Perpich director announces retirement

Charles Rick, Perpich Center for Arts Education Executive Director, is retiring from Perpich after over five years of service. His last day will be Nov. 22. Charles started at Perpich in August 2019.

"Perpich is a special community and I am glad to have been part of it the past few years," Rick said. "I truly want to thank the Board of Directors and the Perpich staff, faculty, and students for their support. My takeaway from my experiences at Perpich Center for Arts Education is the vast amount of talent and dedication for arts education in Minnesota. It has been my honor, as executive director, to advocate for arts education."

Principal Rebecca Bullen said she has greatly enjoyed working with Rick over the past five years.

"His dedication to the success of Perpich and our community is admirable. He has stepped in in times of need and shown true leadership and commitment. He is a listener who holds integrity, empathy, and inclusivity at the center of his decisions," Bullen said. "Charles has been a valued and respected mentor and I have learned a lot from him. I wish him the best in his well deserved retirement."

Wendy Barden, director of professional development and resources, said, "I so appreciate the leadership Charles has provided the agency, and Professional Development and Resource Programs (PDR) in particular, over these five years. In so many ways, PDR has been able to move forward in our service to arts educators and arts education statewide because of his support, collaborative thinking and encouragement."

Pasha Khosravi, board chair, said working with Rick has been "an absolute pleasure."

"Perpich is incredibly fortunate to have had such a dedicated and committed leader," Khosravi said. "His guidance was invaluable during the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic. Dr. Rick has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and wisdom through the many challenges that would come, always rising to the occasion and elevating the agency. I wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement."