Each year, the Office of the Sr. Vice President for Academic Affairs names up to six esteemed University of Utah faculty members as Distinguished Professor, a distinction “reserved for selected faculty members whose achievements exemplify the highest goals of scholarship and research as demonstrated by recognition accorded to them from peers with national and international stature, and whose record includes evidence of a high dedication to teaching and mentoring as demonstrated by recognition accorded to them by students and/or colleagues.” 

And this year, Professor Beth Krensky joins the ranks with this distinction as the first person from the Department of Art & Art History and the fifth in the College of Fine Arts.  

“I am deeply humbled by being afforded this distinction,” Krensky said. “For the past two decades I have had the honor of being part of the Department of Art & Art History and have had the opportunity to work closely with inspirational students and supportive colleagues.” 

Candidates recommended for distinguished professor status must have a record of accomplishments in accordance with the following university-wide criteria:  

• A record of distinguished performance in research or creative work;  
• A record of dedication in both classroom teaching and supervision of individual learning; 
• A record of committed service to the profession.  

Krensky exhibits and performs with a nearly unmatched frequency. Some of her recent projects include a performance at the grand opening of Larnaca Biennale 2023, a performance at the Arte Laguna Prize Exhibition in Venice, Italy, and her exhibition entitled “Between Spirit and Matter” at Yale.  

Some of her recent awards include being selected as a finalist for the 16th Arte Laguna Prize, and being named the 2022 Higher Education Educator of the Year by the Utah Arts Education Association).  

“Professor Krensky is a remarkable creative artist, scholar, and educator of critical pedagogy,” said Art & Art History chair Kim Martinez. “She has dedicated her career to fostering connections between diverse individuals through her community-based pedagogy, art practice, and teaching. Her colleagues in the Department of Art & Art History extend their warmest congratulations to Professor Krensky on this esteemed honor. She is an asset to our community, continuously making significant contributions and inspiring us all.” 

Join us in congratulating Distinguished Professor Beth Krensky!  

Previously named Distinguished Professors from the College of Fine Arts:  

• Distinguished Professor Emeritus Maurice Abravanel School of Music (Deceased) 
• Distinguished Professor Emeritus Morris Rosenzweig School of Music 
• Distinguished Professor Emerita Ellen Bromberg Department of Modern Dance 
• Distinguished Professor Emerita Bené C. Arnold Department of Ballet (Deceased) 

Click here for a complete list of University of Utah Distinguished Professors (excluding the other five named this year with Distinguished Professor Krenksy).