The Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) has named Jay Coogan its next president. Coogan, a former provost at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and a sculptor, will succeed President Michael O’Keefe in July. O’Keefe announced last May that he planned to retire.

Coogan joined the faculty of RISD in 1982; he held a number of posts there, including professor of sculpture, dean of fine arts, and, most recently, provost. MCAD’s announcement of his appointment noted that among his achievements at RISD “was establishing a dual degree program with Brown University. He demonstrated a steadfast commitment to connecting with the greater Providence community, which led to his creation of an Office of Public Engagement and a comprehensive internship program.”

Roger Mandle, president of RISD from 1993 to 2008, said of Coogan: “Among my former peers, Jay is perhaps the most important contributor to modern art and design school administrative practice and to clarity about the mission of these institutions in the 21st century.”