Regents Establish Awards to Recognize Student Excellence in Arts and Humanities

SAN ANTONIO – The establishment of a new student awards program recognizing outstanding achievement in arts and humanities was announced today (Feb. 9) by The University of Texas System Board of Regents.

“From visual to performing arts, the arts and humanities are a profoundly important aspect of higher education that enriches the student experience and proactively impacts the institutions’ surrounding communities across our great state,” Regents’ Chairman Gene Powell said. “The Board is pleased to recognize these outstanding students who promote innovative artistic expression at our institutions.”

The Regents’ Outstanding Student Awards in Arts and Humanities will vary each year and commend students at UT System institutions excelling in one of four disciplines: the musical arts, visual arts, poetry writing and short essays.

The first round of awards will be presented by the Board in 2012 and will recognize the musical arts. Awards will be given in two categories. A $1,500 award will be given for an individual or duet performance, and a $2,500 award will be given for a group performance.

The program details and award criteria will be administered by the UT System Office of Academic Affairs and reviewed by Chairman Powell, Chancellor Francisco G. Cigarroa, the executive vice chancellor for health affairs and the Board chairmen of the academic affairs committee and the health affairs committee.