Dean's Messages Archive

As we pass the mid-way point of another semester, several challenges remain, yet we have much to celebrate. Thanks to the efforts of faculty and staff throughout the college, we have been able to return safely—with appropriate COVID protocols—to live, in-person music and theatre performances, in-person lectures and studio critiques, and, overall, the type of teaching and learning that enables our faculty and students to thrive. Granted, it is not just like it was before COVID. However, we have used the lessons learned during the pandemic to adjust and accommodate, often at a moment’s notice. I continue to be amazed by the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the College of Arts and Architecture community.

In our August issue, we introduced Folayemi Wilson, our first associate dean for access and equity. Folayemi is spending this semester on a “listening tour,” meeting with administrators, faculty, students, and staff to better understand our college and the experiences of the people who work and learn here. In January she plans to hold a town hall where she will share what she learned, and reveal plans for moving forward. Stay tuned for details.

This fall our faculty and students are continuing their work on amazing, interdisciplinary research projects. In this issue you can read more about Landscape Architecture faculty member Peter Stempel and his work on a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration grant project to study the effects of sea level rise. Also featured in this issue is Art History faculty member Heather McCune Bruhn and her work on an Institute of Museum and Library Services grant project to enhance the public’s online viewing experiences of works of art. In addition, you will find a story on Natalie Walter, an Architecture student who is researching the use of mushroom-based composites in acoustic architectural components. Her work is funded in part by an Erickson Discovery Grant.

Next week we welcome our 2021 Alumni Award recipients to campus to meet with students and faculty and to receive their awards. The awards ceremony, to take place at 4 p.m. on Friday, November 5, in the School of Music Recital Hall, is open to the public and will also be livestreamed. From a founding member of the Guerrilla Girls Collective to a well-known face on television screens, we are honoring some fantastic people. Scroll down to see my interviews with these alumni as part of the “Movers.Shakers.Designers.Makers” series, and read more about them here.

Speaking of alumni, I recently had the chance to speak with Integrative Arts alumnus Mark Shulman, senior vice president for programming at UBS Arena, for “Movers.Shakers.Designers.Makers” (check out the interview here). Mark has had an impressive career in high-profile concert promotion and venue development, and is an inspiring example of how studying the arts and focusing on a passion can prepare you to pursue various professional paths.

Because our next e-newsletter is not until December, I encourage you to mark the date of November 30—Giving Tuesday—on your calendars. We will have a number of campaigns in the College of Arts and Architecture, from the Alumni Society Scholarship Fund to initiatives in the School of Music, School of Theatre, and Center for the Performing Arts. Check College of Arts and Architecture and Penn State social media in the coming weeks for direct links to campaigns and instructions on how to give.

Thank you, as always, for your support, your time, and your collegiality. I look forward to more in-person gatherings and opportunities to meet with you in the near future!