Carin Denise Silkaitis

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Carin Denise Silkaitis, M.F.A.

Dean of Arts and Sciences; Professor of Humanities

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 Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences and a Professor of Humanities. Carin has also served UAS in a number of Interim positions including: Provost (AY25), Dean of Research & Sponsored Programs (AY25), Dean of Graduate Studies (AY25) and Dean of Career Education (AY24). 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 served 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, makes 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.

Dean of Arts and Sciences; Professor of Humanities

Email address: cdsilkaitis@alaska.edu
Phone number: 907-796-6518
Building location: Soboleff Bldg 223, Juneau Campus
Pdf file CV