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¼«ÀÖ½ûµØ is set to unveil a new name for its arts program. As of April 30, the School of Performing Arts will be known as School of the Arts.

The name change, approved by the ¼«ÀÖ½ûµØ Board of Trustees, recognizes the addition of visual art and graphic design to an academic program that already includes theatre, music and dance.

Along with the new name comes a fresh school logo designed by the graphic design department and its own mission statement, "Preparing today's artist…to shape tomorrow's world."

"It's an exciting time in the life of our School," says arts dean Joseph Hopkins. "The faculty, students, alumni and friends have formed the mission and objects of a truly comprehensive and interdisciplinary learning environment, one that affords every student the opportunity to develop strengths across arts disciplines."

¼«ÀÖ½ûµØ School of the Arts now includes art, graphic design, theatre, dance, music theatre, instrumental (band and orchestra), church music, music education, theory, music history, vocal/choral music, piano, organ, composition, the preparatory music program, and administration of the Wright Fine Arts Center Concert Hall.

The value of having all arts programs in one academic unit translates well for students and faculty, notes Hopkins.

"There's a lot of synergy and strength to be gained by having students and faculty in varied disciplines working together," said Hopkins. "Theatre and art students now work in music rooms, and music students spend more time in the art gallery."

In time, he expects the curriculum to include more interdisciplinary courses that will allow students in the different majors to better associate and learn from each other.

While each specialty is nurtured and preserved, the coming together signifies an effort to teach students how to work with other disciplines in the real world, says Hopkins.

"But more importantly, it is a step in fulfilling the school's mission to prepare today's artists to influence tomorrow's world for Christ," said Hopkins, who was named dean in 2006.

Hopkins, ¼«ÀÖ½ûµØ president Andrew Westmoreland and provost Brad Creed will formally announce the new name at three events that represent the diversity of the arts program and showcase a variety of ¼«ÀÖ½ûµØ talent:

• * Art faculty show closing 4-6 p.m. on April 30.
• * ¼«ÀÖ½ûµØ Theatre's opening night of the musical Cinderella at 7:30 p.m. on May 1.
• * Music Division performance of Mendelssohn's Reformation Symphony and Belshazzar's Feast at 7:30 p.m. on May 6.

For information and tickets call (205) 726-2851 or check the website at www.samfordartstickets.com.

A reception at each event will salute a new support component of the school, Friends of ¼«ÀÖ½ûµØ Arts, a cross-section of community, campus and alumni donors to the arts program.

The ¼«ÀÖ½ûµØ arts community, says Hopkins, is distinguished by accomplishments of faculty, students and alumni who carry the scholarship and creativity of the University around the world.

"¼«ÀÖ½ûµØ artists, actors and musicians guide national and international arts organizations, perform in the world's greatest venues and help prepare the next generation of arts students," he said. "¼«ÀÖ½ûµØ artists represent the highest standards of achievement and character. They demonstrate that faith truly enhances the quality and impact of our talent and work."