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Carin Denise Silkaitis, M.F.A.

Carin Denise Silkaitis, M.F.A. (she/her)

Interim Provost, Dean of Graduate Studies, and Dean of Research & Sponsored Programs

Office of the Provost

Education

  • M.F.A Theatre Performance, Roosevelt University (1999)
  • B.A. Psychology, Indiana University (1993)

Research Interests

Embodied Dramaturgy, Moment Work, Devising, Gender & Sexuality Studies

Biography

Carin Silkaitis is the Interim Provost; Dean of Research & Sponsored Programs and Dean of Graduate Studies at the University of Alaska Southeast. Prior to this appointment, Carin served the faculty at UAS as the Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences and a Professor of Humanities. Carin hails from Chicago, where she served the faculty and students at Columbia College Chicago as the Allen and Lynn Turner Chair of the Theatre Department, a Professor of Theatre, and a Faculty Fellow serving on the College's Antiracism Transformation Team. At Columbia, Carin managed a substantial budget and led a large faculty, overseeing a significant number of productions annually. Her leadership was instrumental in revamping recruitment strategies, and significantly enhancing student retention during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Carin also served as Department Chair of both Art and Theatre at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois for 7 years, and served as a faculty member at this institution for a total of 17 years. While at North Central College, Carin tackled the roles of: Head of Acting, Theatre Program Coordinator, Title IX Investigator, and Lead Trainer/Educator for Green Dot - a bystander training technique that eradicates power-based personal violence. Carinʼs tenure at North Central College exemplified her capability to lead and innovate. She guided a complete overhaul of the theatre curriculum and led the department through significant growth and development (including major fundraising efforts). Carin's dedication to relationship building and community partnerships is evident in her active involvement in numerous boards and councils, including the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council where she currently serves as President. Her commitment to antiracism and inclusivity is further exemplified in her work with the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on Belonging, Empowerment, Access, Representation & Safety (BEARS) at UAS. A proven leader, Carin's strategic vision, combined with her extensive experience in academia and the arts, make her an ideal leader during this time of nearly constant change in the academy. Carin's commitment to enhancing the academic landscape through innovative and inclusive practices promises to contribute significantly to the necessary conversations happening in her community and around our nation.

Office Hours

By Appointment via Amy Bannerman (aebannerman@alaska.edu)

Carin Denise Silkaitis, M.F.A.

Interim Provost, Dean of Graduate Studies, and Dean of Research & Sponsored Programs

Office of the Provost

Carin Denise Silkaitis, M.F.A.