Roger Mandle
Encyclopedia
Roger Mandle is an art historian, curator and academic administrator, best known as the former president of The Rhode Island School of Design
, one of the country's most selective art colleges.
and an MA and Certificate in Museum Training from New York University
. A specialist in aesthetics and Dutch art, he also holds a PhD from Case Western Reserve University
.
in Washington, DC, from 1988-93, he was an outspoken arts activist and oversaw all aspects of managing the respected museum. While in the capital, Mandle served as a member of the National Committee for Education Standards in the Arts and helped write the position paper Education Goals 2000: Standards in the Arts. Both President Ronald Reagan
and President George H.W. Bush appointed him to the National Council on the Arts, one of scores of policymaking and advisory groups he has served on and led over the years.
In 1993, Mandle accepted the presidential position at The Rhode Island School of Design
in Providence, RI. During his tenure at RISD, Mandle oversaw the development of several ambitious projects and is often credited for driving down acceptance rates and transforming RISD into an elite institution. He is also credited for initiating several programs with nearby Brown University
included a dual-degree program which allows students to earn a B.A and a B.F.A from both institutions. In 2008, after 15-years at RISD, Mandle stepped down from his post, leaving the position to John Maeda.
After leaving his post at RISD in July 2008, Mandle assumed the directorial position at the Qatar Museums Authority
(QMA) and claims that he is "interested in the impact of one culture on another, and right now the Middle East
is the most fertile place for that."
In May 2009, Mandle received an Honorary Doctorate from the Rhode Island School of Design.
Rhode Island School of Design
Rhode Island School of Design is a fine arts and design college located in Providence, Rhode Island. It was founded in 1877. Located at the base of College Hill, the RISD campus is contiguous with the Brown University campus. The two institutions share social, academic, and community resources and...
, one of the country's most selective art colleges.
Early Life and Education
Mandle received a BA from Williams CollegeWilliams College
Williams College is a private liberal arts college located in Williamstown, Massachusetts, United States. It was established in 1793 with funds from the estate of Ephraim Williams. Originally a men's college, Williams became co-educational in 1970. Fraternities were also phased out during this...
and an MA and Certificate in Museum Training from New York University
New York University
New York University is a private, nonsectarian research university based in New York City. NYU's main campus is situated in the Greenwich Village section of Manhattan...
. A specialist in aesthetics and Dutch art, he also holds a PhD from Case Western Reserve University
Case Western Reserve University
Case Western Reserve University is a private research university located in Cleveland, Ohio, USA...
.
Career
Mandle began his career as an associate director of the Minneapolis Institute of the Arts before moving on to direct the Toledo Museum of Art. As deputy director and chief curator of the National Gallery of ArtNational Gallery of Art
The National Gallery of Art and its Sculpture Garden is a national art museum, located on the National Mall between 3rd and 9th Streets at Constitution Avenue NW, in Washington, DC...
in Washington, DC, from 1988-93, he was an outspoken arts activist and oversaw all aspects of managing the respected museum. While in the capital, Mandle served as a member of the National Committee for Education Standards in the Arts and helped write the position paper Education Goals 2000: Standards in the Arts. Both President Ronald Reagan
Ronald Reagan
Ronald Wilson Reagan was the 40th President of the United States , the 33rd Governor of California and, prior to that, a radio, film and television actor....
and President George H.W. Bush appointed him to the National Council on the Arts, one of scores of policymaking and advisory groups he has served on and led over the years.
In 1993, Mandle accepted the presidential position at The Rhode Island School of Design
Rhode Island School of Design
Rhode Island School of Design is a fine arts and design college located in Providence, Rhode Island. It was founded in 1877. Located at the base of College Hill, the RISD campus is contiguous with the Brown University campus. The two institutions share social, academic, and community resources and...
in Providence, RI. During his tenure at RISD, Mandle oversaw the development of several ambitious projects and is often credited for driving down acceptance rates and transforming RISD into an elite institution. He is also credited for initiating several programs with nearby Brown University
Brown University
Brown University is a private, Ivy League university located in Providence, Rhode Island, United States. Founded in 1764 prior to American independence from the British Empire as the College in the English Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations early in the reign of King George III ,...
included a dual-degree program which allows students to earn a B.A and a B.F.A from both institutions. In 2008, after 15-years at RISD, Mandle stepped down from his post, leaving the position to John Maeda.
After leaving his post at RISD in July 2008, Mandle assumed the directorial position at the Qatar Museums Authority
Qatar Museums Authority
The Qatar Museums Authority is the peak body of museums in Qatar. The QMA was founded in late 2005, its CEO is Abdullah Al-Najjar. and since 2008 its director is Roger Mandle. The QMA was the bid leader for Qatar's successful candidature to join the UNESCO heritage panel in 2011...
(QMA) and claims that he is "interested in the impact of one culture on another, and right now the Middle East
Middle East
The Middle East is a region that encompasses Western Asia and Northern Africa. It is often used as a synonym for Near East, in opposition to Far East...
is the most fertile place for that."
In May 2009, Mandle received an Honorary Doctorate from the Rhode Island School of Design.