During Helen De Michiel’s visit to the Arts and Administration Program last week, I asked her to describe what the program should be encouraging in students given the complexities of the cultural environment that graduates of the program will be entering. Helen said that AAD students should graduate with:
1. Vision: an ability to see the broad and deep cultural landscape they are operating within and respond to it;
2. Passion: to be sparked and enthusiastic about the work that they will be doing and the values that infuses it;
3. Action: be able to discover and develop a particular and unique skillset that they can offer their future employers to get things done; and be able to advocate on behalf of the arts in the world at large.
Helen’s recommendations could not be more congruent with AAD’s mission to prepare students to “make a difference in communities.” This is also what I hope to achieve through my own teaching, advising, and mentoring. It is important for you to take the time to come and see me, if for any reason, you believe you are not being encouraged in this way.