WestConn Splits Communication,

Theatre Arts Departments

DANBURY — Western Connecticut State University President James R. Roach recently signed a resolution to split the university’s communication and theatre arts (CTA) departments into two separate entities.

Beginning this fall, the departments will operate independently under the direction of different chairs, serving the specific needs of students in their respective disciplines. With this division, WestConn joins many other universities nationwide in creating academic departments with distinct identifies.

The department of communication will focus on education students for careers or graduate programs in fields including media analysis, human communication, and production. The theatre arts department will prepare students for careers in performance, design, or technical theater.

The split is the result of a recent proposal submitted by the CTA department and passed by the university senate.

“This change feels like a very natural evolution,” noted Dr Linda Vaden-Goad, dean of WestConn’s School of Arts and Science. “Each department’s programs are strong, healthy and growing — with lots of students, interests and strong faculty leadership. This shift invites each department to sharpen its focus, keeping in mind the kinds of futures its particular students will have.”

Before the split, WestConn had the only remaining combined communication and theater arts program in the Connecticut State University system. The divided departments at WestConn’s three sister schools, noted CTA faculty, have demonstrated successfully over time the ability to thrive separately.

Upon completion of the arts building on WestConn’s Westside campus, the theatre arts department will be housed with the art and music departments in the new facility. The department of communications will remain on the midtown campus, creating a geographical separation of the two departments.

Dr Hugh McCarney, who has served as the CTA chair, will chair the independent department of communication.

“I think this is a positive move that should lead to growth in both departments,” he said. “It will pave the way to the new arts building and hopefully it’s a step in the right direction toward establishing a school of the arts at WestConn.”

Former CTA Associate Chair Frank Herbert, who will chair the independent department of theatre arts, agreed.

“The realignment of the theater department with music and art is a natural progression for us,” he said. “It’s going to have a very serious impact on the arts in the region. We’re obviously very excited about the possibility that this may result in an expanded theater department or even a school of the arts once we’re in our new building”

For more information on the transition, contact WestConn at 837-8486.