Missouri State University’s School of the Arts, part of the Judith Enyeart Reynold’s College of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, was honored with the Arts Champion Award at the 38th Annual Ozzie Awards Oct. 14, 2023.

In addition, MSU’s Dr. Steve Willis, professor of art education, was honored with the Ozzie’s Excellence in Arts Education award.

The Ozzie Awards are sponsored by the Springfield Regional Arts Council (SRAC). The SRAC supports visual, performing, literary and film/media arts organizations across 27 Missouri counties.

Arts Champion award recognizes School of the Arts’ contributions to the community

The SRAC created the Ozzie Awards to recognize those “who have contributed their time, dedication and unwavering passion to make a difference in our vibrant community,” according to the SRAC website.

In particular, the Arts Champion Award honors any corporation or organization “that has made meaningful contributions to advance the arts in the Ozarks. The recipient of this award is an advocate, supporter, sponsor and/or philanthropist who has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the arts.”

School leaders describe “tremendous honor”

“It’s a tremendous honor to be recognized,” said Dr. Vonda Yarberry, head of MSU’s Department of Art and Design. “The Ozzie Award of Arts Champion is a frame to acknowledge the great reach and impact of an organization, in this instance the School of the Arts, which includes the Departments of Theatre and Dance, Music and Art and Design.”

“It’s difficult to consider [the] Ozzies as a competition, since all the nominees offer so much to the Ozarks regions,” Yarberry added. “It’s the people of the region who are really the winners in this.”

Interim head of the Department of Music Dr. Paula Patterson agreed.

“I am so honored to be part of the MSU School of the Arts,” Patterson said. “It’s been a joy to work with my colleagues in the departments of art and design and theatre and dance as well as the wonderful faculty, staff and students in the music department, and, of course, our Dean, Dr. Shawn Wahl.”

“We have also been very fortunate to have Clif Smart and an administration that recognizes the importance of the School of the Arts,” Patterson added. “The Springfield arts programs make living, working and studying here so much better. I’m proud of MSU’s contribution.”

The Department of Theatre and Dance‘s interim head, Dr. Chris Herr, echoed Patterson and Yarberry.

“It’s always an honor to be recognized by one’s peers for the work we do,” Herr said. “I know we believe that the arts, and arts education, are an absolutely essential part of a strong community and region.”

“There are many outstanding organizations and individuals in the region who work tirelessly as advocates and educators in the various arts areas,” Herr continued. “For the MSU School of the Arts to be chosen is a testament to the hard work of the faculty, staff and students in all of the departments in the school, and to Dean Shawn Wahl and his team.”

Wahl summed up reactions by expressing gratitude for the recognition and dedication of all involved.

“I am full of gratitude as we celebrate this Arts Champion Ozzie award for the School of the Arts in the Judith Enyeart Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities! Thank you to our school leaders, faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors and friends for supporting arts in our region and promoting our destination campus for the arts,” Wahl said. “This one is for Judy.”

Willis recognized with Excellence in Arts Education Award

SRAC states that the Excellence in Arts Education Award “recognizes an individual or organization providing transformational leadership in arts education through strategic initiatives, strong programming, and the engagement of partners to achieve our community goals.”

The SRAC based its decision to honor Dr. Steven Willis on his scholarship and his nationally recognized leadership in the art education world.

“Professor Steve Willis’ impact as a professor of Art Education is great – he teaches undergraduates how to teach the subject he loves,” the SRAC wrote on its Facebook page.

“His scholarship is well-known and widely respected,” the SRAC continued. “Underscoring his reputation are the highest awards that can be granted by the professional service associations within the field of Art Education.”

Willis said he was pleasantly surprised by both the nomination and the award itself.

“As I became a finalist, I was really surprised because I know the range of accomplishments in the arts community,” he said. “And then, to be named as the recipient, I was overwhelmed, ecstatic, and grateful to be selected.”

“Art Education may be the most important component of contemporary education as we move into a new century and a new way of thinking and living,” Willis said.

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