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tangible and well documented status in his profession, second, his proven record of leadership both at other institutions and at Maryland, and third, an intangible, the sense of confidence, pride and mission that he has obviously been able to generate in the faculty, students and staff of a fledgling department.
Professor Morrison's vita gives ample evidence of his distinction as an artist, art critic, and curator of exhibitions. We will not repeat here all the details of a prolific and distinguished career but simply summarize. Professor Morrison's paintings, prints and drawings have been exhibited throughout the USA as well as Japan, Germany, Yugoslavia and Nigeria. He has had one-person shows in Washington, Chicago (many), Boston and Nashville, and his work has been included in major group exhibits in numerous public and private galleries. In addition, Professor Morrison's work is included in the permanent collections of many public and private galleries including The Corcoran Gallery of Art, The Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Art Institute of Chicago, The Dusable Museum, The World Bank, Hampton University, and numerous others. Professor Morrison has also published many major critical essays, catalogues and reviews of exhibitions. He has maintained a high profile in his profession, thus representing Maryland with distinction to the local and national art community.
In addition to having the professional credentials which earn his colleagues' respect, Professor Morrison has a proven record as an administrator. He was chairman of the Art Department at Depaul University in Chicago, and Associate Dean of the College of Architecture and Art at the University of Illinois, Chicago Circle. Since coming to Maryland in 1980, he has served as the Graduate and Undergraduate Director of the Art Studio Department. According to the testimony we received, Professor Morrison was active in the recent split of Art History and Art studio and was in large measure responsible for smoothing a potentially turbulent process and "keeping it positive." As Acting Head of the new department in its first year, he has cured nascent polarization by being accessible and consultative, settting common goals and infusing a spirit of excellence. While serving his department Professor Morrison has also taken the time to serve his University. He has given his energies to, among others, the College of Arts and Humanities Administrative Council and the campus APAC.
In his meeting with the Search Committee, Professor Morrison demonstrated those intangible qualities of character which lie behind his achievements and the high opinion others have of him. We asked him a variety of questions. In substance his answers revealed someone who has given much thought to the position of the department in the profession and to its potential on campus. He has a clear vision of Art Studio's need to grow and establish its identity as a department which trains artists in theory as it guides them in creativity. In manner his answers revealed a person who does not operate by fiat, but habitually consults and
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compromises and is concerned with representing the opinions and wishes of his colleagues. Further, it became clear that his consensual style is not something imposed but something which comes from genuine respect for his colleagues.
The Art Studio department appears to be united in its support for Professor Morrison. The very fact that only one nomination was forthcoming and that all written and oral responses to the committee were ones of unqualified support certainly ground this assumption. The committee is therefore confident in its recommendation. The Art Studio Department is singularly fortunate in its prospects for a new chair.
Sincerely, Anne Warren [signature] Anne Warren, Chair Art Studio Search Committee
cc: Search Committee Members
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UM THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
COLLEGE PARK CAMPUS College Park, Maryland 20742
College of Arts and Humanities Office of the Dean (301) 454-6790
June 2, 1988
Professor Anne Warren Department of Dance CAMPUS
Dear Professor Warren:
I have received your letter of May 27, 1988 reporting on the outcome of the deliberations of the Search Committee for a new chair in the Art Studio Department. I appreciate the efforts the Committee has made to identify candidates and to consult fully with the Department faculty.
I am pleased to learn that you have identified a candidate whom you regard as highly qualified for the post. When I have had the opportunity to discuss the postition of chair with Professor Keith Morrison I will make my decision and inform the Department.
It is essential to the academic good health of our programs that the appointment of chairs both be and be perceived as being fair, open, and fully consultative. I congratulate you and the Committee for having conducted such a search and, on behalf of the College, I thank you for the fine work you have done.
Sincerely, Jim Lesher [signature] James H. Lesher Acting Dean
JHL:don
cc: Search Committee Members
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PEOPLES CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 4704 THIRTEENTH STREET, NORTHWEST WASHINGTON, D.C. 20011
A. KNIGHTON STANLEY, MINISTER FREDERICK L. NIXON, ASSOCIATE
(202) 829-5511
June 8, 1988
Dear Brethren:
On Sunday, June 19, 1988, the Men's Fellowship of Peoples Congregational United Church of Christ will celebrate its Annual Men's Day at both the 9:00 AM and the 11:00 AM services.
This year we are priviledged to have two excellent ministers in our pulpit. At 9:00 AM we welcome The Reverend Deborah McGill-Jackson, our Interim Associate Minister. At 11:00 AM, we will be pleased to hear The Reverend Cameron Byrd, a former Assistant Minister here at Peoples.
You are cordially and fraternally invited to attend one or both of the Men's Day Services. Additionally, you are encouraged to pay your annual dues of $25.00. An envelope is enclosed for your convenience. The envelope can be put into the collection plate on Men's Day or mailed to the church in the event that you cannot attend church on that Sunday.
Yours in Christ, Robert L. Baird [signature] Robert L. Baird President, The Men's Fellowship
[image alt text: circle, cross and crown symbol at the bottom of the page.]
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Cosby/Waller, Inc. [Redacted info.]
(213) 392-9711
June 17, 1988
Dr David Driskell [Redacted info.]
Dear Dr Driskell,
Would it be possible for you to meet with me in New York City some time during the last week of June?
I would like for the two of us to look over the paintings of the Cosby's on East 61st Street to review their placement in a new house.
Sincerely, Welstro [Signature] [written in "for"] Mary E. Waller Financial Business Manager
MEW: ldc
