Sept. 6, 2006

Contact Jack Havertape at ext. 3080 or jfhavertape@viterbo.edu

VITERBO WELCOMES NEW DEAN OF SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS

LA CROSSE, Wis. – Viterbo University welcomes Ken Risch as its new dean of the School of Fine Arts.

“Ken Risch has the experience and skill to guide the School of Fine Arts to new levels of excellence,” said Jack Havertape, Viterbo vice president for academics. “He is a very thoughtful professional who has the background and people skills to be a great leader.”

Risch has spent the past six years as a tenured professor of theatre and department chair at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, one of the largest theatre programs in the state. Prior to that, he had been an associate professor of theatre at Tulane University in New Orleans. A Wisconsin native, he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in speech education from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and a Master of Fine Arts degree in Acting from the University of Minnesota.

His goals for the School of Fine Arts include increasing its visibility throughout the Midwest and helping its various programs become more competitive in attracting talented students from throughout the country.

“I’m very excited to be at Viterbo University,” Risch said.