Texas A&M University Appoints Tim McLaughlin as First Dean of the School of Performance, Visualization, and Fine Arts

Texas A&M University has embarked on a new chapter in its arts and humanities sector with the appointment of Tim McLaughlin as the first permanent Dean of the School of Performance, Visualization, and Fine Arts.

A History of Dedication

Tim McLaughlin, a name known for his intrinsic affiliation with the university, has been in the interim position since the establishment of the school two years back and has also spent a vast period of 13 years as a department head. With such an appointment, Texas A&M continues its pursuit for the positions of deans at the school of architecture and graduate and professional school along with the comprehensive search for the university’s next vice provost of faculty affairs.

Laying the Foundation

Having the honor of being the initial dean bestowed upon him, McLaughlin said, “The School of Performance, Visualization, and Fine Arts is a major component of the realization of Texas A&M’s commitment to being the premier land-grant public university in the country. Being selected as the first dean of the school carries an honor and a challenge.”

Building the Future through Expansion and Diversification

Under the able leadership of McLaughlin, the school has been thriving over time with a stable increase in student enrolment, faculty and staff hiring, and broadening of academic programs and opportunities across various academic fields. The fields pertain to visual arts, performing arts, interactive media, visual computing, and the humanities.

Emerging Virtual Production Institute

An exciting development is the upcoming Virtual Production Institute which is a part of the School of Performance, Visualization, and Fine Arts. Scheduled to open its doors in the fall, the Institute will be accessible both on the main campus in Bryan-College Station and at Texas A&M-Fort Worth. By serving as the foundational head of the Department of Visualization from 2007 to 2020, McLaughlin has enriched the university with his innovative approaches to amalgamating art, design, computing, and humanities. His research encompasses animation systems, remote collaboration in creative projects, and an escalating interest in visual computing.

Conclusion

With McLaughlin on the helm of leadership and the supports from the authorities, Texas A&M University is fostering the expansion and dynamism in the arts and humanities sector. This alone isn’t just an expectation of the journey into the future, but a reality that’s gradually taking shape every passing day in the heart of the Texas A&M University.