Alumni in the News

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.

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. 

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.

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.

David Waddell (B.F.A., Studio Art, 2003) has been named the Chair of the Visual Arts Department at the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston. He recently had a video installation at the Silos in Houston and a solo show at Box13.

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.

Natasha Gorel (B.A., Acting, 2014) just closed Oskar and the Curiously Colorful Clash, a touring play for theater for young audiences with The Alley Theatre's Education department in Houston.

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.

Stefan Sanders (M.M. 2010, D.M.A., Conducting, 2013) is one of five featured conductors chosen from a pool of nearly 150 applicants from 18 countries, selected for their experience, talent, leadership potential, and commitment to a career in service to American orchestras. On May 11, they will lead the Nashville Symphony for an audience of music director search committee members, artistic administrators, and artist managers from League member organizations across the country. 

Owen Lovell (D.M.A., Piano, 2005) is a featured artist on the new Albany Records release, "The Recalcitrants." This CD of works by ASCAP award-winning composer Randy Bauer was released in January and will be available through the iTunes Store in March. Lovell, currently an associate professor of Piano at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, has accepted a position at Georgia College starting fall 2016.