KU names 3 to key posts on the Hill

Dean of fine arts

Steve Hedden

Steven K. Hedden, a Colby native and currently dean of the College of Fine Arts at Wichita State University, will return to his alma mater as the dean of fine arts this summer. He succeeds Toni-Marie Montgomery, who is departing to become dean of music at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill.

A music psychologist, Hedden, d'64, g'69, PhD'71, earned his KU degrees in music education. Before joining WSU in 2002, he had been at the University of Arizona since 1987, serving as College of Fine Arts vice dean for academics and research since 2000. His other positions at Arizona included acting dean, interim director of the Peter Treistman Fine Arts Center for New Media, College of Fine Arts associate dean for academic affairs, and professor and coordinator of music education.

He also taught for 15 years at the University of Iowa, six years of which were as chair of the music education department. His career includes teaching a year at KU in 1970-71 and at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1971-72. He was an elementary and secondary instrumental and general music teacher in DeSoto public schools from 1964 to 1969.

Vice provost for student success

Marlesa Roney

Marlesa A. Roney, a native of Concordia and currently vice president of student affairs at the University of Akron in Ohio, has been named vice provost for student success. Roney will oversee Lawrence campus academic and student services that promote student retention, academic success and graduation. She succeeds David Ambler, who retired following 25 years of service in student services at KU. The title changes reflect reorganization and streamlining of services that were approved last year.

The KU Office of Student Success includes the KU Memorial Unions, Student Health Services, Student Housing, Student Financial Aid and the Department of Student Life.

Academic Services includes Admissions and Scholarships, New Student Orientation, the Freshman-Sophomore Advising Center, the University Registrar, the Writing Center and Academic Technology Services.

Director of admissions and scholarships

Lisa Pinamonti

Lisa Pinamonti, g'98, associate director since 2000 and interim director for the past year, has been named the permanent director. A native of Pittsburg, she joined KU in 1999 as assistant director after working in admissions offices at Wichita State University and Pittsburg State University. She earned a bachelor's degree in public relations at PSU and a KU master's degree in higher education administration. During the past year, KU drew its biggest enrollment gain in 16 years and minority student enrollment increased 12 percent, the largest percentage increase on school record.