State of the
by Lydia Berzsenyi
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Texas A&M University has
often been referred to as a
cultural wasteland, devoid of
any semblance of sophistication
or elegance. Originally founded
as an Agricultural and
Mechanical University, its name
does not evoke an image of
high cultural standing.
However, culture, like
beauty, is in the eye of the
beholder. The school and the
surrounding Brazos Valley
community are becoming more
and more aware of the need for
culture and are making positive
steps toward becoming a more
cultured society.
One of the major reasons for
A&M’s poor cultural image is
the lack of a fine arts
department. Because of the
original role of the University,
A&M is without such a
department. This void causes
culture-minded people to look
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down on Texas A&M. Anyone
planning a future in the field of
fine arts certainly does not hold
A&M at the top of their list of
university choices.
In comparison with other
schools of similar size and
standing, A&M is virtually alone
in its lack of studies in the fine
arts. In fact, Joe Hutchinson, a
professor with the College of
Architecture and Environmental
Design, says that of all the
major institutions in the United
States, A&M is one of only 10
without a fine arts department.
Why does A&M appear to
have no interest in artistic
matters? Economic pressures
play a large role, of course. Any
major change in a university’s
structure requires financial
assistance. An arts department
would require a headquarters,
administrators and secretaries,
and a countless number of new
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