Accolades and achievements
At the WMU College of Fine Arts, we believe true artistic growth starts with passion and is forged through practice. We are incredibly proud to see our talented faculty, students, and alumni consistently recognized as practicing professionals and influential leaders in their respective fields. We are so proud of their success and celebrate them for their achievements that show their dedication and preparation for their careers.
Faculty at the forefront
Our faculty members are active creators, performers, scholars and designers shaping the future of the arts. Their awards and honors reflect their ongoing contributions to their disciplines and their commitment to pushing creative boundaries.
WMU faculty head to South Africa, Thailand this summer on Fulbright Specialist Awards
Two Western Michigan University faculty received Fulbright Specialist Awards to support overseas consulting and advocacy work this summer.
International string competition at WMU celebrates 50 years of musical excellence, cultural exchange
This year’s competition signaled a strengthening of global ties and an expansion of its educational mission, highlighted by increased international collaboration.
WMU announces new class of Experience-Driven Learning Venture Grant recipients
Nine innovative projects received funding in the initiative's second year, ranging in focus from immersive audio technology to theatre for social change.
Honoring 38 Years of Music: WMU to Host Retirement Concert for Steve Wolfinbarger
WMU will host a retirement celebration concert on Monday, March 31, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. in the Dalton Center Recital Hall.
Student triumphs
From the moment they step onto campus, our students dive into artistic exploration and professional development. Their education shines through their achievements at national competitions, prestigious scholarships, acclaimed performances and groundbreaking exhibitions.
‘Greatest moment of my life’: WMU Theatre student blows judges away on ‘The Voice’
Jack Austin, a music theatre performance student, made his national television debut on "The Voice" and even got to sing a duet with singing superstar Niall Horan, who is now his coach on the show.
ArtPrize internship helps kinetic imaging students see big picture
Through an Experience-Driven Learning Venture Grant, Jacklyn Brickman and Eric Souther hired interns Sofia Huffman, Avery McNew and Mackenzie Willey to curate their own ArtPrize gallery and support in the instructors' development of the first-ever all-digital gallery in the international competition's history.
WMU Theatre students bring medieval-inspired production to Switzerland for international debut
A bold new work by Western Michigan University Theatre will travel to Switzerland this month, marking an extraordinary opportunity for students to perform on the global stage. The Book of Silence, which made its world premiere in May as part of WMU’s renowned International Congress on Medieval Studies, will be featured at the prestigious International Festival of Medieval Theatre (IFTM) in Freiburg, Switzerland, from July 18-22.
Western students leave their mark near campus through mural experience
Brad Zenz, B.F.A.'09, designed a mural channeling Bronco spirit and teamed up with art instructor Heidi Weiss, B.F.A.'04, M.F.A.'09, to enlist the help of students in her summer mural course to bring his vision to life.
Record number of undergraduate patent applications filed at WMU
Students in the new Venture Studio course within the Richmond Institute of Design and Innovation came up with a number of innovative product ideas, from a food allergen testing device to an accessible laundry basket. Today, 16 of them have patents pending.
Two WMU student jazz groups secure national outstanding performance awards
The Fourtunate Cats and Afro-Latin Jazz Ensemble secured outstanding performance awards in what’s considered the most prestigious competition in jazz education.
Alumni making their mark
Our alumni are proof that a College of Fine Arts education at WMU builds foundations for extraordinary careers. They are leaders, innovators, and changemakers across the globe, earning accolades for their profound influence in every corner of the creative industries.
WMU alumnus Zachary Earle awarded Elite Margriet Tindemans Early Strings Scholarship
Alumnus named as finalist for Grammy Music Educator Award
WMU alumni triumph at the 67th annual Grammy Awards
Ready for the spotlight: Theatre grad prepares to make the world his stage
Arts administration grad thriving in community-driven theatre company
Bronco behind the big screen: Alumna uses makeup to tell stories in movies and TV
Impactful experiences empower theatre grad to script ambitious future
Lucas-Perry makes declaration in Broadway debut: She's here to stay
