DePauw Stories

DePauw University is nurturing the next generation of artists, innovators and creative leaders with the launch of the Creative School, a transformative initiative dedicated to collaboration and multidisciplinary exploration. This newest school is a critical component of DePauw's Bold & Gold 2027 Strategic Plan, reinforcing the university's commitment to academic excellence and preparing students to be the leaders the world needs.

The Creative School adopts a unique approach that combines various artistic disciplines, including art history, design studies, English writing, film and media arts, music, studio art and theatre. By encouraging dynamic interaction and the cross-pollination of ideas, this school enables students to develop a comprehensive range of creative skills that span multiple disciplines. It also equips students with the tools and technology needed to thrive in the midst of rapid societal change and increasing complexity.

At a celebratory launch event on September 25, Marcus Hayes, dean of the Creative School, emphasized the versatility of this new initiative. “At its core, the Creative School has been established to multiply the possibilities of creativity in an effort to improve our world. We're not just teaching art or design – although that's certainly an important part of it. We're fostering new ways of seeing and thinking, equipping students with a creative method that can be applied liberally to challenges in society, science, business, technology and beyond.”

Watch the performers and speakers usher in the new Creative School.

The launch event presented a glimpse of the possibilities this new school brings, featuring vibrant performances and demonstrations from multiple disciplines, including theatre, music, writing, film, art and dance. “The launch of the Creative School is a watershed moment, not only for our university, but also for us as students,” said Eli Federman ’25, DePauw Student Government president. “It represents so much more than just a new name or set of courses. It's a gateway to unleashing our creative potential.”

The Creative School is one of three interconnected schools established under DePauw's new model, alongside the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the School of Business and Leadership. This structure is designed to offer increased academic opportunities while expanding the potential for interdisciplinary connections.

President Lori S. White underscores the importance of this model: "This three-school model threads the liberal arts and sciences throughout every student's experience as academic bedrock. It's the grounding for our academic innovation, for our interdisciplinary approaches, and for unlocking every student's potential."

Additional Creative School Resources:

View images from the launch event and other Creative School activities.

Explore stories of student creativity in music, visual art, writing and more.

Learn more about the Creative School and its offerings.