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A longtime Mississippi State photography professor is moving into a new role as interim associate dean for the 91����.

Professor Dominic Lippillo fills the position previously held by Professor Jeffrey Haupt, who retired last November.

“Jeffrey served the Department of Art and then the college with dedication, empathy and great care since his hire in 1999,” CAAD Dean Angi Elsea Bourgeois said. “He has touched the lives of countless students and colleagues with sage advice, enigmatic questions and exceptional guidance.”

Lippillo, who begins his administrative duties Jan. 1, said he’s ready for the change and plans to “hit the ground running.”

“I am really excited to be working closely with all four units of CAAD, and I’m eager to serve in this capacity,” he said. “I have learned a great deal from Jeffery over the years. I always admired the way he could deliver valuable wisdom and guidance by asking questions rather than providing answers. He is an asset to the college and the department. I keep thinking about him in terms of this role, and I hope I can live up to his legacy.”

“He has large shoes to fill,” said Bourgeois of Lippillo. “I am confident he will be an excellent addition to the college leadership as we continue to plan for the future.”

After completing his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Youngstown State University and then his Master of Fine Arts from Ohio University in 2009, Lippillo taught as an adjunct professor at Youngstown for a semester while applying for jobs across the country. In 2010, he secured a position at MSU as an assistant professor of photography and has since earned the rank of full professor.

“I fell in love with being here,” he said. “The Department of Art and CAAD create a supportive atmosphere for faculty, staff and students. I have always felt encouraged to do whatever I wanted in terms of my research and teaching, as long as it was beneficial to the students. Additionally, working with Professor Marita Gootee has been a valuable experience —shaping what the photography program is and challenging students to strive to do their best. I hope to bring the same level of support and care I have experienced into this new role.”

Lippillo said in looking forward to the challenge, “I want to grow as much as I possibly can, try different things, and see where I can be beneficial to the college and the university,” he said. “I still love teaching, and I love doing research, but I want to see where else I can make a difference.”

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