August 14, 2006

Dana College is proposing to add two new majors to its list of programs beginning in the fall of 2007, musical theater and sports management. The additions, which will require faculty approval, were announced this week as part of a five-year strategic plan for the college.

Dana plans to use the new musical theater major to capitalize on its strong vocal music and theater programs and appeal to students who participated in these activities in high school.

Over the last 12 years, Dana College musical theater has become a signature program for the college. The program is known throughout Nebraska and western Iowa for high-quality productions of both new and challenging musicals. The Omaha music and theater community features many extremely talented graduates of Dana College who studied vocal music and performed regularly on the Dana stage.

“ With the expert help of the award-winning actor, singer and performer Brandon Higdem and choreographer and dancer Michelle Garrity, we have created a program that is unique in this part of the country,” said Dr. Paul Schneider, professor of English and director of the theater. “Because of our size, Dana has the advantage of being able to offer considerably more stage time to talented undergraduates than at larger institutions, and the performers benefit from the opportunity to develop their skills under working professionals.”

Only 20 new students will be accepted into the program per year. Scholarships will be offered by audition.

"The musical theater major will prepare the most talented students for a career in performance, and all graduates will develop skills essential to many careers, especially those involving interaction with the public,” Schneider said.

Students in the Dana College musical theater program will be encouraged to double major, thus helping to ensure future career opportunities should they not choose to pursue a career in the extremely competitive field of professional performance.

Sports management, currently an emphasis area under the physical education major, will be added as a major within the Business Department in response to current market trends. Nationwide there is a greater concern about the sedentary lifestyle and resulting obesity of many Americans, including children. Retiring baby boomers are also looking at ways to be active in their later years.

Entering students are interested in pursuing careers in sports management, fitness and recreation. Dana’s innovative curriculum, based in the Business Department, will provide students with the opportunity to develop expertise in business management with an orientation toward the world of sport.

The new major will have a business core foundation with courses that include management, marketing, and accounting. Additional courses in health, fitness and recreation will provide flexibility for students to plan a program of study.

“ The college must offer academic programs that meet the changing interests of prospective students,” said Dana College President Janet Philipp. “Musical theater and sports management target these interests and also address market demand.”

Dana College is a place where all students make things happen—in their own lives and the lives of others. Living and studying within 20 minutes of Omaha — recently named one of America's most livable cities — Dana students have easy access to the professional, cultural, and social opportunities this friendly Midwestern city offers. And the College's Lutheran heritage sustains a welcoming community defined by a shared sense of values, respect for others, and openness to different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds.

For more information about these programs or other majors at Dana College, please contact our Admissions Office at 402-426-7222.

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Contact:
Carrie L. Reed
Director of College Relations and Marketing
402-426-7385