Elissa Tenny

Elissa Tenny is an American academic administrator and the president of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), a position she has held since 2016. She succeeded Walter E. Massey and is the first woman to lead the institution in its storied history. Tenny's tenure has focused on advancing interdisciplinary art and design education, expanding global initiatives, and fostering a more inclusive campus community within the broader landscape of higher education in the United States.

Early life and education

Elissa Tenny was raised in California and developed an early interest in the arts. She pursued her undergraduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. Following this, Tenny attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), completing a Master of Fine Arts program. Her academic training during this period was influenced by prominent figures in the Los Angeles art scene and the evolving discourses within contemporary art and critical theory.

Academic career

Tenny began her academic career in faculty and administrative roles at several prestigious institutions. She held a position at the California College of the Arts before joining the faculty at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). Her administrative capabilities led to significant appointments, including serving as the Provost and later as the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. In these roles, she worked closely with Walter E. Massey and was instrumental in curriculum development, faculty affairs, and strategic planning, helping to shape the school's national reputation alongside peers like the Maryland Institute College of Art and the School of Visual Arts.

Presidency of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Appointed president in 2016, Elissa Tenny's leadership has been marked by several key initiatives and developments. She has overseen the expansion of the school's global studies programs, fostering partnerships with institutions like the University of Chicago and cultural organizations across Europe and Asia. Under her guidance, SAIC has emphasized social practice and public engagement, launching new research centers and supporting projects that intersect with technology and community activism. Tenny has also presided over significant campus enhancements, including renovations to the historic Sharp Building and investments in the Gene Siskel Film Center, while navigating challenges common to art schools such as funding, accreditation, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Other professional activities

Beyond her presidential duties, Tenny is active in numerous national and international organizations dedicated to arts education and cultural policy. She serves on the board of directors for the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD) and has contributed to committees with the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Tenny is also a frequent speaker at forums such as the World Economic Forum and the College Art Association annual conference, where she advocates for the role of artists and designers in addressing complex societal issues. Her writings and lectures often engage with topics like creative entrepreneurship, diversity in the arts, and the future of artistic research.

Personal life

Elissa Tenny maintains a relatively private personal life. She is married and resides in Chicago, actively participating in the city's vibrant cultural ecosystem, which includes institutions like the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago, and the Chicago Architecture Biennial. An avid supporter of the performing arts, she is often seen at events hosted by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Tenny's personal interests are said to reflect her professional commitments, with a strong focus on contemporary literature, film, and culinary arts.

Category:American academics Category:Art school administrators Category:University of California, Berkeley alumni Category:University of California, Los Angeles alumni Category:Living people