LaCognata reassigned to National Music Museum

Starting Jan. 1, the National Music Museum (NMM) will have a new person assisting with collections. John LaCognata, director of bands for the Fine Arts Department at USD, is moving to the NMM to assist with transitioning collections from Julian Hall and the South Dakota Union back to the museum. LaCognata conducted the symphonic and […]

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90th year of the Fine Arts program calls for a Celebration of Excellence

The first Celebration of Excellence honored 10 people in categories including outstanding alumni, friends and educators, as well as a special recognition award to Oscar Howe. Bruce Kelley, Dean of Fine Arts, was one of the organizers of the Celebration of Excellence.   “So we have three general categories: outstanding educators, outstanding friends and outstanding alumni. […]

6 mins read

Interim dean of fine arts named full-time dean

Bruce Kelley has been named dean of Fine Arts after serving as interim dean of the college since February. Kelley arrived at USD in 2007 as an Associate Professor of Music. He was promoted to full Professor in 2013, then was appointed Assistant Provost in March of 2019 before being named interim dean of Fine […]

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‘A mixture of sadness and gratitude’: College of Fine Arts adjusts to online learning

Singing for a large audience, showcasing artwork in a packed gallery and acting in a crowded auditorium are just a handful of things that won’t be happening in the College of Fine Arts this spring. Since classes are now strictly online and all university-sanctioned events are canceled, USD’s musicians, artists, singers and actors are getting […]

4 mins read