Samford University School of the Arts is launching two new areas of study, Bachelor of Arts in commercial music and Bachelor of Science in game design and 3D animation. Both will be available to students starting this fall.
These programs have been in development over the past year after the addition of two faculty members, William (Wink) Winkler and Steven Potaczek, who joined Samford in August 2019. Both industry professionals in their related fields, they bring tremendous expertise to Samford according to Joe Hopkins, Dean of the School of the Arts.
"These degrees are a reflection of what our students need in terms of skills related to the business side of music and the increasing opportunities in game design and 3D animation," Hopkins said. "Both of these technology-rich programs complement the School of the Arts existing curriculum and will provide opportunities for current students as well as incoming freshmen. It is exciting to have these classes available this fall. I am grateful to Wink Winkler and Steven Potaczek for their work over the past year."
According to Katie Overturf, School of the Arts recruiter, keeping Samford’s students and curriculum relevant for opportunities in the arts is essential. "Commercial music and game design and 3D animation will carve out new career paths in growing industries." said Overturf. "These are 21st century programs developed in response to the marketplace. Both prospective and current students have expressed interest in pursuing these fields at Samford."
The School of the Arts includes the Division of Music, Division of Art and Design, Department of Theatre and Dance and the Department of Christian Ministry. It enrolls nearly 350 students at Samford and provides ensembles, dance and theatre productions, and ministry opportunities for students across the campus.
