University of California, Irvine. Claire Trevor School of the Arts.

Historical Background

Organizational History

The Division of Fine Arts was founded in 1964. It was composed of the Departments of Art, Drama, Music, and Dance, all of which offered majors leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree. Additionally, the division offered an interdisciplinary major involving any two of the departments and participation in productions, concerts, or exhibits. A two-year program leading to the Master of Fine Arts degree was later established in 1969. Offerings in all areas of the arts included a comprehensive study of literature, history, theory, and criticism to complement the practical work in studio workshops and performance. From its outset, the Division of Fine Arts was committed to a performance and studio-centered program rather than a theoretically based program of study. In addition to producing student concerts, musicals, and dramatic performances, the Division of Fine Arts collaborated with UCI's Committee for Arts and Lectures to present a variety of cultural events each year. The Division of Fine Arts and the Department of English also offered an interdisciplinary program in playwriting leading to the Master of Fine Arts.

Although the primary concerns of the School of Fine Arts centered on studio and performance activity, in 1973 a new program was established in the history of the arts, as well as interdisciplinary programs between the School of Fine Arts and the School of Humanities.

In 1996 the School of Fine Arts was renamed the School of the Arts, a move reflecting new directions in the visual and performing arts, as well as the school's new state-of-the-art facilities for photography, music media, and digital imaging. The school was again renamed in 2001 as the Claire Trevor School of the Arts. Academy award-winning actress Claire Trevor had a successful career in stage, film, radio and television over seven decades, and she and her family have contributed generously to the school over the years.

• 1964 - 1982 : Clayton Garrison serves as Dean of the Division of Fine Arts.
• 1968: Division of Fine Arts becomes School of Fine Arts.
• 1982 - 1983 : William C. Holmes serves as acting dean.
• 1983 - 1987 : Robert Garfias serves as dean.
• 1987 - 1989 : Bernard Gilmore serves as acting dean.
• 1989 - 1995 : Robert Hickock serves as dean.
• 1995: Department of Art History becomes part of the School of Humanities.
• 1995: School of Fine Arts becomes School of the Arts.
• 1995 - 1996 : Robert Cohen serves as acting dean.
• 1996 - 2003 : Jill Beck serves as dean.
• 2001: School of the Arts becomes Claire Trevor School of the Arts.
• 2003 - : Nohema Fernandez serves as dean.

From the guide to the Claire Trevor School of the Arts publications, University of California, Irvine, 1966-2008, (University of California, Irvine. Library. Special Collections and Archives.)