the visual possibilities of digital printing, vidcaps, large format printing and other exciting new tools and materials presented by the advent of computer technology in the visual arts.
Jon began his working life here at Purchase immediately after graduation, working part-time as the Sculpture Technician in Art+Design while pursuing his Master's degree. He next worked as Facilities Coordinator of the Visual Arts Building, was promoted to Assistant Dean of the School of Art+Design in 1992, and recently served a two-year stint as Interim Director of the School. Currently, he continues his service with the college as Associate Dean of the School of the Arts, working closely with the Deans of Art+Design, Dance, Music and Theatre Arts and Film, on curriculum development, enrollment management, and other challenges. He has also taught many courses for the college including Readymade and Surreal Sculpture, Sculpture I, Workshop in Metal Sculpture, and Basic Visual Literacy.
During the course of his long career here at Purchase College, Jon has served on a multitude of committees. He is currently on the Administrative Computing and Orientation Committees, along with a couple of important search committees. Outside the college, Jon serves as an Institutional Representative to the National Association of Schools of Art and Design and is Co-chair of the Consortium for the Liberal Education of Artists, whose mission is "to strengthen the liberal education of college students enrolled in institutions dedicated to the training of performing artists."
But, for Jon, his most rewarding service outside the college is working on the SUNY Council of Arts Deans and Chairs (CADC) which has allowed him to share experiences, solutions to challenges, and to gain knowledge from his colleagues at other SUNY schools with programs in the Visual Arts. This organization has spearheaded a drive to raise the consciousness of the SUNY Administration of the work of the many art departments on SUNY campuses. CADC has also sponsored statewide shows of student works, including lining the corridors of the SUNY Administration building in Albany with student art from around the state!
Indeed, Jon has worn many different "hats" at Purchase over the years, as a student, a professional staff member, instructor, and administrator. Throughout his tenure, he has always worked towards the goal of making Purchase College a more collaborative community with everyone working together creatively to serve our students and support each other in these lean budgetary times. It is to further this goal that Jon sought an elective position as a UUP Professional Staff Delegate; it is a goal we share with him in the local chapter organization. The UUP welcomes his initiative, dedication, and leadership skills and we all look forward to working with him on issues of mutual concern.
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