Nicole Hand named dean of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts

MURRAY, Ky. – Murray State University named Nicole Hand dean of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts at the University’s Board of Regents meeting on Dec. 12. Hand had served as the interim dean of the college since January 1, 2025.

In her role, Hand will continue to oversee academic programs within the College of Humanities and Fine Arts that encompass the following departments:

Art and Design

English and Philosophy

Global Languages and Theatre Arts

History

Music

Political Science and Sociology

Psychology

The college is a cultural hub for the campus and broader community, having hosted nearly 200 events this year that are free and open to the public and range from exhibitions, festivals and performances to films, lectures and reading series. 

Hand earned a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Miami in 1999 before joining Murray State as an assistant professor in the art department in the fall of 1999. She served the College of Humanities and Fine Arts as assistant dean from 2018-23 and associate dean from 2023-24 before accepting the role of interim dean. 

As a professor, Hand teaches courses in several disciplines within the college, particularly in printmaking, as Murray State’s printmaking program has a rich tradition of success and recognition in the national printmaking community. 

Her work has been featured in numerous regional, national and international exhibitions, while her mentorship has helped guide numerous artists.

A 2009 recipient of the Murray State Distinguished Researcher Award, Hand has served on a multitude of committees both within the College of Humanities and Fine Arts, as well as across Murray State, and has secured grants over the course of her professional career to advance scholarly research while championing student and faculty success. 

Hand holds professional affiliations with organizations including the Mid America Print Council, Southern Graphics Council, College Arts Association and the Council of Colleges of Arts & Sciences.  She served on the board for the Southern Graphics Print Council as Vice President of Outreach and Member at Large.

“The College of Humanities and Fine Arts is a vibrant, student-centered college, filled with excellent professors, skilled researchers, compassionate leaders, and dedicated staff,” said Hand. “The fine arts, humanities, social and behavioral sciences are crucial areas of study for understanding the world, expressing that understanding creatively, and addressing its challenges with empathy, innovation, and critical thinking. I am excited to work collaboratively with faculty and staff to provide a quality education that equips students with the essential skills and knowledge they need to succeed, and to continue our community connections through our wide array of events and programming.”

Hand is married to Jim Bryant, Professor at Murray State. They have two children, Ella Bryant (20) and Colin Bryant (13).