A Message to the School of Dramatic Arts Faculty, Staff and Students
August, 28, 2015
Every academic year begins with renewed passion and excitement, and the impulse to create, re-envision, innovate, tear apart and begin anew. It is in this spirit that I welcome every member of the Dramatic Arts community back to campus.
This is an important time for the School of Dramatic Arts as we embark on the search for a new dean. Thanks to the school’s outstanding faculty and staff, the talent of its graduates and the quality and passion of the current student body, the school is primed for future greatness and recognition. Dramatic Arts’ strengths are numerous. Its vision and reach are increasingly global. The professional and artistic accomplishments of our illustrious faculty are second to none. Students enjoy conservatory-quality education and valuable mentoring complemented by the countless resources of a comprehensive research university. We have the most diverse student body in the nation, which includes the best and brightest from all walks of life and all parts of the globe. And we are located in Los Angeles, the creative capital of the Pacific Rim and a vibrant hub of novelty and experimentation in the world of theatre. The multiple opportunities available to students, including those designed to prepare Dramatic Arts’ graduates for professional success, provide an unparalleled educational experience.
As the school year begins, I am grateful to Professor David Bridel for agreeing to serve as Interim Dean. In his first weeks, David has shown himself to be energetic, creative and more than able in leading the school. Please join me again in thanking and in supporting David in this new role.
To identify a new dean, I have asked Robert Cutietta, Dean of the USC Thornton School of Music and the USC Kaufman School of Dance, and Associate Vice Provost Robin Romans to co-chair the search. As I finalize membership of the search committee, your input is critical. I invite you to send your thoughts, comments and advice to Robin Romans (rromans@usc.edu). Those will be extremely helpful once the committee begins its work.
Cc: C. L. Max Nikias
Ginger Clark
Robert Abeles
Al Checcio
Todd Dickey
Tom Jackiewicz
Carol Mauch Amir
Robin Romans
Board of Councilors of the USC School of Dramatic Arts