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SPRING 2001 |
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When Tom Dodson joined the College of Fine Arts faculty in 1979 as an assistant professor of music, he wasn’t looking to become an administrator. But that’s what happened in 1986, when he was named associate dean. Four years later, he took over as interim dean, then became permanent dean eighteen months later. Come July, his term will end when he retires. Dodson will leave behind a college with a stronger embrace of multiculturalism indigenous to New Mexico, a stronger relationship with the statewide community and a solid commitment to technology’s role in the fine arts. |
Tom Dodson |
“Through the hard work and dedication of many people here, the college continues to expand its scope to meet the ever-changing needs of a broad range of students,” he says. |
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Shortly after Dodson assumed the deanship in 1990, a team effort began to expand on the college’s offerings that emphasized the region’s strong Native American and Latin American influences. First came a summer program, Arts in the Americas, which brought to the University guest artists and scholars who interacted with both the students and the general public. Teaching exchanges with Mexican universities followed. A grant from the U.S. Department of Education enabled faculty members to work with regional artists to expand the curriculum. Two results were a course in Pueblo social dance and one in Mexican folk dance. Students also began to travel to northern Mexico to study Mata Ortiz pottery. |
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In 1999, the college established the Arts of the Americas Institute to support research and creative work that especially concentrates on under-represented cross-cultural arts. These days, planning efforts at the college nearly always consider a multicultural approach. |
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“I believe this college offers a more diverse set of curricular programs and cultural events than any other Fine Arts college,” Dodson says. “At the same time, more could be done in greater support and external funding, which could truly distinguish us for our diverse curriculum.” |
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As technology crept into all facets of the arts, Dodson and the faculty responded with new computer labs and three technical staff to provide support. A new student fee helps support the labs along with other technology initiatives, such as the on-line availability of images that can be accessed from student computers at home, making it easier to study for art history classes. In 1999, the college created the Arts Technology Center to further support research and creative endeavors with a technological focus. This center enables the college to stay abreast and be a part of new developments in that area. |
| A search for a new dean is underway and it is hoped Dodson’s successor will take over on July 1. That’s when Dodson will begin to work on his next project: immersing himself in jazz, reading and listening to now-antiquated vinyl records. “It may take me to writing or some other forms of expression,” he says. “Undoubtedly, I’ll travel.” Undoubtedly, the music professor will enjoy returning to his first passion. | |
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from the Departments Art & Art History |
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WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE AUTHOR. Newsletter Editor: Ellen K. Pranno; Asst. Editor: Kate Downer; Writer: Nancy Harbert; Graphic Designer: Michael T. Sanchez; Web Page: Ana Marie Mowrer |
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College of Fine Arts |