Dean's Office
Message from Dean Edward Hart
Welcome to the School of the Arts, the artistic heartbeat of Charleston. Our students are taught by world-class artists/scholars in an environment that stresses experiential learning, creative collaborations, rigorous scholarship, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Graduates of our seven academic departments and programs have been accepted to many of the world’s most prestigious graduate programs and conservatories, and many of them of are professional artists and scholars working at the very highest level, while others are working in leadership roles at some of the country’s most important cultural institutions. Also, some graduates have successful careers in industries such as business, education, engineering and government, where they apply the critical thinking and creative skills gained from our School’s training. Our faculty maintain active artistic and scholarly careers — performing in the great concert halls and theatrical venues around the world, exhibiting in leading art venues, conducting noteworthy research and projects, and publishing in significant academic journals.
The School of the Arts is nestled in the heart of the city’s historic district giving students the opportunity to study and live in an architectural and cultural environment rarely found in North America. We have meaningful partnerships and relationships with the city’s leading cultural institutions including the City of Charleston’s Office of Cultural Affairs, Spoleto Festival USA, the Charleston Symphony, Pure Theatre, Annex Dance Company, Redux Contemporary Art Center, Archaeological Institute of America - South Carolina Chapter, and the Preservation Society of Charleston. These affiliations often result in invaluable opportunities for our majors.
The School of the Arts produces and hosts over two hundred events a year including theatrical performances, professional and student concert series, guest lectures, and exhibitions in our renowned Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art.
As we lean forward into a bright and optimistic future we invite you to become part of our family, as our Friends or as students!
Sincerely,
Edward Hart, Dean
