Office of the President
About Laura Freid
A leader in arts advocacy, Dr. Laura Freid is in her seventh year as President of Maine College of Art & Design.
Under Dr. Freid’s leadership, applications to Maine College of Art & Design’s BFA program have increased by 82% from 2016 to 2023, along with an 8% increase in selectivity and diversity of the incoming class. Enrollment in the MFA program has also increased by 88%. The College has introduced a major in Animation & Game Art and two new minors: Art & Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Ecosystems: Art & Design.
Over $15.25MM has been raised since Dr. Freid joined the College, with annual fundraising increasing by over 50%. The College’s endowment market value has more than doubled under Dr. Freid’s leadership, thanks to new gifts, pledge payments, and market gain.
Dr. Freid developed Maine College of Art & Design’s strategic plan, Envisioning Our Future 2027, which builds on the College’s position in Portland’s Arts District and embraces change. The plan’s five strategic goals will guide the College’s growth and development as it envisions a world enriched by artists and designers.
Previously, Dr. Freid served as CEO and Executive Director of Silkroad, initiating affiliations with Harvard University and the Rhode Island School of Design. Under her leadership, Silkroad organized a yearlong celebration of the arts in Chicago, focused on arts and passion-driven learning, and brought together artists and business leaders to influence cultural entrepreneurship.
Dr. Freid graduated from Washington University in St. Louis and holds an M.B.A. from Boston University and an Ed.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. In 2018, she received an honorary Doctor of Business Administration from Johnson & Wales University.
Strategic Plan: Envisioning Our Future 2027
Maine College of Art & Design's Strategic Plan builds on our historic positioning in Portland’s arts district, a shared strategic vision, and proven ability to embrace change.
Maine College of Art & Design aims to cultivate high standards in teaching and learning, be recognized for students' cultural contributions, and be an educational leader with a relevant and inclusive curriculum.
Develop a Culture of Equity and Belonging
Maine College of Art & Design is committed to equity and belonging, as well as cultivating artists who are agents of change and connect our community to the world in meaningful ways.
Broaden Our Reach: Online Learning and New Programs
Maine College of Art & Design will develop new programming to educate students and designers through online, hybrid, and in-person modalities, expand its community, generate revenue, and ensure future adaptability.
Create Living and Learning Centers
Maine College of Art & Design will develop a concept for living and learning facilities that aligns with our mission and values, providing students with resources to become lifelong artists while preserving educational space in Portland.
Maine College of Art & Design aims to achieve long-term financial sustainability through the development of a financial framework and revenue-focused strategic priorities.
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees at Maine College of Art & Design plays a crucial role in guiding the institution towards its mission and vision.
Comprised of dedicated individuals from diverse backgrounds, the Board provides strategic leadership and oversight to ensure the College's continued growth and development. Their expertise and commitment contribute to the overall health and success of the College, and help shape the future of arts education.
Media
Maine Home + Design: The Future of Design, According to Dr. Laura Freid
Laura Freid, President of Maine College of Art & Design, was interviewed for the September issue of Maine Home + Design, in which she discusses the dynamic landscape of art and design. “Future designers must be creative, adaptive, flexible, and receptive to new ideas, technologies, and cultural mores," says Freid. "Designers will continue to understand that collaboration is critical, and the process of research and iteration will always be necessary."
Down East Magazine: Where the Buffs Roam
We asked 10 art-world luminaries to share the under-the-radar places where they find great Maine art.
Discovering art in such unexpected nooks is “part of what makes Maine so special,” says Paul Sacaridiz, executive director of Deer Isle’s Haystack Mountain School of Crafts. “People are intentionally creating spaces to show art in the communities, and artists don’t have to rely on one particular museum or art dealer to gain exposure.”
WMTW8: Fashion show by art students, for art students
"From the classroom, to the catwalk. Students at Maine College of Art & Design put on a fashion show for a cause. Graduating seniors designed and created the looks."
Mainebiz: Maine College of Art & Design's focus: Teaching artists how to be 'creative entrepreneurs
"At the time of her appointment, Freid cited Maine College of Art & Design and Portland as "an exciting American center for the arts, culture and entrepreneurship." A year in, Mainebiz caught up with Freid to learn more about her vision of art and entrepreneurship and how that's playing out under her tenure."
Maine Magazine: 50 Mainers Balancing Heritage and Progress
"Freid said she feels fortunate to be leading the Maine College of Art & Design at a time when Portland is “just realizing its true potential.” Design is also becoming more and more integral to everyday life. “I think design is everything. We’re living in a world that’s becoming increasingly visual. Everything we do, even conversations we’re having, is based on how we see things."
Portland Press Herald: Maine College of Art & Design's new President sees Arts Education as key to navigating an ever-changing world
"Laura Freid has a résumé peppered with Ivy League schools that led to a globe-trotting job with a world-famous musician, which she left to become the newest president of Maine College of Art & Design."