By Dirk Langeveld

FAIRFIELD — Fairfield University has announced the appointment of its first vice president for arts and culture, a post intended to strengthen the school’s cultural assets and improve its standing as an arts destination.

Matt Malone will begin in this role on Oct. 19th. The position reports to Fairfield University President Mark R. Nemec PhD, and “reflects the University’s continued commitment to serving as a center for arts and cultural programming in the region and will further Fairfield’s educational mission through the arts and humanities, enriching the lives of students and engaging audiences of all ages.”

“The arts are fundamental to our mission of educating the whole person,” said Nemec. “They invite us to explore new perspectives, engage with one another in meaningful ways, and strengthen the connections that unite our communities. Matt’s appointment reflects our belief that Fairfield University can play an even greater role as a cultural resource for our region, while enriching the education of every student.”

Responsibilities

Malone will lead the new Division of Arts and Culture at Fairfield University, while also overseeing its cultural touchstones. These include the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts, the Fairfield University Art Museum, and the Center for Arts & Minds.

The position’s responsibilities call for developing a comprehensive strategy to unify the university’s cultural initiatives, expand its public programming, strengthen partnerships with artists and cultural organizations, build philanthropic support, and improve the university’s reputation as an arts and cultural destination.

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to join Fairfield University and advance its extraordinary commitment and vision for the arts. I look forward to working with colleagues across the University and the wider community to further elevate its role as a destination for arts and culture,” Malone said in a statement. “The arts invite us to reflect more deeply, explore new ideas, and encounter one another with greater understanding. They inspire creativity, foster dialogue, and call us to serve the greater good. I am excited to join this vibrant community and help create experiences that leave people not only inspired, but with a renewed sense of possibility and purpose.”

Media leadership

Malone previously worked as a speechwriter for Massachusetts congressman Martin T. Meehan, and was the founding deputy director of the think tank MassINC. He also co-published MassINC’s publication, entitled CommonWealth.

From 2012 to 2022, Malone served as president and editor-in-chief of the Catholic publication American Media. His efforts there included expanding the publication’s reach in both domestic and international markets, developing multi-year strategic plans, strengthening its financial stability, and shifting it to a digital-first organization. 

Malone later worked as an analyst and consultant for NBC News and MSNBC. He has also authored articles for numerous publications.

Dirk Langeveld

^{_{Dirk Langeveld has worked as a news reporter, content marketing specialist, and freelance writer. He is the author of “The Artful Dodger: The 20-Year Pursuit of World War I Draft Dodger Grover Cleveland Bergdoll” and has contributed to several books on Connecticut history.}}