Oakland University Establishes School of Music, Theatre, and Dance

1995

The Oakland University Board of Trustees today announced the creation of the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance at their formal August meeting. The move follows a consistent expansion of programs offered by the Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance over the past 32 years.

“We developed the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance to be housed within the College of Arts and Sciences and led by distinguished professor of music education Jackie Wiggins, who will initiate the roles of associate dean in the College of Arts and Sciences and director of the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance on an interim basis until a permanent associate dean can be hired,” says James P. Lentini, senior vice president for academic affairs, provost, and professor of music. “In addition, Dr. Wiggins will have an associate director and each of the departments will be headed by a department chair.”

There ae currently 172 faculty and staff members serving 3,400 Oakland University students, including 230 music majors, 110 theatre majors, and 60 dance majors. The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance offers 23 degree programs from the bachelors to doctoral level, six minors, and six professional certificate programs. A bachelor’s degree in music technology and industry is also currently under review.

Artists in residence affiliated with Oakland University include jazz musician Regina Carter, the Oakland Symphony Orchestra, and dance ensembles Eisenhower Dance and Take Root.

Oakland University was founded in 1957 as a liberal arts college and part of Michigan State University. The music department was established in 1959 and Varner Hall opened in 1970 as the university’s home of performing arts education.

More information about the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance’s programs can be found here.