Garfield Lemonius Named Dean of the Conservatory of Performing Arts at Point Park University and Artistic Director of the Pittsburgh Playhouse Wednesday, September 15, 2021
“Garfield Lemonius has shown a tremendous ability to lead a diverse group of faculty and to understand what our Conservatory of Performing Arts students need to learn and thrive. I am thrilled to have Garfield established as a leader at Point Park University.”
Garfield Lemonius, M.F.A., has been appointed dean of the Conservatory of Performing Arts (COPA) at Point Park University and artistic director of the Pittsburgh Playhouse. Lemonius was previously appointed acting dean and artistic director, and prior to that served as chair of the Department of Dance.
“Garfield’s permanent appointment should surprise no one," said Michael Soto, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president of Academic Affairs. "His talents as a leader on the Point Park University campus and in the artistic community speak for themselves.”
At Point Park, Lemonius has been responsible for ushering in innovative dance and academic programming. He established a virtual speaker series during the pandemic to help connect students with thought leaders in the dance field, and most recently, led an effort to partner with Minding the Gap, a Pittsburgh-based, non-profit organization dedicated to helping improve dancers’ mental health and access to services.
“Garfield is a natural bridge-builder, and in his short time at the helm he has fostered partnerships among COPA programs, between the Playhouse and community organizations, the University’s schools, and with external partners in the arts and industry,” added Soto.
Since his appointment as acting dean last June, Lemonius has overseen a robust increase in the Fall 2021 COPA enrollment. A native of Jamaica and Canada, Lemonius’s career includes performing in film, with contemporary companies and in solo guest works across the U.S., Canada and Europe.
“Garfield has shown a tremendous ability to lead a diverse group of faculty and to understand what our COPA students need to learn and thrive," said Don Green, Ed.D., president of Point Park University. "I am thrilled to have Garfield established as a leader at Point Park University.”
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