Farewell & Best Wishes to Associate Dean Roxanne Schroeder-Arce

You may already be aware of shifting leadership within UTeach Fine Arts. Our current Associate Dean, Roxanne Schroeder-Arce, has accepted a new role as Dean of the Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts at Ohio University. As Roxanne transitions to her new role, it’s impossible not to reflect on the profound impact she has made within our community over the past 15 years. A graduate of UT’s own M.F.A. in Drama and Theatre for Youth program, Roxanne joined the faculty in the Department of Theatre and Dance as an assistant professor in 2010, quickly establishing herself as a dedicated educator and mentor. Throughout her time at UT, Roxanne taught a variety of courses in theatre education and theatre for young audiences, passionately nurturing the talents of her students. Under her direction as program head, the number of theatre education majors more than doubled as Roxanne inspired countless students with her unwavering commitment to excellence.

In 2018, she stepped into the role of Associate Dean, assuming leadership of the college’s arts teacher preparation program, UTeach Fine Arts. Roxanne strived to attract and retain more students by creating funding opportunities for student teachers and to enhance the learning experience through offering professional development programming for aspiring educators in art, dance, theatre, and music. She not only championed UTFA students but also improved operations to better track certification requirements; her foresight and dedication made a lasting difference. She forged and nurtured multiple interdisciplinary connections, including partnerships with UT’s College of Education, UTeach Natural Science, UTeach Liberal Arts, and community organizations such as the Texas Cultural Trust and the Center for Educator Development in Fine Arts (CEDFA). Beyond her administrative and teaching expertise, Roxanne has continued to shine as a playwright and scholar, earning accolades such as the American Alliance for Theatre and Education’s Anne Flagg Multicultural Award and the Higher Education Teacher of the Year Award from the Texas Educational Theatre Association. Her achievements serve as a testament to her passion for the arts and her dedication to cultivating creativity among her students.

“I have loved my time in  UTeach Fine Arts. From my early days of being mentored by Dr. Hunter March, I have been afforded many opportunities to develop the program and impact Fine Arts education in the state of Texas. I am most proud of the relationships I have built with fine arts directors and arts education stakeholders across the state, with community organizations, and with UT faculty, staff, and students.”– Roxanne Schroeder-Arce 

As Roxanne embarks on this exciting new chapter, let us take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for her service, leadership, and unwavering support for the UTeach Fine Arts program. Her contributions have enriched our program and left an indelible mark on the hearts of many.

“I am going to miss everyone in UTeach so much.  I feel good about where UTFA is headed as I am very confident in Dr. Amy Simmons as a leader. I also have a lot of confidence in the UTeach Fine Arts staff, faculty and the incredible students. I know UTFA will continue to propel fine arts education forward in myriad ways as the program also develops and supports qualified fine arts teachers for the state of Texas.”-Roxanne Schroeder-Arce

Please join us in congratulating Roxanne on her new role and celebrating the legacy she leaves behind. We will miss her greatly, but we know she will continue to inspire wherever her journey takes her.