Can you introduce yourself?
I am Madeline Norland from Winfield, KS. I began a Master of Arts degree in Museum Education in 1989 after raising two children to their independency of elementary school. By that time, I had taught art in elementary and middle schools and had worked in the education department of a prestigious museum in Fort Worth, TX.
Can you share what led you to enroll in the MAALM program at WSU?
The burning desire for an MA after my name, but mostly my passion for lifelong learning, brought me to WSU 2 ½ years ago. I will graduate with a degree of Arts Leadership & Management on May 11, 2024. I would not have changed this decision for anything. (You can do the math if you want - I'm proud to walk the stage to get my diploma at the age of 67!)
What attracted you to choose the MAALM program for your master's studies?
As I read through the catalogue, the Arts Leadership & Management portion intrigued me. I wanted to speak with someone, so I called Andréa Banke, program director, and visited with her. I was so encouraged that I signed up for my first semester and have not regretted that decision.
How would you describe your academic and artistic journey through the MAALM program?
It seems that each semester, the absolute right courses fell into my schedule that were right for the skills I need to hone as a promoter of the arts in my community. I have only begun to make full use of the textbooks, readings, online sources that the astute professors have shared with me. My life was suddenly full of people I never would have met any other way. Each new class, each new professor, each new encounter with online fellow-students – it all opened my eyes and mind to things I couldn’t have ever imagined would be included in my online education.
Could you tell us a bit about your Capstone Project?
I have established my very own Arts Alliance of Winfield, Inc. that I envision as an umbrella organization that nurtures the diverse established groups of creatives and encourages the dreams of those to come.
How has the faculty and learning environment at WSU influenced your academic and artistic development?
The graciousness, the hard-driving personalities, the patience and understanding, the mentorship all along the way from each of the professors I’ve been blessed to work with has made me sure that this was the right thing to do at this juncture in my life. I have learned so much from the people that this coursework connected me with. I will always be grateful that I enrolled in WSU Master of Art, Arts Leadership & Management degree. I hope this program can continue to be found by international life-long learners of all ages. The Arts deserve well-prepared servant leaders, even those who can make a great salary doing so! This program has the potential to grow and inspire for a long time to come.
Learn more about the MAALM program
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