Advisory Committee on Organization of the Arts
Our Vision
Our vision is a dynamic arts program in the vanguard of integrated research and outreach, where the arts work as a fundamental aspect of a transformative learning environment, and provide tangible examples of creativity, innovation, collaboration, and inclusiveness, advancing WSU toward its full potential.
Our Mission
The Advisory Committee on Organization of the Arts will collect information to provide the provost with a report on the status of the arts at WSU and propose recommendations on its composition and activities that support and elevate the university’s Drive to 25 initiative and modern land grant mission.
History
Formed by Provost Bernardo in April 2017, the Advisory Committee on Organization of the Arts is tasked with evaluating the current status of the arts in academic and non-academic units as well as proposing opportunities for enhanced coordination, expansion, and impact.
“The arts represent a critical component of any comprehensive university and are important to the educational experience of our students. Significant and productive discussion has been occurring recently concerning how we might best organize our programs and activities in the arts. Building off of these efforts, I am establishing a committee charged with developing a proposal for more coordinated activities among the applied, fine, performing, and visual arts at WSU. This committee will evaluate the current status of the arts in academic and non-academic units and propose opportunities for enhanced coordination, expansion, and impact.”
Daniel Bernardo, Memorandum to Faculty and Staff within the Arts, May 10, 2017
Reporting
In February 2018, the committee will submit a final report to the provost’s office, which will include a proposal for more coordinated activities among the applied, fine, performing, and visual arts at WSU.
The report will articulate:
- Current challenges within academic arts and design programs, including undergraduate and graduate programs
- Opportunities for expansion of arts and design undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs
- Opportunities for enhanced connections between academic programs and the Museum of Art
- Potential for the formation of a center or institute for the arts
- Potential for the formation of a department or school of the arts
Committee Members
Lori Wiest
Professor of music and associate dean of CAS (chair)
Kimberly Christen
Professor and director of Digital Technology and Culture
Kevin Haas
Professor of fine arts
Gregory Kessler
Professor and Interim director of School of Design and Construction
Kate McAteer
Assistant vice chancellor of academic affairs, WSU Tri-Cities
Squeak Meisel
Associate professor and chair of fine arts
Anna Maria Shannon
Interim director of the Museum of Art
Gail Siegel
Director of WSU Performing Arts
Mary Trotter
Clinical assistant professor of theatre arts
David Turnbull
Professor of music