2 WT Art, Theatre, Dance Department Faculty Members Newly Named to Professorships

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, cchandler@wtamu.edu

CANYON, Texas — The work of a pair of accomplished faculty members in West Texas A&M University’s Sybil B. Harrington College of Fine Arts and Humanities has landed them esteemed new positions.

Callie Hisek, an assistant professor of theater, is the new Royal R. Brantley Professor of Theatre, and Jon Revett, associate professor of art and art program director, is the new Doris Alexander Distinguished Professor of Fine Arts.

“These professorships provide important opportunities for the faculty members to expand their knowledge and training, which ultimately benefits the students,” said Dr. Jessica Mallard, dean of the Harrington College of Fine Arts and Humanities. “Callie and Jon are both excellent examples of the caliber of our faculty, and I am proud to see their hard work recognized.”

Hisek joined WT in 2016 after earning degrees at South Dakota State University, Villanova University and the University of South Dakota, where she also previously taught. At WT, she worked for several years alongside the namesake of her professorship, which was established in 2013 in honor of Royal R. Brantley. He is a longtime theater professor and former head of WT’s Department of Art, Theatre and Dance who retired earlier this year.

“I was speechless when I learned of my professorship,” Hisek said.” “It was announced at Royal’s induction to the Branding Iron Theatre Hall of Fame. I just couldn’t believe that I was to receive this honor.”

The pair bonded while working together at new student orientation events.

“Some of my best memories came when we would be sitting around talking about everything and anything while we waited for our next theater Buff,” Hisek said. “This professorship means a lot to me and I hope that I can create my own mark on this and bring new knowledge to our students and our department.”

Stephen Crandall, the former Brantley professor of theatre, remains as the current head of the Department of Art, Theatre and Dance.

Revett joined WT in 2013 in a full-time position after several years working as an instructor. He earned his bachelor of fine arts, master of fine arts and master of arts degrees from WT.

“I am grateful for this professorship, and I intend to use it to create a new body of work that reinvents the canon of 20th century abstract painting,” Revett said. “This project starts with a series of paintings, drawings, and prints and ideally will manifest into a mural cycle. I plan to expand this research into new technologies, and I also hope to attend artists residencies, similar to the ones I did in Mexico and London. My role as a professor allows me to share this newfound knowledge with WT art students, who can use these skills to excel in their future careers.”

The Doris Alexander professorship was established in 2014 in honor of the late philanthropist and arts patron, who was well known for her unwavering support of the visual and performing arts in the Texas Panhandle.

“I met Doris at the celebration of the first professor to hold this position, Chad Holliday, and I was impressed with her sharp wit,” Revett said. “I recognize the scale of this honor and will do my best to fill Doris’ legacy as well as those of the two impressive professors, which also includes Dr. Amy Von Lintel, who received it before me.”

Von Lintel remains as WT’s professor of art history and director of gender studies.

Gifts to WT may be used to endow professorships, offering opportunities for exceptional faculty members by providing additional resources for teaching, research and professional activities and development. Faculty members benefit from the coveted title, and students glean from the professor’s academic insight and leadership. This helps enrich the life of the University and strengthen the foundation of academic excellence.

“As WT prepares to go public in the fall with a comprehensive fundraising campaign, the highest priority will be investment in people — students, faculty and staff,” said Dr. Todd Rasberry, vice president for philanthropy and external relations. “Establishing faculty endowments are essential for WT to become a doctoral granting regional research university as envisioned in WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.”

About West Texas A&M University

WT is located in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. With enrollment of more than 10,000, WT offers 60 undergraduate degree programs, 40 master’s degrees and two doctoral degrees. The University is also home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest’s finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 14 men’s and women’s athletics programs.

—WTAMU—