A Word from the Dean
This fall marks the 10th year that I
have been Dean of the Collegnored to hold and one which is
associated with great challenges and rewards. The challenges, as
you might expect, come in the form of recruiting talented students and
attracting exceptional faculty and staff, particularly in the current
economic climate. I am pleased to report that this year, despite
financial exigencies, we have a freshman class which is arguably the
“brightest and best” we have had in the history of the college.
Obviously, we have had exceptional students over the years, but the
strength and breadth of this class is truly impressive, as evidence by
portfolio reviews, competitive auditions, standardized test results, and
a burgeoning number of scholarship recipients. This accomplishment
is due in large measure to the stalwart support we have received from
our alumni network, and the heroic efforts of both faculty and staff.
Your continuing support of recruitment initiatives and scholarship
funding is crucial to our future success.
No college, even those blessed with exceptional students, can prosper without a cadre of dedicated and highly skilled faculty. Our College of Fine Arts is indeed fortunate to have so many caring, creative, and enthusiastic professors, who put student learning and growth as their first priority. Faculty who were selected for special Dean’s Awards in 2009 are Ted Neal, Department of Art, Murray Steib, School of Music, and Wendy Mortimer, Department of Theatre and Dance.
Highlights for the upcoming year include:
Construction of the new Glick Center for Glass, a 10,000 square foot facility for the creation of hot glass.
Advent of the new BFA in Acting and Musical Theatre and the MFA in Visual Arts.
Completion of Phase I for the expansion of the Ball State University Museum of Art.
Partnership with the American Piano Association for the recording/career launch of the competition winners.
Refinement of the highly successful Theatre Showcase Program, now held in Los Angeles, New York City, and Chicago.
There are but a few of the highlights for the 2009-2010 academic year, and we encourage you, the alumni and friends of the college, to stay connected by visiting our new website regularly to share in all that is happening at your university.
We appreciate your continuing support and would welcome you back to campus anytime your schedule allows.
All the best as the
year unfolds!
Sincerely,
Robert A. Kvam, Dean
College of Fine Arts
