Lamar D. Fain College of Fine Arts

Mission Statement for the Lamar D. Fain College of Fine Arts
Departments, Programs and Courses

Leah Gose, Interim Dean (Fain Fine Arts Center B128)

Mission Statement for the Lamar D. Fain College of Fine Arts

The Lamar D. Fain College of Fine Arts encompasses programs in art, mass communication, music, and theatre. The primary purpose of the college is to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue careers in these disciplines. To accomplish this purpose, stress is placed on applying classroom learning to process and performance. The college prides itself on ensuring that its students do what they study: in its art studios, in its newspaper and television laboratories, and in its concerts, recitals, and dramatic productions. Moreover, the college is committed to offering individualized instruction in functional, up-to-date surroundings. Because the college’s offerings are devoted solely to undergraduate programs, because its faculty members are committed to effective teaching, and because the ratio of full-time faculty members to fine arts majors is approximately 1:12, students are assured frequent, high-quality contact with their instructors. The quality of instruction is enhanced by the faculty’s desire to serve as models for students through their research and creative endeavors. Frequently these endeavors directly involve students, thus vitalizing their educational experiences.

Besides providing knowledge and training that will qualify students for jobs, graduate study, or professional school, the college endeavors to help students develop aesthetic sensibility, cultural awareness, and social responsibility. Not only are students taught to create within their disciplines, but they are also challenged to evaluate the quality of what they have created, to assess the effect of their and others’ creations on the wider culture, and to aspire to professionalism and excellence. The goal is to empower students to use their talents to enrich and advance society. Thus, the Lamar D. Fain College of Fine Arts adopts a twofold mission designed to produce graduates who are both competent professionals and sensitive, reliable, constructive citizens.