https://www.usf.edu/arts/news/Recent posts from Newsen-usSun, 16 Aug 2026 09:36:05 -04:00http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rssOmniUpdate (OU Publish)https://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260811-new-faculty-2026.aspxTake a moment to meet the newest members of our college community! Joining the schools of Music, Art & Art History, Theatre & Dance and Architecture & Community Design, these accomplished educators bring a breadth of national and international experience. Through teaching, creative practice, and leadership, they offer new ideas and interdisciplinary expertise that enhance student experiences and support their success.Tue, 11 Aug 2026 10:43:46 College of Design, Art & Performance’s 2026 New FacultyTake a moment to meet the newest members of our college community! Joining the schools of Music, Art & Art History, Theatre & Dance and Architecture & Community Design, these accomplished educators bring a breadth of national and international experience. Through teaching, creative practice, and leadership, they offer new ideas and interdisciplinary expertise that enhance student experiences and support their success.eight new faculty headshots with text Introducing Our New 2026 Facultyhttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260811-new-faculty-2026.aspxAnnouncements,Architecture,Art & Art History,Faculty,Music,Theatre & Dancehttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260810-assistant-deans.aspxDean Chris Garvin announced the promotion of two new assistant deans for the College of Design, Art & Performance (CDAP): Kristina Keogh, assistant dean, student success & research, and C. Victor Fung, assistant dean, academic affairs. In these roles, they will support student success, research and academic affairs, including faculty tenure and promotion, career paths and post-tenure review.MICHELLE SABO-SHERWOOD, COLLEGE OF DESIGN, ART & PERFORMANCEMon, 10 Aug 2026 10:36:13 College Announces Assistant Dean Appointments for Academic Affairs and Student Success & ResearchDean Chris Garvin announced the promotion of two new assistant deans for the College of Design, Art & Performance (CDAP): Kristina Keogh, assistant dean, student success & research, and C. Victor Fung, assistant dean, academic affairs. In these roles, they will support student success, research and academic affairs, including faculty tenure and promotion, career paths and post-tenure review.head shots of kristina keogh and c victor funghttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260810-assistant-deans.aspxAnnouncements,Research,Students & Alumnihttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260806-dr-jenny-kokai-contributes.aspxAmong the volume's contributors is Dr. Jenny Kokai, director of the School of Theatre and Dance in USF’s College of Design, Art & Performance, whose essay, “Why Be a Bad Guy? Immersive Performance and Transgression at the Disney Theme Park,” co-written with Tom Robson, expands upon themes explored in her previous books and essays.MICHELLE SABO-SHERWOOD, COLLEGE OF DESIGN, ART & PERFORMANCEThu, 06 Aug 2026 00:29:34 Dr. Jenny Kokai Contributes to ATHE Award-Winning VolumeAmong the volume's contributors is Dr. Jenny Kokai, director of the School of Theatre and Dance in USF’s College of Design, Art & Performance, whose essay, “Why Be a Bad Guy? Immersive Performance and Transgression at the Disney Theme Park,” co-written with Tom Robson, expands upon themes explored in her previous books and essays.Dr. Jenny Kokai Contributes to ATHE Award-Winning Volumehttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260806-dr-jenny-kokai-contributes.aspxFaculty,Research,Theatre & Dancehttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260610-usfcdap-names-sarah-higgins-as-leader-of-cam.aspxAs director and chief curator of the USF Contemporary Art Museum, Sarah Higgins will lead the museum’s curatorial vision, steward the permanent collection and align programming with the university’s academic, student success and research missions. She will report to Chris Garvin, dean of the College of Design, Art & Performance.Michelle Sabo-Sherwood, College of Design, Art & PerformanceThu, 11 Jun 2026 10:52:51 Sarah Higgins to lead USF Contemporary Art MuseumAs director and chief curator of the USF Contemporary Art Museum, Sarah Higgins will lead the museum’s curatorial vision, steward the permanent collection and align programming with the university’s academic, student success and research missions. She will report to Chris Garvin, dean of the College of Design, Art & Performance.Sarah Higgins named Director & Chief Curator Contemporary Art Museumhttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260610-usfcdap-names-sarah-higgins-as-leader-of-cam.aspxAnnouncements,USF CAMhttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260603-joo-woo-awarded-fulbright-us-scholar-award.aspxWhat started as an ambitious project for associate professor Joo Woo has been recognized with a 2026-2027 Fulbright award on behalf of the Institute of International Education and the Fulbright Program. Woo, who teaches painting and drawing at the University of South Florida’s (USF) College of Design, Art & Performance’s School of Art & Art History, said she felt “humbled and excited, but also overwhelmed” to receive the Fulbright award, acknowledging the scale of work ahead.Michelle Sabo-Sherwood, College of Design, Art & PerformanceWed, 03 Jun 2026 15:05:07 Joo Woo Awarded Fulbright U.S. Scholar AwardWhat started as an ambitious project for associate professor Joo Woo has been recognized with a 2026-2027 Fulbright award on behalf of the Institute of International Education and the Fulbright Program. Woo, who teaches painting and drawing at the University of South Florida’s (USF) College of Design, Art & Performance’s School of Art & Art History, said she felt “humbled and excited, but also overwhelmed” to receive the Fulbright award, acknowledging the scale of work ahead.University of South Florida: A Preeminent Research Universityhttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260603-joo-woo-awarded-fulbright-us-scholar-award.aspxArt & Art History,Faculty,Researchhttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/breaking-barriers-gathering-light-at-usf-contemporary-art-museum.aspxThe USF Contemporary Art Museum is honored to present Breaking Barriers: Gathering Light, a curated selection of photographs created through the 2025 Breaking Barriers workshops. These intensive online photography workshops—offered free of charge to veterans and their families in the USF community, Tampa Bay, and beyond—were led by artist and educator Kristen Roles, with assistance from US Air Force veteran Derek Hopkins.Jenn Miller, Contemporary Art Museum, with contributions by Michelle Sabo-Sherwood, College of Design, Art & PerformanceFri, 29 May 2026 10:38:35 Breaking Barriers: Gathering Light at USF Contemporary Art MuseumThe USF Contemporary Art Museum is honored to present Breaking Barriers: Gathering Light, a curated selection of photographs created through the 2025 Breaking Barriers workshops. These intensive online photography workshops—offered free of charge to veterans and their families in the USF community, Tampa Bay, and beyond—were led by artist and educator Kristen Roles, with assistance from US Air Force veteran Derek Hopkins.breaking barriers gathering light https://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/breaking-barriers-gathering-light-at-usf-contemporary-art-museum.aspxCommunity Outreach,USF CAMhttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260508-dr-kathy-sanz-accepts-honorary-doctor-of-the-arts.aspxAlumna Dr. Kathleen (Kathy) Sanz accepted an honorary Doctor of the Arts from the University of South Florida, and delivered remarks at the College of Design, Art & Performance's graduation celebration. She earned her B.A. and M.A. in music education from the University of South Florida and her Ph.D. from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Her career spans from classroom teaching to leading global initiatives as President of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). Through her leadership, Florida has been positioned as a national leader in music education.Michelle Sabo-Sherwood, College of Design, Art & Performance, with commencement photography by Torie Doll, University of South FloridaFri, 08 May 2026 11:45:46 Dr. Kathleen (Kathy) Sanz Accepts Honorary Doctor of the ArtsAlumna Dr. Kathleen (Kathy) Sanz accepted an honorary Doctor of the Arts from the University of South Florida, and delivered remarks at the College of Design, Art & Performance's graduation celebration. She earned her B.A. and M.A. in music education from the University of South Florida and her Ph.D. from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Her career spans from classroom teaching to leading global initiatives as President of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). Through her leadership, Florida has been positioned as a national leader in music education.Left to right: President Moez Limayem, Dr. Kathleen (Kathy) Sanz, and Dean Chris Garvinhttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260508-dr-kathy-sanz-accepts-honorary-doctor-of-the-arts.aspxGraphicstudio,Music,Students & Alumnihttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260504-legacy-of-the-cool-aunt-inspires-usf-students-path-to-graduation.aspxAlyssa Duurloo refers to Danielle Card-Howe as “the cool aunt.” While Card-Howe is, in fact, her aunt, she prefers to think of Duurloo more like a cousin. “We’re only five years apart in age,” Card-Howe said, laughing. “Aunt makes me sound old.” But Card-Howe’s influence on Duurloo is unmistakable. “She’s the reason I chose USF,” Duurloo said.Paul Guzzo, University Communications and MarketingMon, 04 May 2026 11:05:35 Legacy of ‘the cool aunt’ inspires USF student’s path to graduationAlyssa Duurloo refers to Danielle Card-Howe as “the cool aunt.” While Card-Howe is, in fact, her aunt, she prefers to think of Duurloo more like a cousin. “We’re only five years apart in age,” Card-Howe said, laughing. “Aunt makes me sound old.” But Card-Howe’s influence on Duurloo is unmistakable. “She’s the reason I chose USF,” Duurloo said.Student Alyssa Duurloo sitting atop USF bull sculpturehttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260504-legacy-of-the-cool-aunt-inspires-usf-students-path-to-graduation.aspxArt & Art History,Students & Alumnihttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260421-noelle-mason-earns-outstanding-research-achievement-award.aspxThe University of South Florida honored 11 faculty members at the Faculty Honors & Awards Ceremony. Awardees from seven colleges and 10 departments were recognized for work across scientific and creative fields. Professor Noelle Mason, MFA, received an Outstanding Research Achievement Award for her research and creative accomplishments.Michelle Sabo-Sherwood, College of Design, Art & PerformanceTue, 21 Apr 2026 10:29:25 Noelle Mason Earns Outstanding Research Achievement AwardThe University of South Florida honored 11 faculty members at the Faculty Honors & Awards Ceremony. Awardees from seven colleges and 10 departments were recognized for work across scientific and creative fields. Professor Noelle Mason, MFA, received an Outstanding Research Achievement Award for her research and creative accomplishments.Congratulations! Professor Noelle Masonhttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260421-noelle-mason-earns-outstanding-research-achievement-award.aspxArt & Art History,Faculty,Researchhttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260415-behind-the-curtain-the-lightning-thief.aspxFox13 Tampa Bay visited the College of Design, Art & Performance’s School of Theatre & Dance for an inside look at the musical production of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, supported by the British International Theatre Program, opening Thursday, April 16, and running through Sunday, April 26.Michelle Sabo-Sherwood, College of Design, Art & PerformanceThu, 16 Apr 2026 09:33:30 Behind the Curtain: The Lightning ThiefFox13 Tampa Bay visited the College of Design, Art & Performance’s School of Theatre & Dance for an inside look at the musical production of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, supported by the British International Theatre Program, opening Thursday, April 16, and running through Sunday, April 26.Fox13 photojournalist Barry Wong interviewing The Lightning Thief Director Michelle Hache, stage manager Aurora Peugh, lead actor Sam Lipsey, and assistant fight director Seth Henley-Beasley. https://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260415-behind-the-curtain-the-lightning-thief.aspxFaculty,Students & Alumni,Theatre & Dancehttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260402-transitioning-to-shared-leadership.aspxThis spring, Sarah Howard will become the sixth Director of Graphicstudio, a university-based print atelier, with Kristin Soderqvist and Tom Pruitt as newly appointed Associate Directors. Together, this dedicated leadership team will usher in a new future for the studio, one that is attentive and supremely engaged with the University of South Florida (USF) community and primed to introduce new artists to our students and the art world.Michelle Sabo-Sherwood, College of Design, Art & PerformanceThu, 02 Apr 2026 13:30:29 New & Next at USF Graphicstudio, stewarding future generations of artists and studentsThis spring, Sarah Howard will become the sixth Director of Graphicstudio, a university-based print atelier, with Kristin Soderqvist and Tom Pruitt as newly appointed Associate Directors. Together, this dedicated leadership team will usher in a new future for the studio, one that is attentive and supremely engaged with the University of South Florida (USF) community and primed to introduce new artists to our students and the art world.left to right: Tom Pruitt, Sarah Howard, Kristin Soderqvisthttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260402-transitioning-to-shared-leadership.aspxCommunity Outreach,Graphicstudio,Research,Students & Alumnihttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260330-it-wasnt-april-fools-just-mischief-that-shaped-usfs-early-campus-tree.aspxThe landscaping around the University of South Florida’s Fine Arts Building is neat and organized – trees planted in straight rows along the sidewalks in a grid formation. But outside the adjacent Contemporary Art Museum, a small cluster of trees breaks formation – zigzagging unexpectedly away from the sidewalk. Hard to spot at first, but once noticed, impossible to ignore.Paul Guzzo and Photography by Andres Faza, University Communications and MarketingMon, 30 Mar 2026 10:28:56 It wasn’t April Fools—just mischief that shaped USF’s early campus treesThe landscaping around the University of South Florida’s Fine Arts Building is neat and organized – trees planted in straight rows along the sidewalks in a grid formation. But outside the adjacent Contemporary Art Museum, a small cluster of trees breaks formation – zigzagging unexpectedly away from the sidewalk. Hard to spot at first, but once noticed, impossible to ignore.overhead view of trees and fine arts buildinghttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260330-it-wasnt-april-fools-just-mischief-that-shaped-usfs-early-campus-tree.aspxArt & Art History,Graphicstudio,Students & Alumni,USF CAM