Michael Hilt Hired as CFAM Dean

OMAHA – The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is pleased to announce Michael Hilt has been named as the new dean of the College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media (CFAM).

Hilt, who has served as interim dean of the college since last July, will become just the second CFAM dean since the college’s formation in 2006. Pending approval from the University of Nebraska Board of Regents, Hilt will begin his term as dean on July 1.

"I am grateful for this opportunity to lead the College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media," Hilt said. "During the past 12 years, CFAM has seen tremendous growth due to its award-winning students, world class faculty and dedicated staff. I look forward to working with all of these talented people as we start the next chapter for the college."

In his role, Hilt will be responsible for overseeing UNO’s School of Communication, which includes UNO Television; School of the Arts, which includes Writer’s Workshop, Theatre; Art and Art History; and School of Music. CFAM also oversees UNO’s Strauss Performing Arts Center, Weber Art Gallery and KVNO Radio.

Hilt has a Ph.D. in Community and Human Resources from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and joined UNO as a professor in 1988 in what is now the School of Communication. He was named CFAM Assistant Dean in 2007 and later promoted to Associate Dean in 2008. "Mike has proved himself to be an outstanding leader throughout the search process and throughout his 30 years of service at UNO," said B.J. Reed, Senior Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs.

"Mike is an excellent administrator, scholar and champion for CFAM here at UNO and out in the community. It was an extremely competitive search process and we are happy to have Mike continue to lead CFAM into the future."

The CFAM dean search committee featured representation from across campus and was led by Dean of Library Sciences David Richards, who says that Hilt was chosen among a significant number of applicants from across the country.

"The search committee worked very hard throughout this important, deliberative process and I want to thank them sincerely for their efforts," said David Richards, Dean of Library Sciences and chair of the CFAM Dean search committee. "The competition was very strong, with three stellar candidates from excellent institutions brought to campus for on-site interviews. Dr. Hilt’s depth of administrative experience, and his knowledge of and dedication to UNO’s mission and the community is well known. I know the college is looking forward to this new leadership chapter under Mike."

Prior to joining UNO, Hilt served as a news reporter, anchor and producer for several radio and television stations in Topeka and Kansas City. He has been married for 30 years to his wife, Debbie, and has two sons, Adam, who lives in Omaha, and Eric, who lives in Las Vegas.