A Vision for the Arts

by Ariel West

President

Don Betz has a passion for art, and for anyone that’s had the opportunity to speak with him, the depth of that passion becomes abundantly clear. As a testament to that passion, his 18-year tenure at UCO, first as provost and later as president, has been marked with numerous changes within the internal landscape of the university’s College of Fine Arts and Design.

To better understand Betz’s contributions to the college, it’s best to explore his involvement in its inception. Prior to 2000, performing arts and design degrees were housed under the College of Liberal Arts. That changed, however, in 2001, as then-provost Betz became instrumental in the development and establishment of the College of Arts, Media and Design, which later transitioned, in 2010, to the College of Fine Arts and Design (CFAD).

Betz’s service to UCO continued as he became its 20th president, and so, too, did his commitment to Central’s arts programs.

“One of my favorite things about President Betz is his appreciation for, support of and public recognition of excellence,” said Amy Johnson, M.F.A., chairperson and director of the Department of Design. “He has mentioned our department and our numerous student awards at every Fall Forum and has attended nearly every ADDY Awards Gala and Design Senior Show. Even when he isn’t able to attend, he publicly highlights Design’s excellence, which has been important to help us push ourselves and the students forward.”

Carrying the forward momentum of the college’s success, Betz recognized a need for growth. In November

2015, the university kicked off the “Build Mitchell Hall” project, aimed at expanding and revitalizing Central’s Mitchell Hall Theatre. The project gave the university’s lead performance venue a needed face-lift and added 17,000 square feet through the construction of an adjacent building – Mitchell Education Center, which officially opened in August 2017.

“President Betz was instrumental in the ‘Build Mitchell Hall’ project; without his support, I do not believe the Mitchell Education Center would have come to fruition,” said Kato Buss, Ph.D., chairperson of the Department of Theatre Arts.

In fact, Buss is certain that Betz’s support changed Central’s theatre program for the better.

“The [Mitchell Education Center] truly has transformed the Theatre Arts department and the learning experience of our students. President Betz believes in the power of theatre to expand our worldview through stories of shared humanity. His vision, dignity and ability to share the UCO story will not be soon forgotten,” Buss said.

Michelle Moeller, M.F.A., chairperson of the UCO Department of Dance, echoed Buss, acknowledging that Betz’s involvement has created new opportunities for Central students.

“Because of the Mitchell Hall build and President Betz’s support, we have been able to begin the only aerial dance program in the state. This tremendously impacts our students’ ability to be successful in many fields of performing dance,” Moeller said.

“President Betz has been a great supporter of the Department of Dance, frequently attending the Kaleidoscope Dance Concerts with his wife, [Suzanne].

His support, both in verbal praise and backing of the Mitchell Hall build, has made an impact on our department that will be felt for many years to come.”

The impact of the arts on Central’s campus also extends beyond Mitchell Hall. As part of its extensive renovations, Betz reserved several areas within Old North for dedicated gallery and display space. Presently, these spaces accommodate both rotating and permanent art exhibitions on every floor of the building, including work by students, faculty and alumni.

“By choosing to so prominently showcase works of visual art in the cornerstone of campus – Old North – the president showed a clear commitment to the role visual art has in our collective history as well as its ability to serve as a catalyst for innovation and growth into the future,” said David Maxwell, M.F.A., chairperson of the Department of Art.

CFAD has recognized Betz’s contributions to the arts at UCO by establishing the Don Betz Leadership in the Arts Award. The award is given each year to a CFAD student who displays excellence in the arts and is aimed at making an arts education more financially accessible.

As another token of appreciation, Central’s School of Music presents an annual President’s Concert to kick off its performing arts season. The concert, established in October 2015, demonstrates the skill and talent of the School of Music’s students and faculty, while simultaneously celebrating and recognizing Betz’s support of the arts. After Betz announced his retirement, the School of Music again celebrated his continued advocacy with a farewell President’s Concert. During the event, Brian Lamb, D.M.A., director of the School of Music, welcomed President Betz on stage to conduct the final piece of the concert as a “thank you” from the School of Music.

Lamb remarked that though Betz’s tenure as president is drawing to an end, his continued drive for the growth of CFAD and its programs have paved the way for a brighter future for the college.

“[President Betz] fostered a culture of collaboration on campus and has pushed for the advancement of the arts for the past 18 years. He has this ability to dream big, and he inspires others to pursue those audacious goals.” ON