Creativity flows through West Chester University’s College of Arts and Humanities like an electric current.

Given the world-class instructors and myriad opportunities for success that the college boasts, there’s really no need for local students, especially those who aim to flip their creativity into a career, to look beyond their backyard when choosing where to continue their education.

WCU is one of the largest universities in the Greater Philadelphia region, and its College of Arts and Humanities, housed mainly in the E.O. Bull Center for the Arts and the Swope Music Building, is the largest of its six colleges. Its programs feature small classes and highly qualified, experienced faculty who are committed to not only teaching excellence, but demonstrating it with their own artistic endeavors.

Constance Case, an Assistant Professor in the Theater and Dance Department, has been teaching makeup, hair, and costume design since 2013. Prior to joining the WCU family, she spent decades teaching at other colleges and working for highly respected theater companies, including the Washington Opera.

After working on dozens of productions throughout the years, Case was immediately impressed by the department’s costume shop.

“I fell in love with the place immediately,” Case said. “The costume shop is beautiful and centrally located, making it a gathering place for students.”

Case has managed and worked with students on several productions at WCU, including The Tempest, Once Upon a Mattress, and The Long Christmas Ride Home.

The Art and Design Department has similarly accomplished faculty.

Instructor Jeremy Holmes is an accomplished book designer with premier clients, the likes of which include Random House, Harper Collins, National Public Radio, and CNN.

Holmes’s art has been featured in multiple exhibitions and publications, and has been lauded by the Society of Illustrators and The New York Times Book Review. His unique point of view and detailed design aesthetic inform all the courses he teaches.

A few summers ago, Holmes was invited by the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia to help illustrate its new exhibit, Constituting Liberty: From the Declaration to the Bill of Rights. He was one of 10 local artists chosen to illustrate the first 10 Amendments.

“I was assigned the Fourth Amendment, which protects a citizen from unlawful search and seizure of their property,” said Holmes. “To have your work introduce one of the most famous and influential documents of all time … well, it makes you a bit nervous – and proud.”

Professor David Cullen of the Applied Music Department has been teaching jazz and classical guitar at WCU for 25 years. In the fall of 2015, he became the head of the guitar studio, and has been growing the program by reaching out to a broader scope of guitarist.

In addition to his duties at WCU, Cullen has performed in venues across North America, and released 12 CDs and two books. His 2004 album Pink Guitar won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Recording.

The programs within WCU’s College of Arts and Humanities provide certain advantages over those at conservatories. While students at conservatories focus solely on their particular field, university students can acquire a broader range of skills.

“Students can learn it all, and choose their own focus,” said Case. “If two actors are up for a role and one can also do makeup or sets, that actor will get the part.

“Everything we learn is a spider web, connecting together. The more you learn, the more spokes of the web you form, and the more connections you make in the world. It makes you a better, smarter, and more connected human.”

A liberal arts education, Case contends, prepares students for today’s job market.

“We will make you a great human, no matter what you do,” she said. “Employers are looking for people with problem-solving and adaptability skills, not just a degree. You can do anything with a degree from our program.”

In addition to the highly accomplished professors who comprise the College of Arts and Humanities, the university regularly brings in talented visiting professors.

The guitar program recently had Grammy winner Jason Vieaux, a faculty member at the Curtis Institute of Music and the Cleveland Institute of Music, teach a master class. Cullen hopes it will become an annual event.

Other faculty members from Curtis have taught master classes as well.

“It is a great opportunity for our students to receive conservatory-level instruction,” said Cullen.

The greatest aspect of the College of Arts and Humanities, though, may be its value.

Case was drawn to WCU by the value, quality, and breadth of education it offers.

“WCU is very affordable because it is part of the State System of Higher Education, and that allows me to reach more students,” she said.

“WCU is a great value for the money,” said Cullen. “In Pennsylvania, there’s no better deal for music education and performance majors. We offer an exceptional balance of studies and learning experience.”

Case has had recent graduates apprentice at highly respected theaters and get advanced degrees at well-respected programs. Cullen’s guitar graduates have gone to graduate schools, joined military bands, established private guitar teaching studios, and become music educators. And Art and Design alumni are currently serving as creative directors for the likes of Google, eBay, and J. Crew.

Click here to learn more about West Chester University’s College of Arts and Humanities.