The College of Visual and Performing Arts consists of three departments: music, theatre and visual arts, each offering a comprehensive body of knowledge. The Department of Music is an institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music. The Department of Theater Arts is an institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Theater. The Department of Visual Arts is an institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design The department of theater arts is designated as a Center of Excellence. The Silvera- Richards-Stewart Center of Excellence was established to expand on the philosophy and performance techniques of the “American Theater of Being.” This concept was developed by famed actor/director Frank Silvera. “Being” he defined “as existing in a complete and perfect state lacking no essential characteristics.”
Mission
The primary mission of the College of Visual and Performing Arts (COVPA) is to prepare artists, professionals and educators for the 21st century. Students are taught the complexities of visual and performing arts through empowering aesthetic experiences. COVPA seeks to be a pre-eminent provider of education in the arts by celebrating diverse artistic traditions, acknowledging student creativity, and recognizing the significance of African and African-American culture. Professional and award-winning faculty mentors students to become leaders in the arts.
Goals
Maintain faculty members in unique areas of specialization for each department to meet accreditation standards so that the College can train, maintain, and enhance excellent educators and artists.
Improve the quality of outcomes in all academic programs, managerial functions and other support programs.
Secure funding for the Center of Excellence within the Department of Theatre Arts to advance the academic learning environment.
Provide increased training opportunities in the use of technology.
Create interdisciplinary program for development of therapeutic arts as an alternative form of study in the performing arts.
Objectives
Maintain scholarships in all three academic unis
Maintain accreditations standards for, The Department of Theater Arts with the National Association of Schools of Theater, the Department of Music with the National Association of Schools of Music and the Department of Visual Arts with the National Association of Schools of Art & Design
Developed program plans to remain competitive with educational standards.
Continue to support professional development strategies across the College for faculty, staff and students
Maintain excellence, recognition and academic achievement on a national scale.
Vision
The College of Visual and Performing Arts vision is to provide educational and cultural opportunities that enrich and expand the cultural life of the area’s citizens, the nation and the world.