DePauw University formally launches Creative School
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DePauw University on Wednesday officially launched the Creative School, which was first announced two years ago as part of the university’s Bold & Gold 2027 strategic plan that also included the creation of the new School of Business and Leadership.
The Creative School covers a variety of artistic disciplines such as art history, design studies, English writing, film and media, music, studio art, and theatre. The university said the interdisciplinary nature of the school will equip students with the skills and knowledge needed in today’s fluid creative industries.
Marcus Hayes, who was named the school’s inaugural dean last year, said the school aims to multiply the possibilities of creativity.
“We’re not just teaching art and design, although that’s certainly an important part of it,” Hayes said. “We’re fostering new ways of seeing and thinking, equipping students with a creative method that can be applied liberally to challenges in society, science, business, technology and beyond. Students will gain a strong foundation in creative practices and theory, but will also learn to apply these skills in whatever field they choose to enter.”
DePauw held a launch event Wednesday evening that featured performances from students, including the school’s upcoming stage production of Into the Woods.
Douglas Smith, chair of the DePauw Board of Trustees, called the launch of the Creative School a momentous occasion for the university.
“The Creative School represents our commitment to fostering innovation, interdisciplinary thinking, and artistic expression in the 21st century,” Smith said at the event. “This school will empower our students to become even more innovative as thinkers, more creative as problem solvers, and more versatile as leaders in fields that demand both artistic vision and adaptability.”
The Creative School is one of three interconnected schools that were established under the Bold & Gold model that also includes the School of Business and Leadership and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
“This three-school model threads the liberal arts and sciences throughout every student’s experience as academic bedrock,” DePauw President Lori White said in a news release. “It’s the grounding for our academic innovation, for our interdisciplinary approaches, and for unlocking every student’s potential.”
The Creative School is also sharing in about $200 million in gifts announced in February to support the university’s strategic plan.
You can watch the Wednesday’s full launch event in the video below: