Harvey Young to Step Down as Dean of the College of Fine Arts, Will Continue as Vice President for the Arts

After a sabbatical next year, he will return to teach at CFA

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Harvey Young, dean of the College of Fine Arts (CFA) since 2018, will step down from the role following a brief, planned sabbatical. In the meantime, Young, who was appointed inaugural and interim vice president for the arts in the fall, will continue on in that role throughout his sabbatical and until a permanent vice president is named. After his sabbatical, Young will return to CFA as a member of the faculty.

Why it matters

Young's departure as dean marks a transition for CFA, which has seen significant growth and recognition under his leadership. His continued role as vice president for the arts signals BU's commitment to expanding access to the arts across the university.

The details

As dean, Young led CFA to new heights, with the School of Visual Arts climbing 20 spots in U.S. News & World Report's graduate rankings and the School of Theatre being recognized by Playbill as a leading producer of Broadway creative teams. He also spearheaded a comprehensive curricular redesign, launched new programs, and oversaw more than $110 million in facility improvements.

  • Young will begin his yearlong sabbatical at the end of the spring semester.
  • Following the completion of his sabbatical, Young will return to CFA as a member of the faculty.

The players

Harvey Young

Dean of the College of Fine Arts since 2018, and inaugural and interim vice president for the arts at Boston University.

Gloria Waters

University provost and chief academic officer at Boston University.

Kenneth Feld

Former chair of Boston University's Board of Trustees and one of the world's most admired business leaders.

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What they’re saying

“Serving as dean of the College of Fine Arts has been a privilege, and I am deeply grateful to the faculty, staff, students, and alumni whose creativity and commitment define this college.”

— Harvey Young, Dean of the College of Fine Arts (bu.edu)

“I am excited about expanding access to the arts at a scale unprecedented for a university. We have a visionary president in Dr. Gilliam.”

— Harvey Young, Dean of the College of Fine Arts (bu.edu)

“Please join me in thanking Harvey Young for his leadership and wishing him well as he embarks on this next chapter.”

— Gloria Waters, University Provost and Chief Academic Officer (bu.edu)

What’s next

Waters will appoint an interim dean to begin by July 1, 2026.

The takeaway

Young's departure as dean marks a significant transition for the College of Fine Arts, which has seen remarkable growth and recognition under his leadership. His continued role as vice president for the arts signals Boston University's commitment to expanding access to the arts across the institution, building on the momentum he has helped establish.