Collaborative Leadership
My leadership philosophy follows the same approach as I use in my scholarship: collaborative. As a theatrical scene designer, I consistently work with a creative team to interpret what is on the page and translate it for the stage. The collaborative spirit that I infuse in all my work also observes and respects each individual’s accomplishments in creating a cohesive whole.
My goal has been to move forward with theatre and the performing arts through a continuous renovation of my creative practice, the curricular and professional opportunities afforded my students and attention to the development of department faculty and staff for whom I care so deeply. Check out the MSU Today Article: Renovating Learning Through Compassion and Innovation (July 14, 2020).
Kirk celebrates success, rewards a job well done and creates an environment that honors each and every person.
MSU Today Article: Outstanding Supervisor Award Announcement (November 7, 2017)
Leadership Awards & Honors
- Delphi Award (Team Award) for Changing Faculty and Student Success, University of Southern California’s Rossier School of Education: Pullias Center for Higher Education, in partnership with the American Association of Colleges & Universities, 2024
- MSU Simmons Chivukula Award for Academic Leadership, 2023
- Ashland University Alumni Association: Special Achievement Award, 2022
- Standing Ovation Award. Michigan Thespians: An Educational Theatre Association Affiliate, 2021
- College of Arts & Letters Paul Varg Award, 2019
- MSU Outstanding Supervisor Award, 2017
- Excellence in Diversity Award – MSU Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives: Department of Theatre’s “60/50 Theatre Project” (Team Award), 2015
- College of Arts & Letters Alumni Award for Innovation and Leadership in Teaching and Learning, 2011
- College of Arts & Letters Faculty Leadership Award, 2010
Kirk A. Domer Summer Circle Theatre Fellowship
“Believe in the people who understand the basic importance of the arts in all of our lives no matter what we do. Give to what you love, and you will see that return tenfold over your lifetime.”
In honor of the 60th Anniversary of Summer Circle Theatre, MSU Alumni Larry and Linda Stone created a fellowship in honor of the Department of Theatre Chairperson, Kirk A. Domer.
New Performance Facilities
Below are two significant development endeavors that I spearheaded as Chairperson of the MSU Department of Theatre (2010 – 2020).
January 2016: The nearly 10K sq. ft. facility is the new home for the Department of Theatre’s scene shop (or Performing Arts Teaching Laboratory), where all the sets for Theatre and Opera production are built.
MSU Today Article: New Scene Shop Brings Theater To Life (June 6, 2016)
September 2014: The Department of Theatre in the MSU College of Arts & Letters dedicated the NEW Summer Circle Courtyard, which is the permanent home for our professional Summer Circle Theatre.
Administrative Experience
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY:
- Director, Arts, Cultural Management & Museum Studies Program, January 2023-Present
- Associate Chairperson/Director of Graduate Studies, Department of Theatre, January 2023-Present
- Acting Associate Dean for Academic Personnel & Administration, College of Arts & Letters, July-December 2022
- Chairperson, Department of Theatre, 2011-2020
- Committee Chairperson, College of Arts & Letters Undergraduate Council, 2018-2019
- Interim Director, Arts, Cultural Management & Museum Studies Program, 2017-2018
- Co-Director, Arts and Cultural Management Program, 2014-2015
- Associate Chairperson, Department of Theatre, 2010-2011
- Acting Chairperson, Department of Theatre, Head of Design, 2009-2010
- Associate Chairperson, Department of Theatre, Head of Design, 2006-2009
- Committee Chairperson, College of Arts & Letters Technology Committee, 2010-2011
- Committee Chairperson, College of Arts & Letters Curriculum Committee, 2007-2009
- Committee Chairperson of many Faculty Search & Faculty Promotion Committees, 2004-Present