Dean requests funds for fine arts

Derek Lenehan

Tim Chandler, dean of the College of Fine and Professional Arts, pitched his case for funding allocation to the provost and an audience of university officials yesterday.

Chandler proposed funds for five different causes: the Fashion Museum, the School of Music, the School of Theatre and Dance, the School of Fashion Design and Merchandising and the School of Art.

He also outlined goals for the funding in each of the five categories.

Chandler expressed his desire for the Fashion Museum to become accredited on a regional and national level. He also is seeking an administrative home for the museum.

For the School of Theatre and Dance, Chandler requested $282,300 for:

n An electrician/technology expert

n Five graduate assistants

n Student recruitment

n School appropriations

For the School of Music, Chandler said he wanted to replace the 102 pianos on campus with Steinway pianos, at a cost of “about a million dollars.”

Chandler expressed enthusiasm for the image benefits of such a renovation.

“Steinway is it. Steinway is the sign of quality in music,” he said,

For the School of Fashion Design and Merchandising, Chandler said he wants the school to be ranked as one of the top five fashion schools in the country. He also sought to develop a graduate student program and improve the high ratio of professors to students.

The School of Art is seeking funds primarily for construction projects, according to Chandler’s presentation, for the completion of the Arts Park, a final renovation of the Arts Annex, a renovation of the Arts Building and a relocation of the glass and ceramic programs.

All of the proposals will go to a panel of deans for prioritization.

Contact academic affairs reporter Derek Lenehan at [email protected].