Department of Theatre, Art, and Graphic & Animation Design

Kelly Nelson, Department Chair
Chris Brochon, Department Administrator

Faculty

Ren Barnes, MFA, Visiting Assistant Professor of Graphic and Animation Design
Steven Carpenter, MFA, Assistant Professor of Graphic and Animation Design
Scott Chapman, MFA, Associate Professor of Theatre
Keith Cummings, MFA, Lecturer of Graphic and Animation Design
Kerri Cushman, MFA, Professor of Art
Donovan Douglas, MFA, Associate Professor of Graphic and Animation Design
Rosemary Jesionowski, MFA, Visiting Assistant Professor of Art
Kathleen Kennedy, MFA, Assistant Professor of Art
Wade Lough, MFA, Associate Professor of Graphic and Animation Design
Kelly Nelson, MFA, MAE, Professor of Art, Art Education Program Coordinator
Jeffrey Parrott, MFA, Assistant Professor of Theatre
Adam Paulek, MFA, Professor of Art
Lauren Rice, MFA, Associate Professor of Art
Terri Sabatos, PhD, Associate Professor of Art History
Ronda Scarrow, EdD, Associate Professor of Theatre
Bruce Speas, MFA, Associate Professor of Theatre

Theatre

Faculty

Scott Chapman, MFA, Associate Professor of Theatre
Jeffrey Parrott, MFA, Assistant Professor of Theatre
Ronda Scarrow, EdD, Associate Professor of Theatre, Theatre and Theatre Education Program Coordinator
Bruce Speas, MFA, Associate Professor of Theatre

Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre

Mission Statement for Theatre Program

With the broad array of theatre course offerings at Longwood students have the opportunity to achieve a traditional and holistic view of the world through the study of literature, performance art, and technological development. In order to provide a cohesive body of knowledge in the various fields of performance art, the Theatre Program at Longwood is committed to excellence in teaching, advancement of knowledge, and cultural enrichment. A faculty and staff of theatre historians, theoreticians, and professional artists mentor students in pre-professional training in Theatre Arts. The function of these mentors is to provide excellence in teaching and training through a sequence of theory, performance, and technical courses and through a program of main stage and studio theatrical productions.

The Department provides degree programs of study leading to either a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual and Performing Arts or the Bachelor of Arts in Visual and Performing Arts degree. Students studying for the BFA Degree in Visual and Performing Arts may opt for one of two tracks within the BFA, Performance or Design & Technology. Longwood students are invited into the BFA program through auditions and examination of portfolios, and are then evaluated and adjudicated by the faculty at the end of each year. Continuation in the BFA program is competitive, and rigorous professional standards are applied.

Students studying for the Bachelor of Arts in Visual and Performing Arts degree may opt for one of two concentrations, Generalist or Theatre Education. Those students seeking teacher certification must select the Theatre Education concentration within the Bachelor of Arts in Visual and Performing Arts degree.

Art

Faculty

Kerri Cushman, MFA, Professor of Art, Program Coordinator
Rosemary Jesionowski, MFA, Visiting Assistant Professor of Art
Kathleen Kennedy, MFA, Assistant Professor of Art
Kelly Nelson, MFA, MAE, Professor of Art
Adam Paulek, MFA, Associate Professor of Art
Lauren Rice, MFA, Associate Professor of Art
Terri Sabatos, PhD, Associate Professor of Art History

Mission Statement for Art Program

The studio arts program at Longwood University is dedicated to the development of the next generation of confident and innovative artists, designers, and scholars.

Our exceptional studio facilities, coupled with our dedicated, supportive, professionally-active faculty establishes Longwood as the premier central Virginia university studio art program in the Commonwealth.

Longwood students graduate with a comprehensive understanding of artistic traditions, a high level of technical proficiency, a keen visual literacy, and a strong knowledge of their place within contemporary art. Graduates not only develop the relevant artistic knowledge and skills but also the confidence and tenacity to forge their own career path in the arts. Our graduates have successful careers in a variety of fields including art education, art galleries and museums, professional art studios, art conservation, arts administration, freelance designers, and creative marketing.

Graphic and Animation Design

Faculty

Ren Barnes, MFA, Visiting Assistant Professor of Graphic and Animation Design
Steven Carpenter, MFA, Assistant Professor of Graphic and Animation Design
Donovan Douglas, MFA, Associate Professor of Graphic and Animation Design
Wade Lough, MFA, Associate Professor of Graphic and Animation Design, Program Coordinator

Mission Statement for Graphic and Animation Design Program

Longwood University’s Graphic and Animation Design (GAND) program provides students with a rigorous and comprehensive four-year education in either Graphic Design, Animation, Simulation and Time-based Media, or Motion Design.

Our primary mission is to prepare students to be able to think critically, communicate both visually and in writing, and to be able to engage in-and execute-a systematic approach to visual problem solving. This includes effective research and cross disciplinary problem solving methodologies, concept generation, concept development and critical analysis.

Students are provided with a solid foundation in traditional and digital craft and tools skills. We promote exploration, the use of narrative and storytelling, organization, and visual information systems to be able to craft an appropriate message for a specific audience.

The GAND program was developed around contemporary methods and practices, and encourages students to compete nationally in refereed competitions, and through real client interaction with the student-run agency Design Lab.

The GAND program, in conjunction with an excellent liberal arts foundation and the program’s emphasis on interdisciplinary electives, aims to graduate students with the skills and nimble thinking to excel in the marketplace of today and tomorrow.

Programs

Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor of Fine Arts

Minor