Music department at University of Evansville survives budget cuts through restructuring plan

The University of Evansville announced in February that a plan developed by department co-chairs, faculty, donors and trustees will allow the university to preserve the Department of Music. The plan includes the retention of all degree programs currently offered and a strategy for widening the enrollment pipeline through community education. Other features of the plan include a redesigned summer music camp, fundraising initiatives, and a renovation of Wheeler Concert Hall.

In a release that provided details of the plan to preserve the Department of Music at University of Evansville, administrators praised the collaboration that made it all possible. University President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz said that the plan will not only address the funding shortfalls of the department, but also builds a program that provides a greater benefit to students and the community. As he explained it, "We are delighted that our faculty and the community came together to preserve our rich tradition of music at UE. They not only have made the department financially viable, but also have reimagined our program in a way that will benefit our campus and local community."

The Department of Music has laid out a set of initiatives as part of the plan to make itself financially sustainable. A key theme is to continue to offer all the current degree programs and be more proactive in creating a pipeline of new students within the community. This will be achieved through the creation of the University of Evansville Music Conservatory, which will provide private music lessons for children and adults and offer dual enrollment courses. The plan to redesign the summer music camp program is also expected to increase revenue and improve recruitment of new students to the Department of Music. Improved fundraising efforts are also part of the recently stated initiatives.

A major component of the renewed fundraising efforts will be coordinated by Friends of UE Music, an organization that has been raising money for music programs at the University of Evansville for 40 years. Department of Music co-chair, Ken Steinsultz, said, "We are grateful for the support of Friends of UE Music, collaboration with administration, and encouragement from the Evansville community to create a solution that retains the UE Department of Music."

Fundraising efforts to remodel Wheeler Hall and the lobby of Krannert Hall of Arts and Music are underway with gifts from local donors G. Richard and Rita Eykamp, Sharon McCarthy, and John C. and Diane Schroeder. In the words of Timothy A. Dickel, president of Friends of UE Music, "Because this department is a cultural hub for music in our region, our plan is the result of input from many stakeholders, alumni, and arts organizations. With financial support from Friends of UE Music and members of the UE Board of Trustees, we will be able to execute this plan immediately."