Congratulations to Art Ed.’s Spring 2015 graduates!

We would like to give a big round of congratulations to our Spring 2015 graduates on behalf of the FSU Art Education Department! Among this graduating class are:

5-Year Combined MS in Art Education

Joshua Agostinelli

Alexia Axelsen

Ashely Chandler

Shanice Holt

Emma Jaszczak

Heather Kostrna

Allyson Leja

Verena Mellein

Keon Hogan

Angela Whited

Traditional MS in Art Education

Rachel Vesia

MA in Arts Administration

Youran Chen

Jamie Meeks

Ed.D. In Art Education with a specialization in Art Therapy

Caroline Cook

The department would like to especially recognize doctoral graduate Caroline Cook. Caroline defended her dissertation, titled The Elusive Art Coordinator the Merging of Art Education, Art Therapy, and Art Administration in a Special Needs Facility, on April 2nd, 2015.  The newly titled Dr. Cook earned her degree in Art Administration and we are proud to have her among our graduates!

In Caroline’s own words:

“I have been a part of the FSU Art Education Department since 2006.  I began my journey discovering the “Elusive Art Coordinator” with a Master’s Degree in Art Therapy.  With my major professor Dr. David Gussak, I navigated Florida’s Correctional system in implementing an Arts in Correction Program that evolved into the Inmate Mural Art Program (IMAP) project.  Participating in this process sparked a curiosity and passion to discover, explore, and understand the intricate web of collaboration amongst the fields of Art Therapy, Art Administration, and Art Education.

I am deeply grateful to my committee members. To Dr. Marcia Rosal for her positive words of encouragement during my journey.  To Dr. Marc Gertz, for his suggestions and insights.  Dr. Pat Villeneuve is to be thanked for the patience and understanding she provided in critical guidance for this exploratory paper.  The experience has developed and enabled my steadfast confidence into uncharted domains as an Art Therapist, Educator, and Administrator.  I will always be grateful to my committee for the opportunity to learn and be open to new possibilities gained from this experience!”

 _{original publish date of 05/19/2015}