Dean's Welcome
On behalf of all members of the College of Fine Arts, I welcome you to our University.
The energy of the arts permeates the core of Millikin University’s promise to educate students for futures as professionals and life-long learners in a democratic and global society. That promise is nowhere truer than in the College of Fine Arts. Students thrive in an environment that supports them in their efforts to create as scholars and artists, and begin building a satisfying life for themselves in the arts.
With strong traditions at work in each area, the College presents you with opportunities to reach toward your potential as a performer, scholar, musician, or visual artist. Our students, together and working with our faculty, collaborate to challenge, revise, and blur the boundaries between teacher and learner in both the classroom and the studio. The energy of these collaborations excites the learning for all involved.
The faculty of the College of Fine Arts is proud to embody the values of Millikin’s mission. Faculties in each area of the College are active citizens of the University who not only teach within their areas of specialty, but also participate in the life of the institution through scholarship, performance, and exhibition. Integral to their creative lives is the commitment to understand the world—globally, locally, and politically— and contribute to the cultural dialogue that occurs on the campus and extends into the community. All members of the faculty demonstrate these commitments each day as teachers, scholars, and artists. Expectations met by the faculty also hold true for students. Fine Arts students are highly visible and comprise almost a quarter of the undergraduate student population. They are leaders, as well as artists.
I invite you to explore all the programs in the College of Fine Arts and throughout Millikin University. If I can be of direct assistance, please feel free to call my office at 217-362-6499, or I answer email at bpearson@millikin.edu. Faculty and students are also willing to answer your questions. We can arrange for students studying in your area of interest to contact you so you can better understand the nature of your desired program. A visit can also be arranged. Especially exciting is the possibility of timing your visit to coincide with a performance or exhibit. Please contact my office for more information on upcoming events for all the fine arts areas. You can also go to www.millikin.edu/kirkland for dates and times of most events.
Barry Pearson
Dean of the College of Fine Arts