Dr. Raquel Monroe, the newly appointed dean of the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts (COFA), brings her experience from the University of Texas to Howard University and aims to help young Black artists thrive.
“Dr. Monroe brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Howard University, joining us from the University of Texas at Austin, where she served as a full professor and associate dean of graduate education and academic affairs within the College of Fine Arts,” according to a Howard University LinkedIn post.
For Monroe, working at Howard was a dream – one that she never even knew was possible.
“When the opportunity presented itself, I just felt compelled to throw my hat in the ring and go for it,” Monroe said. She says, “Working at Howard is a dream, a dream I never knew was possible.”
Monroe said students are at the core of COFA, with support from faculty being a big part of their success.
“At a college of any sort, the best representatives are its students,” Monroe said.
She holds a background in Black social dance, Black queer feminism and popular culture. She is part of a collective called “The Propelled Animals,” which focuses on social and environmental justice. She plans to bring her background to COFA by expanding the curriculum.
“We will create a curriculum and creative research and scholarship that will attract the best and the brightest students who want to study African diaspora arts to the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts at Howard University,” Monroe said.
She says that when integrating these kinds of courses, she’s looking “through the lens of interdisciplinary collaboration,” hoping to experiment and integrate Black feminism into the school’s curriculum.
In addition to introducing a new curriculum, she plans on fundraising for scholarships to support students and update classroom materials. She says, “A part of a dean’s job is fundraising. I want to make sure that I am out there raising money to support our students.”
Working along with Monroe is the inaugural Director of Marketing and Communications, Chad Eric Smith. Prior to this Smith was the first man and person of color to hold the position of Senior Director of Communications and Brand Management for Mural Arts Philadelphia.
In this role Smith hopes to, “strengthen our internal infrastructure so we can better support our students, amplify our faculty and showcase the exceptional work happening across all departments.”
Students in COFA have discussed what they hope to see in the coming years from Monroe. Jai Boyd, a sophomore painting major and electronic studio minor from Utah, hopes that Monroe’s background in interdisciplinary research will help unify all departments.
Boyd said that right now there is a “slight disconnect between departments.” With Monroe’s new appointment, Boyd hopes that she creates a space where actors, musicians and dancers can collaborate.
She requested that Monroe “facilitate our productivity and motivation,” because as artists, there is “a greater sense of urgency and hunger” to improve their craft.
Boyd also suggested additional events that can help shape the artists’ mindset, such as guest speakers or simple get-togethers between departments.
“I just wish that Mrs. Monroe will offer her best in guiding us to a brighter future,” said Boyd, specifically in regards to networking opportunities and collaboration between departments.
Naiya Blanco, a theatre arts major from Houston, Texas, hopes that Monroe will “use her role to the fullest” by advocating for students.
“I feel as if one of the biggest issues that is holding this department back is communication between staff and students,” Blanco said.
One major change Blanco suggested is that the College of Fine Arts should have more scholarship opportunities. She noted that there are few scholarships for fine arts students and hopes Monroe can change that.
Monroe leaves COFA students one final message before our semester begins.
“I’m looking forward to meeting them [the students] and seeing all the great things that they will make and create and write and vision together. I am excited for all of their creative intellectual energy that they’re going to bring to inspire us.”
Copy edited by D’Nyah Jefferson – Philmore