Koya | Diversified Search Group partnered with the University of Michigan on the search for the Director of the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum. Our work resulted in the placement of Anthony Kolenic.

The Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum’s mission is to promote environmental enjoyment, stewardship, and sustainability through education, research, and interaction with the natural world.

Kolenic most recently served as the Associate Dean for Research and Strategic Initiatives for the University of Florida College of the Arts and Associate Professor of Digital Arts and Sciences in the Digital Worlds Institute. In this role, Kolenic oversaw strategic initiatives, research development and grants, policies and procedures, community engagement, and strategic partnerships, and provides oversight for the college’s interdisciplinary centers.

Prior to the University of Florida, Kolenic served as Associate Director of the University of Michigan’s ArtsEngine, which drives transdisciplinary collaborations among the Arts, Architecture, Engineering, and other fields. He was also the Associate Director of the Alliance for the Arts in Research Universities (a2ru) – a partnership of more than 40 leading institutions committed to transforming research universities in order to ensure the greatest possible institutional support and environment for interdisciplinary research, curricula, programming, and creative practice between the Arts and other disciplines.

Prior to joining ArtsEngine and a2ru, Kolenic taught in Michigan State University Center for the Interdisciplinary Studies of Arts and Humanities (CISAH), served as project director for “The Children and Technology Project” – a three-year research project funded by the National Science Foundation – and also as the Ph.D. Advisor and Specialist for Peace and Justice Studies, where he taught numerous courses, mentored undergraduate researchers, managed the program, and cultivated community partnerships.

We invite you to read the announcement: Anthony Kolenic named Director of Matthaei-Nichols.