School of Communications and the Arts Academic Newsletter 2022-23

A MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN

I hope you enjoy this annual newsletter from the Liberty University School of Communication and the Arts (SCA). I pray that each reader does not view this year-end summary merely as a list of bragging points, but that they instead see it as evidence of God’s hand at work within SCA.

Our faith in Jesus Christ serves as the driving force for excellence in all our applied and creative endeavors. Each SCA department does their best to steward the resources they have been given, train their students to imitate our Creator, and give God all the glory.

We are richly blessed. Each program tests learning outcomes in real-world settings, and we have generous and highly skilled faculty and staff, gifted and inquisitive students, and supportive administration who advocate for our work. God has continued to provide us unique opportunities to Train Champions for Christ.

Scott Hayes, Ph.D.

DEPARTMENT OF STUDIO & DIGITAL ARTS (SADA)

ILLUMINATE GRANT FOR GLOWFORGE LASER PRINTER

Through an Illuminate Grant from the Center for Research & Scholarship, SADA received a Glowforge laser printer. Our Glowforge Plus laser printer allows for real-world application of the software we teach in the classroom, turning computer-generated designs into functioning products with the push of a button. This machine can laser-cut and laser-engrave a wide range of materials and has become standard equipment for artists and designers across the industry.

With this machine, we’re able to train students to design for and work with laser printers, increasing their skill sets and marketability as they enter the workforce. The Glowforge is currently being used in a graduate-level course: ARTS 597 – 2D and 3D Fabrication Design.

In April 2023, SADA hosted a workshop for undergraduate students with the goal of equipping them with the necessary skills to operate the Glowforge successfully. The following week, they printed their own Glowforge keychains with the help of our graduate students.

CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION

SADA hosted the 2023 Congressional Awards Ceremony in Green Hall in early May 2023. High school students from the 5th district of Virginia submitted their work into the annual competition. Several SADA professors judged the work and presented the awards alongside Congressman Bob Good. The winning work will be displayed in the Capitol for the next year.

FACULTY ACCOMPLISHMENT S

Professors Stacy R. Cannon and Bri O’Neal attended the University & College Designers Association (UCDA) Design Education Summit, a national summit for design educators, chairs, and students. At the conference, they made a presentation entitled Utilizing Placemaking and Identity in Academic Spaces to Encourage Creative Community and Collegial Unity. The topic was received well, and several other universities showed interest in implementing a similar approach to their spaces.

The following students also contributed to this project:

Graduate: Madison Fogarty, Sydney Rabe, Morgan Poole, Olivia Smith, and Natalie Dodd

Undergraduate: Aubrey Cooler, Dana Lamolinara, Bri Janey, Kennedy Luke, and Abby Nolan

TODD SMITH: AUSCHWITZ ALBUM

In a moving tribute to Holocaust survivors, Todd Smith, chair of Liberty University’s Department of Studio & Digital Arts, took part in Holocaust remembrance events as both an artist and curator, featuring Liberty’s “The Auschwitz Album Revisited” series and sculpting a piece that embodies hope and healing. Smith’s work helped observers discover the profound impact of art and music in raising awareness of anti-Semitism while honoring the resilience of the Jewish people. The following students also contributed to this project:

ART MUSEUM GRAND OPENING

By Ryan Klinker, Liberty News

The Liberty University Art Museum welcomed local art lovers to its new location in Marie F. Green Hall with a ribbon-cutting grand opening Thursday, Oct. 20, displaying new pieces along with parts of its permanent collection at its expanded new home.

The museum is now located in GH 1350 within the School of Communication & the Arts, down the hall from its former location near the Tower Theater. Multiple other university museum spaces have been upgraded and relocated this year.

Todd Smith, who is both the founding curator of the art museum and chair of the Department of Studio & Digital Arts, said that the opening of this larger space is an answer to many people’s prayers and will provide students opportunities to showcase their God-given talents.

“Before this was ever my idea, it was God’s idea,” Smith said. “Over the years, He’s brought many people along who have done small things and large things to make this happen. A lot of prayer has gone into this. This is God bringing Himself glory, and He’s going to use our students and faculty to do so.”

The crowd of students, faculty, and other art enthusiasts at the opening walked through an array of pieces from the university’s collection and

an exhibition of art created by seniors in the studio art program — paintings, drawings, sculptures, textiles, and works in other media. The Barbara A. Engstrom Gallery makes up one-third of the new art space, named after a supporter of the university who donated 30 of her own paintings in addition to glass and sculpted figures and photography she collected during her travels to 99 countries. This collection and funds given by Engstrom and her husband, Frederick, have made the expansion of the university’s art space possible.

School of Communication & the Arts Dean Scott Hayes said that the space will be used as both an educational tool and experience platform for students, faculty, and outside artists.

“It’s an academic activity and also an additional opportunity for us to exhibit the (product) of students doing their very best work,” Hayes said. “We are here to be reminded that God breathed into (us), He commissioned (us), and that we get to create art that worships Him. This museum is going to exist for as long as God blesses it, and it will celebrate Him.”

The Liberty University Art Museum is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Wednesdays from noon to 4:30 p.m. The museum is free of charge and is open to the public.

*This story was originally published on Oct. 21, 2022, by Liberty News.

Expanded art museum opens on Liberty’s campus with new pieces, student art made for God’s glory

STUDENTS COLLABORATING ACROSS DISCIPLINES

SADA students have had many opportunities to collaborate across disciplines within the last year. They partnered with Cinematic Arts students to draw scenes and props for their short films and worked on the SAPC Advertising team to create graphics to go along with their campaigns. Graphic design students also collaborated to create environmental wall graphics that are displayed throughout the School of Communication & the Arts. Studio artists have had their work displayed in the Jerry Falwell Library and in the Human Resources office during this academic year.

MARKETPLACE

In October 2022, SADA launched the SADA Marketplace — a space where students can gain real-world experience selling work in a wide variety of media.

Traditional studio art, reproduction prints, printmaking, photography, sculptures, ceramics, textiles, and products may be showcased and sold to the community throughout the semester. Through the SADA Marketplace events, students learn how to package, brand, and price their work as well as how to conduct themselves professionally in a storefront setting.

Student Isabella Kosiba has sold work at several SADA Marketplace events.

“Participating in the SADA Marketplace has been a wonderful opportunity to grow as an artist and connect with other students and faculty,” Kosiba said. “It has sparked more creativity in my work, each sale causing me to be excited to create more for the next one. As a student, it’s the perfect environment to begin selling your work.”

CINEMATIC ARTS — ZAKI GORDON CENTER (CINE)

“NEVER GIVE UP” AND “FIRST RESPONDERS”

In 2022, junior students in the CINE program had the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with the crew of Never Give Up, the true story of how 20-year-old Brad Minns did the impossible in the men’s singles tennis finals at the 1985 Deaf World Games. This feature film was shot in the Lynchburg region, and students worked under department keys (heads) who provided them with some on-the-job training in fulfillment of their course curriculum, enhancing their résumés. Never Give Up is scheduled for release in select theaters this year.

First Responders is a feature-length movie that included CINE students in the crew. Some shots were filmed with a crew that comprised our junior class in 2018; some shots were filmed in 2021 with a crew of CINE alumni. Most of this feature film was shot in Lynchburg and surrounding states. First Responders was released in select theaters for a limited time in October 2022.

THE MULLIGAN

In January, CINE’s most recent feature film The Mulligan (2021) received the Movieguide® nomination for 2023’s Most Inspirational Independent Film. CINE Executive Director Stephan Schultze attended the ceremony in Los Angeles, Calif., on Feb. 10, 2023. Additionally, lead actor Pat Boone won the Grace Prize® for Most Inspiring Performance for Movies.

Pictured: Executive Director Stephan Schultze with Ken Blanchard (author of The Mulligan book) and Rick Eldridge (executive producer of the movie).

STUDENT AWARDS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Daniel Carai: “Official Selection” for In My Mind from The NOVA International Film Festival (2023)

• Daniel Carai: Honorable Mention for In My Mind from the Blackbird Film Festival (2023)

• Josiah Knuth: “Official Selection” for NESO2 from The Garden State Film Festival (2023)

• Josiah Knuth: “Official Selection” for NESO2 from The NOVA International Film Festival (2023)

• Garrett Randol: “Official Selection” for Lachesism from the Oxford International Film Festival (2023)

• Kira Stegmeier: “Official Selection” for Looking Glass from the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (2023)

FACULTY AWARDS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Dr. Durrell Nelson released a film titled An Unlikely Angel on Pure Flix that earned the following nominations:

International Christian Visual Media (ICVM) 50th Annual Crown Awards Finalist for:

Best Nontheatrical Release Movie

Best Evangelistic Production

Best Actress In a Leading Role

International Christian Film Festival (ICFF) Awards

Finalist for:

Best Lead Actress

Best Screenplay

Best Supporting Actress

Best Supporting Actor

WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival Awards

Finalist for:

Best Director

Best Family/Children

Best Romance

ELEANOR’S BENCH

In 2022, CINE students and alumni played an integral role in the production and creation of the captivating TV series Eleanor’s Bench. Under the visionary leadership of Stephan Schultze, executive director of CINE and the show’s writer/director, these talented individuals brought the compelling story to life. The series follows the journey of a woman who returns to her inner-city neighborhood to serve as a judge in the local juvenile court, driven by a desire to effect substantial change. Drawing inspiration from real-life experiences and working closely with campus ministry initiatives, Schultze crafted a narrative that explores themes of redemption, community, and personal growth. The series showcases the remarkable talent and dedication of Liberty University’s CINE students and alumni, who infused their passion for storytelling into every aspect of the production.

Recently released on Pure Flix in June 2023, Eleanor’s Bench has received acclaim for its powerful storytelling, exceptional performances, and thought-provoking themes. The involvement of Liberty University’s CINE students and alumni in this project exemplifies the university’s commitment to equipping students with practical skills and real-world experiences that prepare them for success in the film industry.

DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE ARTS (THEA)

LEARN BY DOING: LOGAN POLSON

Logan Polson, a 2023 graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Acting and a minor in dance, had an amazing experience filming Why the Nativity with Turning Point Studios.

“We filmed throughout all of California and had so many amazing stories with each location,” Polson explained. “I woke up each morning excited to see what the Lord had in store. The experience was like no other. Turning Point Studios ministry was met with the quality/efficiency you would expect of a professional film [combined] with the intentional heart of Christ in every interaction. Everyone on set, cast and crew alike, will tell you the same thing. It truly is set apart.”

Polson also spoke about his time at Liberty and the lasting impact that his professors made on him.

“Liberty has truly trained me to be a Champion for Christ,” he said. “Every experience is driven by the degree to which you choose to dive in, be a part, make time, and actively listen. Let me just tell you that it is worth it. I know that no matter what major [or] minor [I chose], the Lord could change [those plans] tomorrow. So, all I can do is hold loosely to the things of this

world and trust that the same God who created me and gave me the passions He has, has a plan and a will to prosper and further His Gospel through His people (Jeremiah 29:11). That [flexibility] makes me feel like a Swiss Army knife, not limited by anything before me, but rather more than a conqueror of whatever obstacle lies ahead (Romans 8:37).”

“The entire staff in the theatre department have been amazing stewards of the gifts they have been given, constantly pouring into us more generously than I have ever heard before at a university,” Polson continued. “A few shining examples of this in my life come from Professor Chris Nelson, who really was a mentor to me in so many ways through my years here. He helped me through some of the most difficult times in my life, [and he] always [had] an open door, [provided] a discerning word, [was] an encouraging leader, and [exemplified] a prayer warrior in and outside the department. My Evangelism [101] professor, Dr. Wheeler, is another that helped me through the many difficult seasons in and outside of college life. He truly reignited and helped pour fuel on the fire that led to my rededication to the Lord. I am so immensely thankful, [and] words can barely express.”

LAURA OSNES INTENSIVE

In January 2023, THEA brought in Broadway star and Tony-nominated actress Laura Osnes to lead a musical theatre performance intensive for our BFA in Musical Theatre students. This intensive culminated in a cabaret that was open to the public.

THE LAST ADAM

THEA brought in guest artist George Livings to collaborate on his original musical The Last Adam Collaborating with 20 students and additional Theatre Arts faculty, the workshop culminated in a staged and filmed presentation of selections from the musical. This event was made possible by the Liberty University Center for Research & Scholarship.

STUDENT AWARDS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Christian Mucci acted in the professional touring production of The Thorn

• The Student Writing Project workshopped their original work One West Main in The Black Box Theater

• Kaley Hutter won a citywide poetry contest

• Aaron Hall wrote the book to a new musical, The Light-Keepers, and held a public concert of it in the Tower Theater

• Alyssa Hall was a student lighting apprentice under Professor Gawinski

• Cat Roller received a professional internship for wigging at the Santa Fe Opera House

• 22 students traveled to Puerto Rico for a Drama Ministry trip using original work

FACULTY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Barry Gawinski, lighting designer for Virginia Children’s Theater

• Scott Hayes, director for Emerald Coast Theatre in Florida

• Linda Cooper, certified in Consent-Forward Management by the Intimacy Directors & Coordinators (IDC)

DEPARTMENT OF STRATEGIC & PERSONAL COMMUNICATION (SAPC)

M.A. IN PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION

In the spring of 2023, SAPC deployed its new Master of Arts in Professional Communication program, leading to record numbers of students actively involved in conducting thesis research. The M.A. in Professional Communication includes four specializations for students to choose from. The goal of this degree program is to sharpen the interpersonal and professional communication skills of students to increase their market demand and value.

“Graduate school has really challenged me to grow not only in my academic career but also my professional career. I have been poured into by wonderful faculty members — Dr. Dunkle and Dr. Mallory — who have walked with me through this degree. My time in this program has inspired and equipped me for my future endeavors.”

– Jonas Larson, student

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH ACCOLADES

Two undergraduate students were accepted to present research at the National Communication Association (NCA):

• Alexandra Bones – Religious Attributions in the Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the Role of Faith-Based Organizations

• Grace Mallory – The Power of a Well-Told Story: A Narrative Criticism of the 2004 DNC Keynote Address

ADVERTISING TEAM

Liberty University’s 2022-23 Advertising Team took first place for the first time in school history at the National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC) in June. During the 2022-23 academic year, the team of 25 students developed a campaign based on a client brief from Indeed. The team pitched its campaign to industry professionals at this prestigious advertising competition, rising above 96 competing universities across the nation.

SAPC student Lindsay Anton has been a member of the Forensics team for three years. She has attended numerous competitions and brought home many first-place awards.

13

DEPARTMENT OF DIGITAL MEDIA & JOURNALISM (DMAJ)

BROADCAST EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

2023 FESTIVAL OF MEDIA

Multimedia Sound Design Category

Second Place: Charlie; Lily G. Krivonick, Liberty University

Sound Engineering and Production Category

First Place: I Want You; Mason R. Dies, Liberty University

Faculty Scriptwriting Competition

Short Narrative Film

Best of Competition: The Last Cruise of CPO Hanahan; Dr. Carey Martin, Liberty University

ARTS

PREPARING STUDENTS FOR INTERVIEWS

In early March 2023, Professor Toni Perry hosted a career-related event for the DIGI 498 Senior Portfolio students titled No Cap Panel Podcast: Telltale Expert Interview Advice for Gen Z: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.

The purpose of this in-class podcast event was to enlighten and educate Liberty’s DMAJ graduating seniors with the “good, bad, and ugly” stories of interviewing applicants for broadcast positions.

The panel of experts in the digital media and journalism industries included seven individuals that work in radio, television, or similar communicationrelated positions throughout Lynchburg and the surrounding areas.

HOT OFF THE PRESS!

In March 2023, DMAJ hosted its Hot off the Press! event. The event featured Liberty graduates currently working for national media outlets as guest speakers, including Jeremy Fitch (ESPN), Esther Eaton (The Dispatch), and Sean Langille (Fox News). The speakers shared their opinions on what journalism looks like in 2023 and beyond. This event was made possible by an Illuminate Grant through the Liberty University Center for Teaching Excellence.

FACULTY ACHIEVEMENTS

Amy Bonebright was interviewed for an article on Forbes.com, which talked about the release of investigative information on Twitter called Twitter Files.

DMAJ Department Chair John Rost also recorded a TV hit for a news show, Capitol Report, on NTD media, discussing media coverage of the latest on the President Joe Biden classified documents story.

NEW EQUIPMENT

This year, Liberty’s Digital Media Lab added the state-of-the-art Canon XF605 to its inventory. The Digital Media Lab also hosted several Ronin Workshops for students throughout the year. These workshops allowed students to learn how to use the Ronin stabilizer, which was also added to the lab’s inventory last year.

Location-Arrow Liberty.edu/Arts

instagram @LibertyUSCA

FACEBOOK @LibertySCA

Training Champions for Christ since 1971