FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Contact: Don Van Horn, Dean, College of Fine Arts, 304-696-2964
 

Marshall to participate in MAGNETS program

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall University’s College of Fine Arts and Center for International Programs are participating in a new program designed to develop and implement a model international undergraduate program in music.

The Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) in the U.S. Department of Education has awarded $250,000 to Marshall University for the College of Fine Arts Music Department’s Music Abroad Generating New Experiences for Talented Students (MAGNETS) program. Ninety percent of the $277,587 project will be funded by FIPSE, with the remaining 10 percent funded by the Music Department and the Center for International Programs.

“We are indebted to Dr. Ben Miller, the principal investigator, and Mr. Julio Alves for their work on this project and to Dr. Clark Egnor for bringing it to our attention and his support in the grant-writing process,” said Dr. Jeffrey Pappas, chair of Marshall’s Department of Music. “FIPSE grants are highly competitive and we should be proud that our department has been chosen to receive one.  It is another testament to the work our faculty does on a daily basis and the strong reputation they have established for this department.  All of us are winners, and our students will once again prosper and have a unique opportunity thanks to this program.”

Marshall Provost Dr. Gayle Ormiston said receiving the FIPSE grant is  quite an accomplishment for the university.

“We are extremely proud of our College of Fine Arts and its Department of Music for being one of eleven institutions in the nation to be awarded this FIPSE grant,” Ormiston said. “These grants are highly competitive, and it is with great esteem that we announce our award. Of those eleven programs chosen, ours was the only arts initiative to be funded.”

In the planning stage since July 15 of last year, the MAGNETS project includes Morehead State University in Kentucky and Goias Federal University and Santa Catarina State University in Brazil.

The objective of this project is to develop and implement a model international program in music, utilizing an integrated curriculum that will contribute to educational excellence and innovation in the field and better prepare students for the competence level required by the modern, global job market. The program of study will utilize the strengths of each partner university.

During the implementation phase of the project 18 students from the U.S. will study in Brazil for one semester or one academic year at one of the two Brazilian universities. During the same period, 18 students from Brazil will spend one semester or one academic year in the U.S. at either Marshall or Morehead State. Six faculty members from each of the U.S. institutions will participate in the project by carrying out lecturing and performance assignments at the partner institutions.

In addition to the knowledge and skills in music, during their study abroad experience, students will deepen their knowledge and understanding of international, political and economic issues. They will gain transnational competencies, cross-cultural communication skills, understanding and familiarity with local customs and traditions, and an ability to adapt to new circumstances and deal constructively with difference.

According to Dr. Clark Egnor, Executive Director of Marshall University’s Center for International Programs, the grant promotes international collaboration among universities. “This project, through the exchanges of faculty and students, will create long-lasting ties between Marshall University and institutions in Brazil,” he said.

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