Fulbright College Associate Dean Lia Uribe Selected to Join Prestigious Sphinx LEAD Program

Fulbright College Associate Dean Lia Uribe. Photo by Grant Schol.

Lia Uribe, associate dean for the arts and humanities and music professor at the U of A’s Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, was selected earlier this year as one of only 10 arts leaders to join the 2024 cohort of the Sphinx LEAD program.

The Sphinx Organization, dedicated to transforming lives through the power of the arts, supports representation and excellence in classical music through programs focused on education, artist development, performing arts and arts leadership.

Sphinx LEAD (Leaders in Excellence, Arts & Diversity) is a two-year leadership program designed to empower the next generation of executive arts leaders from Black and Latino communities. By fostering mentorship, collaboration and skill development, Sphinx LEAD addresses the systemic challenges facing these communities, preparing its participants for top leadership roles within the arts industry.

“Congratulations to Associate Dean Lia Uribe on being selected for such a prestigious program,” said Brian E. Raines, dean of Fulbright College. “Lia is an invaluable part of our college’s leadership team, and she is always striving to learn and better herself so that she can then in turn better serve our college, students and community.”

“This is a well-deserved accolade that will help both Lia and our college flourish,” he added.

As part of the program, this October, the Sphinx LEAD cohort will visit The Juilliard School in New York City. During the visit, participants will meet with the president, chiefs of staff and other key leadership members to engage in discussions on critical topics such as fundraising, creative excellence, the philanthropic landscape and community engagement.

As a “LEADer,” Uribe will also participate in other leadership retreats across the U.S., receive $5,000 in professional development funds and engage in mentorship and networking opportunities with influential arts leaders. The program equips participants with tools to achieve their individual goals while also fostering a collaborative community of like-minded arts professionals.

Uribe is an accomplished educator, arts advocate and internationally recognized bassoonist. Since joining the Department of Music in 2013, she has served as director of undergraduate studies, vice chair and chair – the second woman and first person of Latin heritage to hold this role. Her research and artistic work center on Latin-American, Latino and historically marginalized music, as well as the commissioning of new works for bassoon. She has performed as a guest artist in over 20 countries.

In 2019, Uribe founded the RefleXions Music Series, which celebrates musicians and audiences through the lenses of creative justice. She is also the host of Sound Perimeter, a KUAF/NPR podcast dedicated to diverse voices in music.

“I am so honored to be selected to be part of Sphinx LEAD’s 2024 cohort; it means a lot and underscores my ongoing commitment to inclusive excellence in the arts,” Uribe said. “I am eager to apply the knowledge and experience gained from this prestigious program to benefit our Fulbright College students and initiatives, as well as the larger arts community.”

About Sphinx LEAD: Sphinx LEAD is designed to evolve the industry landscape by empowering executive arts leaders from Black and Latino communities. Over two years, participants benefit from mentorship, leadership retreats and a collaborative cohort experience aimed at addressing the challenges within these underrepresented communities. Through Sphinx LEAD, the Sphinx Organization continues its mission of advancing diversity, inclusion and equity in classical music. For more information about the Sphinx Organization and Sphinx LEAD, please visit www.sphinxmusic.org.

This story also appeared in the University of Arkansas News publication.