2021-College-Report

letter from the dean RESILIENT. Bobcats are resilient. Long before the global pandemic, I had seen that trait in our students, and the past year has only reinforced my belief that resiliency is one of the defining features here in the College of Fine Arts and Communication. The mission of the College of Fine Arts and Communication involves impacting society and helping individuals fulfill their potential. In addition to the usual features, this year’s College Report highlights six resilient students who overcame significant obstacles—cancer, a crippling car accident, the death of a loved one, financial struggles, academic challenges, mental health issues, or a combination of the above—to achieve their personal success and impact others. Their stories are emblematic of a broader story, the power of education and its ripple effect in changing lives, families, and communities. These six stories embody why we are here as faculty and staff. It is through education, art, communication, and the stories we tell that we transform lives and communities. Over time, I have come to appreciate the significant role Texas State plays in higher education and in society. Namely, we are unquestionably one of the premier institutions for educating first-generation college students, helping move them and their families up the social ladder. As I start my 23rd year at Texas State, I have seen the steady rise in excellence. Indeed, our “Points of Pride” (p. 4, 20, 36) highlight 30 national accolades earned across the college, reflecting a team effort and shared purpose that allows us to stand alongside any College of Fine Arts and Communication in the country. While we have created a culture where we expect success, our students face significant financial need: nationally, Texas State is the 39th largest public university, but is in the top 10 in federal financial aid, with 37% of undergraduates being Pell Grant recipients. In addition, 47% of of undergraduates are first-generation college students. Rather than insurmountable obstacles, these facts are the challenges that our students annually surmount as they show their resilience and determination, transforming themselves, their families, and the communities with which they engage. At Texas State we have a sustained track record of transforming first- generation students into next generation leaders. To maintain and increase that level of excellence, we need to expand and elevate our donor base. Join the Friends of Fine Arts and Communication, purchase a seat in the Performing Arts Center, support a student by sponsoring an annual scholarship, have your company sponsor one of our major events, or create an endowed scholarship. These are a few of the ways you can support a winning team and transform the lives of students, who in turn will transform the lives of the next generation. JOHN FLEMING, DEAN August 1, 2021 DR. JOHN FLEMING Dean College of Fine Arts and Communication KEVIN GILLEY Assistant to the Dean, Outreach College of Fine Arts and Communication college leadership Each academic unit is among the largest and the best in the country in its specific discipline. Serving approximately 5,000 majors, more than 300 faculty colleagues and nearly 60 staff personnel, the college leadership team is dedicated to providing a supportive, collegial learning environment that creates opportunities for personal and collective success. Together, we continue to reach new heights. MICHAEL NIBLETT Director Art and Design DR. ERIK TIMMERMAN Chair Communication Studies MICHELLE NANCE Director Division of Dance DR. JUDY OSKAM Director Journalism and Mass Communication DR. JOEY MARTIN Interim Director Music SARAH MAINES Chair Theatre and Dance DR. LAURIE FLUKER Associate Dean College of Fine Arts and Communication DR. LYNN BRINCKMEYER Associate Dean College of Fine Arts and Communication KARL BOYSEN Supervisor College Academic Advising Center 2 ■ C O L L E G E R E P O R T 2 0 2 1 ■ 3