One of Stephen Zaima’s greatest passions is traveling.

The Syracuse University professor and program coordinator of painting in the Department of Art has taught in both London and Florence, and teaches a weeklong class in Los Angeles and New York City.

Zaima will take over as the new associate dean of global academic programs and initiatives in January, a position that will allow him to act as a liaison between SU Abroad, University College and the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

The associate dean of global academic programs and initiatives was created as a position that concentrates on the global programs that VPA offers. Zaima will oversee the college’s summer programs as well as the NYC and LA programs.

‘I think that I can give added value to the students and to programs. I can also focus on particular programs that are the best choices for our students,’ Zaima said.

His position will involve overseeing the programs in Florence and London, with the help of faculty from VPA and SU Abroad. He will also coordinate the traveling Master of Fine Arts exhibition produced by the MFA candidates annually.

Zaima’s first experience teaching abroad came after he took over a position from close friend and SU professor Ludwig Stein.

‘Stephen has always been a big proponent of foreign programs,’ Stein said. ‘What a lot of people haven’t recognized is his desire to incorporate graduate programs in the foreign programs, and on several occasions, he has tried and succeeded.’

VPA Dean Ann Clarke said she is confident Zaima will serve the college well.

‘Throughout his years of teaching and service to the Department of Art, professor Zaima has demonstrated a commendable level of commitment to the College of Visual and Performing Arts,’ Clarke said.

Zaima graduated from the University of California-Davis with his Master in Fine Arts in 1971. It was during his time as a student that he visited New York City and realized he enjoyed traveling, he said.

After his time in London, Zaima became the coordinator of SU’s studio art program in Florence, Italy, during the 1995-96 and 1997-98 academic years.

‘In some ways, I probably got more work done in my own field in the Florence program,’ Zaima said. ‘I think it’s the environment, and when you’re in Florence, it is literally an art city. The streets are named after artists, and it’s such a different environment for a practitioner.’

Zaima serves as the painting coordinator and facilitator of visiting artist lecture series for the Department of Art. He works with surrounding galleries and museums in the Syracuse area. Zaima teaches three classes along with the weeklong immersion programs in LA and NYC. For the LA program, Zaima takes students to The Getty Center, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

The new title will change Zaima’s daily routine greatly, as he will only be teaching one course next semester. He is planning for the new position.

‘There are things right away I want to work on,’ he said. ‘One is redesigning the Web page just so that the opportunities for students are more accessible. I would also like to have different students that are abroad let us know what they are doing, whether it’s a blog or Twitter account.’

Zaima said he hopes to keep programs running smoothly and positively, and he wants to see the learning outcomes and educational experiences complement what is offered on campus. He also said he will feel a sense of accomplishment if he can make the student experience abroad richer.

Said Zaima: ‘I’m here to help the students in terms of what’s there, and they should feel free to ask me about abroad programs.’

rcgranne@syr.edu

Published on December 7, 2011 at 12:00 pm