WINSTON-SALEM – Chancellor Wade Hobgood has appointed James J. DeCristo of Winston-Salem as the North Carolina School of the Arts' new associate vice chancellor for economic development. DeCristo will be responsible for working with Triad business, government and educational leadership to develop design and economic initiatives, including the collaborative digital design project originally recommended by the AngelouEconomics report, the Center for Design Innovation. 

            “The School has been a key player in planning for a national design institute in the Triad with the area’s UNC campuses and community colleges for more than two years now,” said Chancellor Hobgood. “With Jim DeCristo onboard, we will move from the discussion table to design and development of facilities and staff. Jim brings just the right combination of entrepreneurial skills and technology development expertise.” 

            DeCristo worked at the North Carolina Small Business and Technology Development Center in Winston-Salem and Boone, developing collaborations between research and development companies and university technology offices to create new technologies. He also worked with entrepreneurs on the development and marketing of innovative technologies. Previously he was the plant manager for Diebold Incorporated in Lexington. DeCristo will start work at NCSA on March 28. 

            The Center for Design Innovation will be a component of the National Institute for Design. The North Carolina Legislature appropriated
$10 million dollars in 2004 for construction of the center in Winston-Salem’s Piedmont Triad Research Park. Structured as a partnership between the School of the Arts and Winston-Salem State University, it will provide the opportunity for both faculties to collaborate on design projects and develop initiatives and new knowledge intended to spur economic development. DeCristo will help develop the center, as well as other economic development activities.

            The School of the Arts is the lead institution for the National Institute for Design, partnering with Winston-Salem State University, North Carolina A&T State University, UNC-Greensboro, Guilford Technical Community College and Forsyth Technical Community College. The six schools would create such design programs as molecular, pharmaceutical, digital film, furniture and mechanical design. The institute would cross-train students in design concepts and research.  

            An arts conservatory of international renown, the North Carolina School of the Arts was the first state-supported, residential school of its kind in the nation. Established by the N.C. General Assembly in 1963, NCSA became part of the University of North Carolina in 1972. Students from middle school through graduate school train for careers in the arts in five professional schools: Dance, Design and Production (including a Visual Arts Program), Drama, Filmmaking, and Music. More than 1,000 students are enrolled annually; they must audition or interview for admission. For more information, visit the School’s website at www.ncarts.edu.

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