Another transformative year at the School of the Arts reinforces that creativity is not a luxury—it is fundamental to how people understand themselves and navigate an increasingly complex world.

Our students arrive seeking more than technical skills. They come to enrich their souls, to find meaning and to develop the critical thinking that only deep engagement with the arts can provide. Whether performing on stage, designing in studios or analyzing visual culture, they’re learning to see the world through multiple lenses and to express truths that data alone cannot capture.

The school serves as vital infrastructure for Idaho’s creative economy. Through classes and real-world experiences, the school prepares our students for meaningful careers in the arts, cultural and creative industries. They also possess durable skills that can be translated to other sectors and are coveted for their unique set of talents and expertise. Students leave prepared for careers as designers, educators, performers, entrepreneurs, coders, storytellers and cultural leaders who strengthen communities and drive innovation across sectors. The creative industries they join contribute significantly to the state’s economy while making Idaho a more vibrant place to live and work.

Showcasing a year of achievement—from dynamic collaborations and community partnerships to award-winning performances and student success stories—this report captures the energy and excellence that define the School of the Arts at Boise State.

Another transformative year at the School of the Arts reinforces that creativity is not a luxury—it is fundamental to how people understand themselves and navigate an increasingly complex world.

Our students arrive seeking more than technical skills. They come to enrich their souls, to find meaning and to develop the critical thinking that only deep engagement with the arts can provide. Whether performing on stage, designing in studios or analyzing visual culture, they’re learning to see the world through multiple lenses and to express truths that data alone cannot capture.

The school serves as vital infrastructure for Idaho’s creative economy. Through classes and real-world experiences, the school prepares our students for meaningful careers in the arts, cultural and creative industries. They also possess durable skills that can be translated to other sectors and are coveted for their unique set of talents and expertise. Students leave prepared for careers as designers, educators, performers, entrepreneurs, coders, storytellers and cultural leaders who strengthen communities and drive innovation across sectors. The creative industries they join contribute significantly to the state’s economy while making Idaho a more vibrant place to live and work.

Showcasing a year of achievement—from dynamic collaborations and community partnerships to award-winning performances and student success stories—this report captures the energy and excellence that define the School of the Arts at Boise State.

Over the past year, the arts have remained a driving force for our college—energizing our campus, strengthening community connections, and nurturing the creative thinking and skills that define our academic mission. From inventive performances and thought-provoking exhibitions to powerful collaborations across disciplines, the arts continue to shape not only what we do, but who we are as a community of learners and creators.

I am trained as an ecosystem scientist and understand the importance of observation, curiosity and complexity—qualities deeply shared with the arts. Being in this role has given me the privilege of experiencing and participating in extensive arts opportunities that animate our college on a daily basis. Whether singing in a university choir, walking through a student exhibition opening, joining a theater performance, or watching students experiment with new technologies, I have witnessed firsthand the power of the arts to connect people, broaden perspectives, and enrich our lives. You don’t have to be an artist to appreciate and value the School of the Arts; the welcoming spirit and creative energy here invite everyone to feel at home.

This impactful work is possible because of the dedication of our faculty and staff, whose expertise and passion guide and mentor our students. I am equally grateful to our community partners, whose commitment to the school extends the reach of our programs beyond campus.

To all who contribute to this artistic ecosystem: thank you. Your belief in the arts and your steadfast support continue to move our college forward.

Marie-Anne de Graaff
Interim Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
Boise State University

This has been an exceptional year for the School of the Arts, marked by significant milestones and unprecedented momentum across our programs. The School of the Arts serves 1,500 students, and our courses and experiences reach far beyond our majors—enriching students across the entire university and demonstrating that the arts are essential to a complete education.

We launched four transformative initiatives that are reshaping the student experience and advancing our creative work. The Beck Scholars internship program now connects students with professional opportunities that bridge classroom learning and career preparation. Our new Living Learning Program—Artists-in-Residence Together—has established a residential community where creativity and collaboration flourish beyond traditional classroom hours. Our Arts Passport program continues to thrive, engaging students so successfully that it has become a model for the college and university to replicate. And the Arts & Technology Fellows program brings together faculty from all our departments to experiment with technologies in their research and creative activity, while helping students not only learn to use these tools but also thoughtfully examine their benefits and limitations.

Our internal grant program has proven equally impactful, funding projects focused on student success, cross-pollination across disciplines, and helping faculty bring their creative visions to completion. Notably, the College of Arts and Sciences allocated its largest Innovation Lab award to redevelop the BA Music program, which has seen a 250% increase in student demand. We also began developing two Linked Learning Communities where School of the Arts students collaborate with peers from history, geoscience, and English literature on graphic histories and environmental tools. I’m proud of how our faculty build connections within the School, across the university, and throughout our community through their impactful research and creative activity.

None of this would be possible without our talented students and the dedicated faculty and staff who support them every day. The foundation we’re building positions us for continued excellence and impact.

Amanda Ashley, PhD
School of the Arts, Director
Dr. Thomas & Marilyn Beck Professor, School of the Arts
College of Arts and Sciences, Boise State University