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New dean looking forward to challenges, meeting alumni
New School of Visual and Performing Arts created
Current Happenings in the Visual and Performing Arts
Research center provides data to grant writers; history faculty assist teachers
English professor spouses pen books of short stories, poetry |
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Talented students, colleagues highlight 15 years as dean
A Message from Dr. Paul L. Hain, Dean, College of Arts & Humanities
Last year we worried about the possible negative impact of budget cuts on quality academic programs. The cuts occurred and hurt, but we believe we minimized the negative effects on our students in the short term. The long term is still problematic because short-term cuts in areas such as faculty travel to professional conferences have a long-term impact. Still, thanks to a supportive administration, the college has progressed, even if slowly.
I regret to report that Dr. James Carlsen, Director of Theatre for a quarter of a century, died in early November. He joined the University in 1976 and led the development of a vibrant theatre program.
We have good news too. Various departments will soon reorganize into a School of Visual and Performing Arts. The 1,500-seat Performing Arts Center will open a year from now. Our music program continues its rapid growth in students, ensembles, faculty and in quality. In December we awarded our first Master of Arts degree in Studio Art. Those students were the first to enjoy the new painting studio in Hamlin Center. We will award the first Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art in 2004. Art faculty and students have developed the front of the Hamlin Center space into a gallery.
Faculty continue to link the campus to the community through programs and class assignments, and especially so in political science, public relations and technical writing. The Social Science Research Center has become a tremendous regional resource as an evaluator and data source for grant-funded programs.
I have enjoyed 15 exciting years as dean of this college, working with an excellent faculty and talented students, and look forward to becoming a classroom instructor (half time) next year. I am very pleased that Dr. Richard Gigliotti, a highly regarded sociologist and Dean of the College of Humanities & Social Sciences at Montclair State University in New Jersey, will become Dean of Arts & Humanities in July. I am confident that with his wise guidance the college will continue to flourish and advance.
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