Alumni in the News

Matt Huff (M.F.A., Directing, 2004) was recently promoted to associate professor with tenure at Oglethorpe University. He also is part of a creative team that received a 2016-2017 Reiser Artists Lab grant from the Alliance Theater.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.