MECA president resigns for post at Oregon art college

Courtesy / Maine College of Art MECA President Don Tuski announced his resignation from the downtown Portland art college on Tuesday.

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By Staff

After six years of serving as president of the Maine College of Art, Don Tuski announced his resignation from the downtown Portland art college on Tuesday to take the post of president at Pacific Northwest College of Art in Portland, Ore.

MECA’s board of trustees unanimously approved Tuski’s resignation on Wednesday. A search will begin soon for Tuski’s replacement.

"Thanks to Don's inspirational and thoughtful leadership and the continued professionalism and dedication of our faculty, staff, alumni and support base, MECA is uniquely poised for a period of unprecedented growth,” Board Chair Debbie Reed said in a statement. “We are looking forward to building on the foundation that Don has created as we search for new leadership to take us to unimaginable heights."

During Tuski’s stint as president, MECA increased its revenue by 39%, advanced fundraising efforts by 52% annually, grew enrollment every year, improved selectivity and helped to navigate the institution through the recent acquisition of the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies, all while developing and advancing MECA’s five-year strategic plan.

Tuski was also responsible for stewarding a $3 million dollar gift from the Crewe Foundation, the largest gift in the history of the 134 year-old institution, designed to introduce new programs including the first ever endowed professorship of art and music.

“My experience at MECA and here in the original Portland has been truly incredible and I’ve enjoyed being a part of this vibrant community,” Tuski said in a statement. “I am very excited to take on another opportunity at PNCA which is also in a community that embraces art and design. I strongly believe that artists and designers make all communities better. I feel very honored to be able to lead another great art school.”