The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation has awarded a half-million-dollar grant to Tuskegee University in support of the school’s bachelor of arts degree program which includes concentrations in music and visual arts. The program is expected to expand its humanities and arts offerings, and the grant funding will be used to add more faculty and equipment in support of the new majors.
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Tuskegee University President Brian Johnson’s vision for increasing enrollment includes the creation of university-wide initiatives, many of which involve creating a more defined culture around the arts and humanities.
“The arts teach students about expressing creativity, critical analysis, and diversity,†Johnson said. “As an inherently interdisciplinary area of study, bachelor of arts degrees in music and visual arts fit well into the mission of Tuskegee University to graduate global-minded citizens who are truly prepared to apply their talents to create, understand, and evaluate art in its various modes.â€
The new majors address a growing interest on the part of current and prospective students.
“Many of the students who presently participate in the arts do so as part of independent extracurricular activities,†Johnson said. “Like any institution that wishes to serve the needs of its students and the global community, Tuskegee must educate those with a desire to learn and contribute their talents to enriching society.â€
For more information about Tuskegee University and its new majors, go to www.tuskegee.edu.