The Hardin-Simmons University board of trustees voted Feb. 8 to establish the College of Arts and Media.
Classes currently in the School of Music and the departments of art, communication and theater will move from the Cynthia Ann Parker College of Liberal Arts into the new college, slated to open in the fall.
A frequently-asked-questions page on the HSU website stated: “The same faculty and staff who worked in the School of Music, Department of Art, Department of Communication, and Department of Theatre will work in the College of Arts and Media. Since the classes and programs offered in the College of Arts and Media were already established in the Cynthia Ann Parker College of Liberal Arts, the only changes taking place are in the university’s organizational chart.”
The online FAQ stated the reorganization and creation of the new college “will provide the opportunity for a Renaissance of the Arts at HSU built upon a legacy of excellence in the communication, musical, theatrical, and visual arts enlightened by the Christian faith.”
An announcement issued by the university stated HSU undertook the reorganization “after feasibility studies and to allow for more growth.”
“Following prayerful consideration and thorough analysis, and with the backing of our exceptional faculty and financial stability, we are now able to re-envision our programs and utilize our facilities to maximize our potential in the areas for Arts and Communication,” President Eric Bruntmyer said.
“I’m grateful for those who’ve taught and mentored our students and I look forward to the global impact we can make as we take this journey together.”
On Feb. 13, HSU announced Bob Brooks was named dean of the College of Arts and Media. Brooks most recently was senior development officer at HSU.
Previously, Brooks served as founding dean of the Graduate School of Ministry at Dallas Baptist University and as director of choral activities and ensemble arts in DBU’s College of Fine Arts.
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Brooks was dean of the College of Fine Arts at HSU from 2011 to 2013, and he was an assistant professor of church music at HSU from 1998 to 2001. He also served as director of educational outreach at The Julliard School.
This article originally was posted Feb. 9. It was edited Feb. 13 to include additional information.
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