New UNA Center for Arts recommended

FLORENCE — A University of North Alabama work group recommends building a Center for the Arts that would house music, fine arts and culinary programs where the existing Fine Arts Complex is located.

The Work Group to Enhance Music and Fine Arts presented a report this year to President Ken Kitts and university trustees.

The trustees’ Academic Affairs and Enrollment Management Committee has recommended taking the recommendation to a committee to consider the next steps.

The nine-member work group, comprised of university professors and administrators and a Student Government Association representative, was charged with reviewing conditions and prospects related to music and fine arts.

‘Our group concludes that a new, purpose-built Center for the Arts represents the most forwardlooking and long-term cost-effective solution to meet academic, artistic and community needs,’ the executive summary of the group’s report stated.

‘Based on stakeholder meetings and survey results, there is a significant desire for a space that will allow for interdisciplinary collaboration. We recommend that planning for such a facility begin immediately, in alignment with stakeholder priorities and strategic fundraising efforts.’

Trustee President Pro Tempore Will Trapp said the report was presented as an information item to the full board during its Sept. 12 meeting. Trapp said he believes creating a committee will be the next step to look into the feasibility of the project, similarly to what was done during consideration of Bank Independent Stadium.

The university has $15 million set aside that could go toward the project, officials said.

‘We know it needs to be done but don’t know how much it’ll cost,’ Trapp said. ‘We know money is set aside for it but it’s not enough. There is going to need to be more committed.’

This comes as UNA’s Marching Pride band prepares to perform at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 27.

‘They’re hoping they can leverage the band’s appearance at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as a platform to promote this,’ Trapp said.

Band Director Lloyd Jones said the band has nearly 280 members. There were 141 members when he arrived in 2000. He said enrollment has grown tremendously overall, and that includes the departments of music and arts.

UNA had a record enrollment of 10,600 students in Fall 2024 and university officials expect to surpass that this year.

‘It’s been slow healthy growth, which is what we wanted,’ Jones said. ‘I see that all over the university. This is next in a series of improvements for our campus. It’s going to really help the next generation of musicians, artists and performers to have a first-class facility to go along with all the first-class programs.’

Jones said they do not have room to rehearse in the existing band room. Work group officials told trustees the room is approximately 3,600 square feet large. They said it needs to be 5,500 to 6,500 square feet.

The proposal does not include Norton Auditorium, which already has undergone a major renovation.

The work group conducted two surveys, including one involving students and one with faculty, staff, alumni and community members.

The community survey had 509 respondents, who described the current facilities as ‘outdated, inadequate and in need of significant renovation or replacement,’ the report stated.

The survey of 564 students revealed ‘significant dissatisfaction’ with the music, arts and East Campus facilities, ‘deeming them largely outdated, undersized and problematic.’

The community members were asked about willingness to financially support the endeavor, and 71.5% said, ‘Possibly, depending on the project details.’

Students responded that they want a larger facility with improved functionality and safety, updated facilities and inspiring design.