After serving nearly 15 years as the dean of Southern Utah University’s College of Performing and Visual Arts, Shauna Mendini will be retiring at the end of this spring semester. In honor of her achievements for the university, students, faculty and alumni alike gathered in the Randall L. Jones Theatre on April 13 at 12 p.m. for a celebration.
Mendini has contributed to CPVA for over 30 years, serving as the school’s director of dance as well as chair for the Department of Theatre Arts and Dance before being appointed as dean in the spring of 2011.
During the events, faculty members took the stage to appreciate the growth Mendini has overseen as the dean. She was recognized for the physical space she created on campus for various departments in her college. It was through her leadership that the Southern Utah Museum of Arts was built in 2016. Before its creation, student art exhibitions were held in the basement of the Braithwaite Liberal Arts Center.
The newest building on campus, Bristlecone Hall, hosts innovative studios for the expanding filmmaking, art and design programs. Jeff Hansen, the chair of the filmmaking, art and design department, said that Mendini’s push for Bristlecone studios have cultivated an opportunity for department growth.
“It has raised the bar yet again with premier studios and equipment for filmmaking, extensive interior display spaces and classrooms full of light,” said Hansen. “Shauna, I want you to know that we are grateful and deeply thankful for every effort you have given to improve our ability to teach and to help our students be the best filmmakers, artists and designers that they can be.”
Though ground has not been broken yet, Mendini has been a crucial part of the planning and development of the new Music Center, which is set to be ready for classes by fall 2026.
“When we finally get to sit in the balcony of that new concert hall, we will have Shauna to thank for championing the addition of that balcony when she strongly felt we needed more seats in that space, and she was right,” said music department Chair Lawrence Johnson.
While she has been able to grow the CPVA on an administrative level, Mendini has also impacted many students personally. Current students and alumni showed their gratitude through musical numbers and dance performances.
Mendini’s talent was also displayed through projected videos which highlighted the different roles Mendini has played throughout her life: a dancer, a choreographer and a director of the arts.
“What an absolute privilege to have a life in the arts but then also have a life in higher education,” Mendini said. “I’m not leaving, I’m not moving away and my most favorite thing to do — watch our students — I’ll still be able to do it.”
Author: Heather Turner
Photographer: Anden Garfield
Editor: Tessa Cheshire
arts@suunews.net