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Regents approve move of dance program, new aviation courses

University Marketing Communications
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November 1, 2021
artist rendering of the Griffith Fine Arts Building with renovations

The Griffith Fine Arts Building at Stephen F. Austin State University is undergoing a $50 million expansion that will more than double the size of the facility to include new rehearsal halls, design labs, a sound stage, two dance studios and several classrooms. The additional space will provide a location for SFA’s dance program, which is moving from the Department of Kinesiology and Health Science to the School of Theatre. Regents approved the move and renaming of the school during a meeting Monday. The building renovation is scheduled for completion in spring 2023.


The Stephen F. Austin State University Board of Regents approved a recommendation to move the dance program from the James I. Perkins College of Education to the College of Fine Arts. Dance will join the School of Theatre, and the name of the school will be changed to the School of Theatre and Dance. 

“The faculty and students in the dance program asked for this move, with the belief that it will better reflect their artistry and discipline,” said Dr. Lorenzo Smith, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “The College of Fine Arts leadership and faculty share this belief and will welcome the program into the newly renovated and expanded Griffith Fine Arts Building, once it is complete.” 

Two new aviation courses were approved by the board as part of the degree plan for the Bachelor of Science degree in aviation sciences, which gained approval in September by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The courses, Commercial Flight I and Commercial Flight II, are offered through the Perkins College of Education School of Human Sciences.

Regents approved policy revisions and changes to the 2022 capital and higher education fund budget schedule. The board also approved grant awards and a Banner hardware and Oracle licensing contract to support SFA databases.

Regents approved a media buying contract with Love Advertising in Houston for a total not to exceed $250,000 in any one year, for up to five years. 
 
Regents acknowledged receipt of a contract monitoring report, the annual audit report, the audit services report and the audit charter. They approved the minutes for meetings held in July, August and September. 
 
Regents heard reports from SFA President Scott Gordon; Dr. Brian Uriegas, chair of the Faculty Senate; Megan Weatherly, chair of the Staff Council, and Lauren Roach, president of the Student Government Association.