The UF College of Fine Arts announces name change

May 22, 2014

The University of Florida (UF) College of Fine Arts, which

comprises the School of Art and Art History, School of Music and School of Theatre and Dance, as

well as UF’s Center for Arts in Medicine, Center for World Arts, Digital Worlds Institute and

University Galleries, is pleased to announce that effective immediately the college’s name is the

College of the Arts. The UF Faculty Senate approved of the name change at its meeting on May 8.

“We have been considering this transition for several years and believe that the College of the Arts is

more encompassing of the extensive activities and offerings of our college,” said Lucinda Lavelli,

dean. “We have vibrant visual and performing arts programs, and the term ‘Fine’ no longer holds the

same currency that it did when our college was established.”

The College of Fine Arts was established in 1975 when the College of Architecture and Fine Arts

was divided into two colleges. Many arts programs, however, have flourished since UF’s earliest

days. The UF Band Program got its start in 1913, and the Men’s Glee Club was founded in 1907.

The painting and drawing programs began in 1929 and became the basis for the School of Art and

Art History.

“It is especially timely that we will have a new name before the upcoming academic year, as 2015

marks the college’s 40th anniversary as a stand-alone academic unit at the University of Florida,”

said Lavelli. “The new name represents the forward momentum of our college and holds true to our

mission statement, which is to foster creative activity, scholarly and artistic excellence and

innovation across disciplines. We achieve the university’s mission by training professionals and

educating students as artists and scholars, while developing their critical thinking and inspiring a

culture of curiosity and imagination.”

About the College of the Arts

The College of the Arts, previously known as the College of Fine Arts, is one the 16 colleges and

more than 150 research centers and institutes at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. The

College of the Arts offers baccalaureate, master’s and Ph.D. degree programs in its three fullyaccredited

schools — the School of Art and Art History, School of Music and School of Theatre and

Dance. The college is home to the Center for Arts in Medicine, Center for World Arts, Digital Worlds

Institute, University Galleries and the New World School of the Arts in Miami. More than 100 faculty

members and more than 1,220 students work together daily to engage, inspire and create. The

college hosts more than 300 performances, exhibitions and events each year. Faculty and students

also exhibit and perform at other local, national and international venues. To learn more, visit