2022 College Report

’ ’ ’ ’ ” - - - 2 3 LETTER FROM THE DEAN 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. TXST NEXT is the university s new branding campaign. NEXT IS NOW is the university s capital campaign. Highlighting our history, our immediate present, and our future, this College Report is all about WHAT ’S NEXT . In fall 2022, the university expects a record freshman class of more than 7000 students, and as we emerge from the global pandemic, the future is particularly bright in the College of Fine Arts and Communication. The mission of the college involves impacting society and helping individuals fulfill their potential. In addition to the usual features, this year s College Report highlights four “What s NEXT initiatives—the opening of Live Oak Hall to support our film and television students, the renovation of Evans Auditorium, the fund- raising campaign for a new Music building, and the celebration of our 20th Black and Latino Playwrights Celebration including the creation of an endowment (pp. 32 - 35). Each of these initiatives will increase student success. 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 they and their families up the social ladder. As I start my 24th year at Texas State, I have seen the steady rise in excellence. Indeed, our “Points of Pride” (p. 6) highlight over 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 42nd largest public university (25th largest undergraduate), but is in the top 10 in federal financial aid, with 36% of undergraduates being Pell Grant recipients. In addition, 44% 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, 2022 JOHN FLEMING Dean BETH THOMAS Art and Design Director ERIK T IMMERMAN Communication Studies Chair MICHELLE NANCE Division of Dance Director JUDY OSKAM Journalism and Mass Communication Director TODD SULL IVAN Music Director SARAH MAINES Theatre and Dance Chair LYNN BRINCKMEYER Associate Dean LAURIE FLUKER Associate Dean KEVIN GI LLEY Assistant to the Dean Outreach