News - Meadows School of the Arts, SMU

Alumni Spotlight: Saniha Aziz

Alumni Journalism Journalism alum Saniha Aziz (B.A. '19) shares how the hands-on, experiential learning in her program gave her the tools to succeed in the professional world.

March 04, 2024

Alumni Spotlight: Lee Helms

Alumni Theatre Theatre alum Lee Helms (B.F.A. ’08) leverages his understanding of the performing arts industry and business savvy to breathe new life into the opera-going experience.

February 26, 2024

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Professor Jeff Cavitt Showcases the Importance of 3D Modeling & Animation Across Mediums

Faculty Creative Technology Explore 3D modeling, animation and creative tech insights with Jeff Cavitt, professor in the M.A. in Creative Technology program.

February 20, 2024

Blockchain: The Future of Digital Art and Design

Campus Creative Technology Blockchain is changing the landscape of digital media ownership. Learn what blockchain is and its role in the future of digital art and design.

February 19, 2024

Alumni Spotlight: Nicole Kiser

Alumni Corporate Communication and Public Affairs CCPA alum Nicole Kiser (B.A. ’20) opens up about achieving her dream of working in publishing and her role as the Managing Editorial Assistant at Penguin Random House.

February 19, 2024

The Police's Stewart Copeland is the 2024 Meadows Award recipient.

SMU Meadows Honors Musician and Composer Stewart Copeland with Meadows Award

Campus Music As the 2024 Meadows Award recipient, Copeland will perform with Meadows Symphony Orchestra for the 31st annual benefit concert Meadows at the Meyerson.

February 15, 2024

The producers and director for the upcoming Summer Film Production project pose for a photo in the Owen Arts Center.

Film Students Offer an Inside Look at Summer Film Production Project

Students Film & Media Arts The director and producers of the 2023-2025 cycle of the Summer Film Production project share what is going on behind-the-scenes of their movie.

February 13, 2024

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Professor David Smith Connects His Past and Present for the Creative Coding for App Development Course

Faculty Creative Technology SMU Professor David Smith is helping creative coders develop the skills and knowledge they need for app development.

February 12, 2024

Alumni Spotlight: James Ryan Jillson

Alumni Arts Management and Arts Entrepreneurship Music Music and arts management alum James Ryan Jillson (B.A. ’13, M.A. ’15) leverages his knowledge of music with his MA/MBA degree skills as the Director of Analytics at the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.

February 12, 2024

Alumni Spotlight: Tania Glick

Alumni MADI alum Tania Glick (M.A. '19) shares how the skills she learned in the program fit into her role on the Innovation Team at Southwest Airlines.

February 05, 2024

Alumni Spotlight: Jordan Chlapecka

Alumni Advertising Advertising alum Jordan Chlapecka (B.A. '11) shares how Meadows' creative community influenced both his career decisions and artistic trajectory.

January 29, 2024

Burke Jam Helping Foster the Growth of Creative Technology

Faculty Creative Technology SMU M.A. in Creative Technology visiting professor Burke Jam leverages experience and expertise to foster growth and understanding for students in his Interactive and Experiential Design course.

January 26, 2024

Melanie Clemmons is Paving the Way for Creative Technology Professionals

Faculty Creative Technology SMU associate professor Melanie Clemmons fuses her artistic background with digital tech to empower students in her Mobile Computing & Augmented Reality course.

January 26, 2024

CCPA students present their final capstone project to clients at the end of the 2023 spring semester.

Divisions Discuss Exciting Happenings on the Horizon This Semester and Beyond

Staff Advertising Corporate Communication and Public Affairs As we kick off a new year and spring semester, we asked a few of our Divisions to share some of the opportunities they are most looking forward to in 2024.

January 23, 2024

Alumni Spotlight: Elise Huff

Alumni Art History Art history alum Elise Huff (B.A. '20) explains how an elective art history class at Meadows ignited her passion for the arts and changed the trajectory of her career.

January 22, 2024

Meadows theatre students perform in one of the many stage productions put on each school year.

Meadows Students Reflect on Their Goals and Aspirations for Spring 2024

Students Journalism Music Theatre Students are focusing on pursuing personal and academic goals, as well as self-care, during the new year.

January 21, 2024

Alum Ross Rayburn (B.A. '93) is the Lead Instructor for Yoga and Meditation at Peloton.

Alumni Spotlight: Ross Rayburn

Alumni Journalism Journalism alum Ross Rayburn (B.A. '93) shares how Meadows impacted his career path as both an author and fitness instructor of yoga and meditation.

January 16, 2024

What is Creative Coding?

Campus Creative Technology Discover the world of creative coding, where programming meets art to craft visually stunning and seamless digital interactions.

January 05, 2024

Meadows alumni throw their caps into the air at graduation.

Once a Mustang: Alumni Return to Meadows as Faculty and Staff Members

Faculty Dance Journalism Music More than 20 Meadows alumni are currently employed in the school; hear about what drew them back to Meadows and their experience as an alum-turned-faculty member.

December 21, 2023

Five Student Organizations that Build Community and Creativity

Students Corporate Communication and Public Affairs Journalism Theatre From a theatre group to a public relations society, Meadows student organizations offer creative opportunities, networking and a sense of community.

December 19, 2023

Members of the Meadows 2050 Council gather for a meeting.

Meadows 2050 Council Advises School and Current Students on Strategy to Foster Success

Alumni Advertising Art Art History Arts Management and Arts Entrepreneurship Corporate Communication and Public Affairs Creative Computation Creative Technology Dance Film & Media Arts Journalism Music Theatre The alumni advisory group strengthens the Meadows community through mentoring, career guidance and strategic planning for the future of the school and its students.

December 18, 2023

SMU's MMIAM Program Cultivates a Sense of Community

Students Arts Management and Arts Entrepreneurship The master’s degree program in International Arts Management allows students from across the globe to learn from one another and engage with communities both locally and abroad.

December 13, 2023

Meadows Faculty and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra

Faculty Music Get to know the 25 members of Meadows’ music faculty who currently hold positions in the DSO.

December 12, 2023

Learn Beyond the Classroom with SMU Meadows' Student Media Opportunities

Students Journalism There are multiple outlets for students of all majors and interests to hone their writing, photography and video skills.

December 06, 2023

Professor Ruby Thelot is Bringing AI in the Metaverse to the Forefront of the Future

Campus Creative Technology SMU Meadows professor Ruby Thelot leads the AI in the Metaverse course to help students gain both a theoretical and practical understanding of this emerging digital medium.

December 05, 2023

Dance alum Katie Hopsicker works on Saturday Night Live's talent team where she handles the care of the cast members, hosts and guests.

Alumni Spotlight: Katie Hopsicker

Alumni Dance Dance alum Katie Hopsicker (B.F.A. '21) shares how the skills she learned in the Meadows dance program helps behind the scenes of her job on the talent team at Saturday Night Live.

December 04, 2023

How SMU Meadows' Internship Program with The Dallas Morning News Shapes Students’ Futures

Students Journalism Since the internship launched in 2019, it has led students to impressive career and educational opportunities, from working at NPR to getting accepted into the country’s top graduate schools.

November 29, 2023

Meadows Summer Workshops Enrich Music Education Community

Campus Music Every summer Meadows offers a variety of continuing education workshops for music education professionals.

November 27, 2023

Alumni Spotlight: Alan Rose

Alumni Film & Media Arts Journalism Film & Media Arts and Journalism alum Alan Rose (B.A. ’10) explains how his combined passions for television, news and community service transformed his career path.

November 27, 2023

Sidewalk chalk art celebrating life at Armstrong Commons.

Meadows Students Find Community Through SMU Residential Commons Life

Campus The experience of living in the dorms during their first and second year helps students build strong community connections and forge distinct experiences on campus.

November 22, 2023

A Creative Computation student presents their project at a previous Showcase event.

Center of Creative Computation Fall Showcase Highlights Student Works

Students Creative Computation Creative Computation student Natalie Genato (B.A. '24) details the upcoming Student Showcase that will feature the work of over 70 students in the program.

November 21, 2023

Alumni Spotlight: Adrienne Lichliter

Alumni Art Art History Art and art history alum Adrienne Lichliter (B.A. '09, '10) reveals how she carved out a unique role at the Nasher Sculpture Center that blends her arts industry knowledge and communications.

November 20, 2023

An art history student educates a group of fourth graders on the artwork in the Meadows Museum.

Museum Teaching Practicum Prepares Art History Students for Museum Work

Students Art History The new course collaboration between the Division of Art History and the Meadows Museum provides real-world work experience and career-building opportunities for students interested in becoming museum educators.

November 16, 2023

Theatre alum Mychael G. Chinn is the Director of Original Movies and Limited Series for MTV Entertainment Studios.

Alumni Spotlight: Mychael G. Chinn

Alumni Theatre Theatre alum Mychael G. Chinn (B.F.A. ’07) shares how the skills he learned at Meadows took him from the stages of New York City into the world of film and television.

November 13, 2023

Theatre and film double major Sabina Arcila acts on camera in a student film production.

Film and Theatre Majors Benefit from Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration

Students Film & Media Arts Theatre Students enrolled in Meadows’ film and theatre programs are given the opportunity to collaborate and enhance one another’s work.

November 08, 2023

CCPA alum Whitney Brandon Faulkner (B.A. '03) carved out a unique career for herself with the Dallas Cowboys Football Club.

Alumni Spotlight: Whitney Brandon Faulkner

Alumni Corporate Communication and Public Affairs CCPA alum Whitney Brandon Faulkner (B.A. '03) shares how she leveraged her degree to carve out a unique career for herself with the Dallas Cowboys Football Club.

November 06, 2023

Meet the Multi-Talented Students Working at the Meadows Museum

Students Get to know the four Meadows Museum Experience Ambassadors and their unique combinations of majors and minors.

November 06, 2023

Alum Garrett Haake (B.A. '07) is an NBC news correspondent in Washington, D.C.

Alumni Spotlight: Garrett Haake

Alumni Journalism Journalism alum Garrett Haake (B.A. ’07) reflects on how his Meadows experience gave him the skills and confidence to secure his career as an NBC news correspondent.

October 30, 2023

Student Podcast Highlights Meadows Multi-Majors

Students Music On their Chronically On Campus podcast, students Will Emmert and Catherine Ramsey recently covered what it's like to have multiple majors at SMU Meadows .

October 27, 2023

Theatre and mechanical engineering double major Sinan Beskok performs on stage in Meadows' "Twelfth Night: the Musical."

Opposites Attract: Meadows Students Balance Contrasting Majors

Students Dance Film & Media Arts Music Theatre Students are creating custom college experiences by enrolling in seemingly contrasting majors and minors in order to prepare themselves for their dream career post-graduation.

October 25, 2023

A Week in the Life of a Quadruple Major

Students Corporate Communication and Public Affairs Princess Igwe-Icho walks us through a week in her life as a junior at SMU juggling four majors and three minors.

October 25, 2023

Patrons examine a collection of homeless signs in the "HOME? Humanizing the Homeless: Portraits and Signs" exhibition.

New Gallery Exhibition Highlights Art Humanizing the Homeless

Events Advertising Art This thought-provoking joint exhibit from Willie Baronet and Leah den Bok features signs and portraits that humanize the homeless and will run through November 17.

October 24, 2023

Alumni Spotlight: Imelda Tecson

Alumni Music Music alum Imelda Tecson (M.M. '09), who was recently a violinist in the national tour of the hit musical "Hamilton," shares how Meadows helped her create a career to be proud of.

October 23, 2023

What is Creative Technology?

Campus Creative Computation Creative Technology Explore the intersection of innovation and imagination through creative technology. From 3D visualization to brain-computer interfaces, creative tech is a catalyst for change in a tech-saturated world.

October 19, 2023

Art alum TyRuben Ellingson (M.F.A. '88) discusses his creative journey as a special effects artist and conceptual designer.

Alumni Spotlight: TyRuben Ellingson

Alumni Art Art alum TyRuben Ellingson (M.F.A. '88) discusses how he blended his interest in film and his artistic skillset in his creative journey as a special effects artist and conceptual designer.

October 16, 2023

Short Film by Meadows Freshman Zariyah Perry to Air on KERA

Students Film & Media Arts I Am Not the Norm, which will air on November 2, is an experimental documentary celebrating the individuality of Black women, their hair and their bond.

October 16, 2023

Music student and record label founder Apsara Kasiraman plays the piano.

Piano and Finance Double-Major Founds Indie Record Label

Students Music Over the summer, sophomore Apsara Kasiraman established Malibu View Records as an independent multi-genre record label focused on nurturing young artists.

October 13, 2023

Nine Types of Creative Technologies

Campus Creative Technology From AR to Blockchain, discover nine types of creative technologies revolutionizing how art and business intersect.

October 11, 2023

Alumni Spotlight: Caitlin Rain

Alumni Theatre Theatre alum Caitlin Rain (M.F.A. ’12) shares how Meadows' costume design program helped her build the foundational skills she needed for a career in the performing arts world.

October 09, 2023

Theatre students perform a dance number during a spring play production.

Meadows Holds Showstopping Amount of Multi-Major Students

Students Advertising Art Art History Arts Management and Arts Entrepreneurship Corporate Communication and Public Affairs Creative Computation Dance Film & Media Arts Journalism Music Theatre With over 45 majors represented by students in the Meadows School of the Arts this academic year, it is one of SMU’s most educationally diverse schools.

October 06, 2023

Student Spotlight: Maria Murad

Students Corporate Communication and Public Affairs Sophomore Maria Murad (Corporate/Business Communications and French Language/Literature) detailed her summer internship at EY Jordan, and her plans for the SMU French club.

October 04, 2023

Alumni Spotlight: Thane Economou

Alumni Film & Media Arts Cinema-Television program alum Thane Economou (B.A. ’10) explains how his experience in the Division of Film & Media Studies impacted his career as a screenwriter and director in Los Angeles, CA.

October 02, 2023

Sixth year Ph.D. student Arvin Maghsoudlou examines a piece of work for his art history program.

Fall 2023: Grad Students to Watch

Students Advertising Art History Music Read about four accomplished graduate students currently enrolled in Meadows programs who are doing great things in school and beyond.

September 29, 2023

Alumni Spotlight: Willow Blythe-Carroll

Alumni Journalism Journalism alum Willow Blythe-Carroll (B.A., '13) learned to think creatively and explore bold ways of communication during her time at Meadows, which led to her establishing her company, Weaving Wisdom.

September 25, 2023

The First-Year Arts Community Experience class listens to a guest speaker.

FACE Class Provides First-Year Students Skills to Navigate Life as an Artist

Students Art Dance Film & Media Arts Music Theatre Meadows’ First-Year Arts Community Experience (FACE) class provides dual-admit students a semester-long orientation developed specifically for today’s artists.

September 22, 2023

Alumni Spotlight: David Daniels

Alumni Music Music alum David Daniels (B.M. ’01) shares how Meadows' helped him find his unique voice and make a mark in the world of music composition.

September 18, 2023

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Introducing the Genesis Class of Meadows’ New Master of Arts in Creative Technology

Students Creative Technology The new MACT program prepares its first class of students to be thought leaders in the Web3 space by combining creative skills and technological advancements.

September 15, 2023

SMU Division of Art Welcomes Two Visiting Lecturers

Faculty Art Visiting lecturers Ian Grieve and Kerry Maguire specialize in figurative painting and printmaking, respectively.

September 12, 2023

Meadows welcome nearly 20 new faculty members for the 2023-24 academic year.

Meadows Welcomes 14 Full-Time, 5 Visiting New Faculty Members for 2023-24

Faculty Advertising Art Corporate Communication and Public Affairs Dance Film & Media Arts Journalism Music Theatre Join us in welcoming 19 new faculty members to Meadows, in divisions ranging from art and theatre to journalism and film, and learn more about these new members of our community.

September 08, 2023

Alumni Spotlight: Chrissy Crawford Corredor

Alumni Art History Art history alum Chrissy Crawford Corredor (B.A. ’02) shares how the training she received at Meadows influenced the success of her curated online gallery, ArtStar.

September 07, 2023

In Memoriam: Myra Woodruff

Faculty Dance It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of our beloved professor, colleague, and friend, Myra Woodruff.

September 07, 2023

Alumni Spotlight: Nicolás González

Alumni Art Art alum Nicolás González (B.F.A., '16) discusses how the networking and community-building he experienced at Meadows has carried over in his professional art career.

September 05, 2023

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SMU Journalism Department Launches Chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists

Students Journalism The SMU NABJ chapter, which launched in May, offers members training as well as networking and career advancement opportunities for Black journalists and media professionals.

August 31, 2023

hands on a keyboard with computer screen in view

What is Artificial Intelligence and How is it Shaping the Future?

Campus Creative Technology From sci-fi myths to everyday utility, dive into AI's fascinating evolution and discover how it's reshaping our world and future.

August 30, 2023

large student group inside advertising agency

Advertising Students Tour NYC Agencies

Summer Advertising Students specializing in advertising/creative majors took their yearly trip to New York City to explore the world of advertising, led by Professors Willie Baronet and Mark Allen.

August 28, 2023

Helena Oseguera Abrahamsson stands with products from her Plantea skincare line.

Alumni Spotlight: Helena Oseguera Abrahamsson

Alumni Journalism Fashion Media alum Helena Oseguera Abrahamsson (B.A., '21) reveals the inspiration behind her skincare line and how her Meadows education has impacted her business journey.

August 28, 2023

Influential Women in Creative Technology

Campus Creative Technology From Danielle King's fusion of art and technology to Savannah Niles' design leadership in extended reality, these influential women are redefining the intersection of creativity and innovation.

August 23, 2023

2023 MMIAM Graduation

Summer Arts Management and Arts Entrepreneurship Congratulations to our ‘23 MMIAM graduating class! Students in our Master of Management in International Arts Management program spend the fall term in Dallas, the winter term in Montréal, the spring term in China and India and the summer term in Milan, Italy.

August 22, 2023

Advertising students attended the Dallas ADDY Awards earlier this year, where they won 26 awards.

Advertising Students Smash Previous Annual Award Record, Bring Home 193 Awards to Date

Students Advertising In 2023, advertising students have collectively won 193 awards for their work in local, regional, and national competitions, shattering their previous award record.

August 20, 2023

SMU-in-Bali students explore significant historical and artistic sites throughout the island, like this temple.

SMU-in-Bali Program Immerses Students in Exotic Arts and Culture

Students Dance Music Each summer, students have the opportunity to spend a month exploring the arts and culture of a unique Indonesian province in Meadows’ SMU-in-Bali program.

August 18, 2023