College of Design appoints new Assistant Dean for Finance

Lori Tiede has been appointed as assistant dean for finance at the University of Kentucky College of Design. Tiede joins the college with more than a decade of financial and administrative leadership experience in both the private and public sectors, most recently serving as budget analyst for UK College of Fine Arts.

In her new role, Tiede will oversee all financial operations for the College of Design, managing budgeting, forecasting and reporting for the college’s diverse funding sources. She will work closely with Dean Ned Crankshaw, faculty, staff and UK philanthropy to ensure financial transparency and support strategic growth.

“From forecasting college-wide budgets to guiding grant allocations and student scholarship processing, Lori’s leadership will help provide the structure and clarity needed to advance the College’s mission,” Dean Crankshaw said. “We are excited to welcome her as a collaborative partner in shaping our financial future.”

Tiede brings a strong background in project management and business operations, including prior roles as business officer for the UK College of Social Work and director of project management and client services at Symbiotix, a medical communications agency. She also holds an MBA from the Rochester Institute of Technology, with concentrations in marketing and entrepreneurship.

A believer in the power of teamwork and purposeful work, Tiede says she was drawn to the creative, collaborative environment of the College of Design. 

“I’ve always been energized by cross-functional work and supporting mission-driven teams,” Tiede said. “Even though my job focuses on numbers, I understand and appreciate the creative process, and I’m looking forward to working alongside designers, makers and visionaries in this role.”

Tiede’s responsibilities will also include collaborating with the Office of Philanthropy to manage endowments, scholarships and donor-created accounts that support student success and academic programming. She will supervise the College’s business center team and bring her experience with process improvement to streamline internal operations.

“Joining the College of Design at this exciting time is a privilege,” Tiede said. “I’m ready to jump in and help the College grow in a way that’s financially sustainable and forward-thinking.”

Tiede will officially step into the role on May 1.