Cohen Named Acting Dean

Robert S. Cohen, founding chair of drama at UC Irvine, has been named acting dean of the School of Fine Arts, the university announced Monday.

Cohen fills in for Robert Hickok, who is taking early retirement effective July 1. A search committee will seek a permanent replacement.

Cohen has written 10 books, including “Acting One,” which is required reading in 113 university drama programs. He also has directed nearly 100 plays at the university and at professional theaters. Cohen won the UCI Medal--the university’s highest honor--in 1993.