Students immersing in art and design education at KCAD.
Tara McCrackin, the 14th president of Kendall College of Art and Design (KCAD), has announced her retirement effective June 1, 2025. Since her appointment in 2021, she has significantly impacted the college, enhancing its integration with Ferris State University and inspiring growth and community partnerships. As she prepares to leave, KCAD’s current dean, Stephen Halko, will step in as interim dean. This transition opens a new chapter for KCAD, which is experiencing increasing enrollment and heightened community engagement.
Grand Rapids is buzzing with news! Tara McCrackin, the 14th president of Kendall College of Art and Design (KCAD), has announced her plans to retire on June 1, 2025. This news is sure to stir up a mix of emotions among the students, faculty, and alumni who have come to know her leadership style over the years.
Tara’s journey with KCAD has been quite extensive. She originally stepped into the role as interim president in July 2019, thanks to the leadership of Ferris State’s past president, David Eisler. Fast forward to March 2021, when Tara was officially appointed as president, and since then, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the college’s future.
It’s worth noting Tara’s deep-rooted connection with KCAD. As a proud 1997 graduate of the college’s Interior Design program, she later joined the faculty in the same program in 2002, marking the beginning of her career where she has touched many students’ lives. Under her leadership, she has highlighted the significance of integrating KCAD more closely with Ferris State University, enhancing the overall student experience.
In her announcement, Tara expressed immense gratitude for her time at KCAD, reflecting on the cherished interactions she’s had with faculty, staff, students, and alumni. This personal connection has made her tenure memorable and impactful. Tara’s leadership has been instrumental in developing partnerships with the community and enhancing KCAD’s mission and vision.
Throughout her time as president, Tara has earned accolades for her role in maintaining KCAD’s status as an educational leader in the fields of art and design. The current Ferris State University president, Bill Pink, described her as a remarkable leader, pointing to the instrumental changes she helped implement, which are poised to benefit future generations of artists and designers.
Just this past winter semester, KCAD reported a robust enrollment of 567 students, marking a significant increase of 10.5% from the previous year. This surge in enrollment speaks volumes about the program’s growing popularity, largely thanks to Tara’s vision and dedication to improving student experiences and opportunities.
As Tara prepares to transition into retirement, KCAD will not miss a beat. Stephen Halko, currently serving as the dean of Academic Affairs since 2021, has been appointed as interim dean through the 2025-26 academic year. Stephen is set to guide the college during this transitional period, ensuring that the momentum established by Tara continues.
The timeline leading up to her retirement will offer plenty of opportunities for the KCAD community to celebrate Tara’s legacy and contribution. Whether through events, workshops, or gatherings, students and faculty alike will have the chance to express their appreciation for her leadership over the years.
As the college turns a new chapter post-Tara’s departure, all eyes will be on what comes next for KCAD. Transitioning leadership is always a delicate but exciting time—a chance to harness the enthusiasm and creativity that art and design students are known for.
As the countdown to June 1, 2025, begins, there’s an air of anticipation in Grand Rapids. With Tara McCrackin steering the ship until then, KCAD is set to continue thriving, cultivating the artists and designers of tomorrow while making her final months in the role nothing short of spectacular.
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