You are here

Arts Division Retreat 2014: Creating a Lasting Framework

See more images from the 2014 Retreat.

On Monday, September 29, 2014, the Arts Division participated in its sixth annual retreat, which opened with a warm welcome from Acting Dean Martin Berger. Berger focused on the incredible transformation the Division has undergone as it dynamically moves forward with creating exciting new systems, adding advanced degree options, hiring new faculty, and continuing to evolve into a nationally and internationally recognized university Arts Division.

Acting Dean Berger was pleased to announce that in the past five years, over $900,000 has been raised for the Arts Dean’s Fund for Excellence, which provides extraordinary opportunities for both faculty and students that otherwise would not be able to happen. Over 130 unique projects, including support for graduate research trips, undergraduate internship opportunities; scholarship funds for the African American Theater Arts Troupe; visiting artists; and so much more, have been possible due to the Fund. Fundraising for the Institute of Arts and Sciences (IAS) is also moving ahead.

The Arts Division was very honored to have Alison Galloway, Campus Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor, and Sean Keilen, Porter College Provost, speaking at the Retreat. Galloway emphasized how important it is for the rest of the campus to know about all of the remarkable work that is being done in the Arts Division. Keilen talked about the continuing successful collaboration between Porter College and the Arts Division, including expanding current programs and ongoing faculty support for students.

Brent Cooley, Arts Health and Safety Advisor gave interesting insight about his role in making sure that the Arts Division’s students, faculty and staff are following proper safety measures. He diplomatically stated how the “dynamic” nature of Arts-related activities can sometimes pose unforeseen hazards, depending on the types of materials and special effects used for projects, performances and exhibitions.

Newest members of the Arts Division: David Dunn, Assistant Professor, Music; Nicol
Hammond
, Assistant Professor, Music; Enrique Leal, Assistant Professor, Art; Albert Narath, Assistant Professor, HAVC; Susana Ruiz, Affiliated Faculty, Film & Digital Media, and Jennifer Maytorena Taylor, Assistant Professor, Film and Digital Media all gave fascinating presentations focused on their current research and expertise in their fields. From finding out how bark beetles are the world’s worst aggressive insect destroyers of trees and how acoustic technology is being developed to combat them, to lesbian and gay issues being expressed in post-apartheid South Africa by rock musician Karen Zoid, the discussions re-enforced what a distinguished and talented faculty there is in the Arts Division.

Acting Dean Berger also announced this year’s award winners throughout the retreat. Of special note, Leta Miller, Music Professor, and Carolyn Dean, History of Art and Visual Culture Professor both have been named Arts Dean’s Eminent Professors. Miller and Dean are renowned leaders in their fields, with many accolades given for their outstanding, and abundant, publications. They are both remarkable teachers who continue to inspire their students and the continued upward trajectory of their research is truly incredible. 

Leta Miller joined UC Santa Cruz in 1987 and specializes in 20th century American music. Her numerous publications deal with avant-garde composers, as well as 16th century chanson and madrigal, music and science in the 17th and 18th centuries, and the music of CPE Bach. Her latest book is the first full-length biography of the Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Aaron Jay Kernis. Miller is also consistently a favorite with her students, with many commendations, including this one: “Leta is an amazing teacher. She is very well organized, making the class easy to follow, and she makes learning easy and fun.”

Carolyn Dean began at UC Santa Cruz in 1991 and is a leading scholar in the field of pre-Columbian visual studies. Her book “A Culture of Stone: Inka Perspectives on Rock” won the prestigious Arvey Prize for best book on Latin American Art, from Pre-Historic to Modern Periods. Her research interests include Inka (Inca) visual and performance culture before and after Spanish colonization. Dean is also a very popular professor on campus, as stated by one student: “One of the best professors I've had at UCSC. Carolyn is extremely intelligent and educated, and it definitely shows in her lectures. I actually enjoyed going to class and I learned a LOT.”

The Retreat also granted awards to the following:

-- Outstanding Arts Advocate: Sean Keilen, Provost, Porter College

-- Outstanding Lecturer: Sean Monaghan, Art Department

-- Outstanding Mentor: Ben Carson, Associate Professor, Music

-- Outstanding Staff, Departmental Service: Jenny Brown, Film and Digital Media Department Manager

-- Outstanding Staff, Divisional Service: Teresa Locatelli, Academic Human Resources Analyst

-- Outstanding Staff, ITS: Kristin Erickson, DANM Program Resources Analyst

-- Outstanding Teacher: Soraya Murray, Assistant Professor, Film and Digital Media

The day concluded with a fun, final gathering complete with ice cream sundaes, a photo booth filled with all kinds of picture possibilities, raffle prizes and even custom-branded Arts Division chocolates!

Overall, the retreat provided an excellent opportunity for faculty and staff to get together, find out about what’s going on currently and in the future for the Division, celebrate the successes of the past year and enthusiastically look forward to what’s ahead.