Francisco Souto, professor of art, has been named director of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s School of Art, Art History and Design. He begins the appointment Jan. 1.

“I am pleased that Francisco Souto has accepted our invitation to lead the School of Art, Art History and Design,” said Chuck O’Connor, dean of the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts. “This is an exciting time in the school’s history, and I know Francisco will provide bold, steady leadership.”

Souto joined the Nebraska faculty in 2004. Born in Venezuela, he received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Herron School of Art in 2000 and a Master of Fine Arts from Ohio State University in 2002.

“It is a great honor to be named the director of the School of Art, Art History and Design,” Souto said. “I’d like to thank the remarkable faculty, staff and administration for placing their trust in me. I am very excited to lead a wonderful team of artists and scholars.

“The talent among our faculty, students and staff has long been amazing, and I know we will work together to enhance and connect our cultural and artistic life to our campus and community. I look forward to a very bright and exciting future together.”

Souto’s honors include more than 45 national and international awards and grants including Special prize at the seventh International Triennial of Prints in Japan, selected prize at the 12th International Biennial of Prints and Drawing in China and the International Award at the British International Print Exhibition. He also participated in the exhibition “Epicenter/Epicentro: Re Tracing the Plains,” on the Venice Biennale 54th International Arts Exhibition in Venice, Italy.

He has been artist-in-residence in national and international venues including: Helsinski Academy of Fine Art, Finland; Anderson Ranch Arts Center, Colorado; Museo Grabado, Mexico; University of Texas at Austin and Cradle Oak Press, Illinois. His prints and drawings have been published in many catalogs.

Souto’s work has been exhibited in more than 85 venues in the last 10 years, including the Fonds d’Art Moderne et Cotemporain, France; New York International Print Fair, Works on Paper New York City; and The Armory Center for the Arts in California. His work is held in several public and private collections including Nebraska’s Sheldon Museum of Art. And, his prints and drawings have been published in many catalogs.

Souto replaces Robert Ladislas Derr, who returned to the faculty in July. Christopher Marks, associate dean of the college, is serving as interim director during the fall semester.