Alumni in the News

Rebecka Sexton (M.F.A., Studio Art, 1995) was named director of human centered design at UnitedHealth Group's Optum Innovation, Research and Development in Minneapolis.

Cellist Hai Zheng (B.M. 1988; M.M., Applied Music/Voice/Piano, 1990) Assistant Professor of Music and Artist in Residence at Southwestern University, released in May her sixth CD, Remembrance on the Amatius Classics label.

Kathryn St. Clair (B.F.A., Studio Art, 1993) has been selected for inclusion in the upcoming Northern California Regional Art Competition, The Zeitgeist Exhibition—Capturing the Times Through Art. 

Felice House (M.F.A., Studio Art, 2011) will continue her quest to broaden the portrayal of women in art with the help of a three-year, $15,000 Texas A&M Arts & Humanities Fellowship.

The Iroquois Steeplechase selected Hollie Berry (B.F.A., Studio Art, 2009) to create its official painting for the 75th anniversary, Endurance, which reflects the iconic race and will be available for purchase in the nonprofit’s annual online auction. 

Kyle Kennedy (M.F.A., Drama, 1993) was recently named Head of Acting at Middle Tennessee State University where he serves on the acting area advisory board for the Southeastern Theatre Conference.

Leah Dyjak (M.F.A., Studio Art, 2015) will present the solo exhibition Coastliners at Pump Project in Austin from April 29 through May 14.

Jared Oberholtzer (B.A., Theatre and Dance, 2010) is currently the assistant stage manager on Signature Plays at the Signature Theatre, an event in celebration of the theater's 25th anniversary.

Texas State Historical Association released Bruce Shackelford's (B.F.A., Studio Art, 1975) latest book The Wests of Texas- Cattle Ranching Entrepreneurs in May 2015. He will start his 21st season with PBS’ Antiques Roadshow in June.

Wayne Ching (B.M. 2013, M.M., Keyboard, 2015) will join the Cactus Pear Music Festival's 20th season as a festival artist, performing chamber music concerts across South Texas this summer.