The College of the Arts at Palm Beach Atlantic University continues to flourish as a vibrant community of Christ-first artists, scholars, and communicators. This season has been marked by meaningful accomplishments among faculty and students, expanding global engagement, strengthened community partnerships, and continued growth in enrollment and retention. Together, these milestones reflect our shared commitment to cultivating creative excellence grounded in biblical truth, preparing students not only for professional success, but for lives of faithful service and cultural impact.
Below are highlights from across the College.
COLLEGE-WIDE DISTINCTION
One of the most significant honors this year is the selection of Dr. Thomas Parham as a Fulbright Canada Research Chair at the University of Regina in Saskatchewan. During his residency, Dr. Parham researched the effects of streaming services and U.S. runaway production on Canadian national identity, a timely and internationally relevant topic. Dr. Parham also received an Alex Trebek Legacy Fellowship from the Television Academy Foundation and presented at Comic-Con International, continuing to model global scholarly engagement for our students.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION, JOURNALISM, & PUBLIC RELATIONS
Our faculty continue to contribute meaningfully to scholarship and public discourse:
- Dr. Stephanie Bennett advanced research toward her forthcoming book “How Can Francis of Assisi Help the Church Today?” She also conducted interviews in four Franciscan monasteries, and published a scholarly chapter in Orality and Literacy. Her newest book, “Relationships on the Run,” is in publication, and she completed a children’s book manuscript this summer.
- Dr. Kayla Gerdes’ article, “It’s a Balancing Act: Tensions in Park Ranger Interpretive Communication,” was accepted for publication in Communication Reports.
- Dr. Jiehua Zhang served as a reviewer for both ICA and Association of Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC) 2025 conferences.
Student excellence also continues to shine:
- Sunshine Tarpey received the top student paper award from Kristos Logos Paedeia.
- Journalism students earned recognition at the Florida Society of News Editors (FSNE) Journalism Contest and Sunshine State Awards.
- Grace Mackey received a full scholarship to attend the World Journalism Institute’s multimedia intensive.
DEPARTMENT OF DANCE
The Department of Dance continues to expand its ministry and artistic influence nationally and international:
- Professor Jin Hanley led the Global Dance Immersion in Korea and was awarded a Certificate of Commendation from the City of A-san. She also presented at the National Dance Education Organization Conference.
- Adjunct Professor Stella Almblade performed nationally with Cru and at the Steinway Piano showroom in New York City.
- Adjunct Professor Shizu Yasuda’s choreography placed 6th at the World Ballet Competition Finals.
This fall’s Dance Ensemble concert, “SHINE,” was inspired by Matthew 5:14 and featured choreography by faculty, distinguished guests, and alumna Ali Darr Ross, now Founder and Artistic Director of Evergreen Dance Company.
The upcoming spring concert, “Renew,” will be presented at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (April 7–8), and is inspired by Romans 12:2 and features choreography by Christopher Huggins and PBA faculty.
Our alumni continue to thrive across the globe, from European tours to directing studios serving more than 1,500 students.
DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC
Music faculty and students continue earning national distinction:
- Professor Sean Radford received the Faculty Fellows Award from the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation and The College Music Society.
- Dr. Jackie Yong presented internationally in Colombia and Malaysia.
- Dr. Michael O’Connor’s proposal to establish a new journal in American band history was accepted by the University of Michigan’s Center for the History of American Band Music.
The PBA Concert Choir was selected by blind audition as a featured ensemble for the Florida American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Conference and continues significant community engagements, including an Evensong event at The Church of Bethesda-By-The Sea.
Students have earned major scholarships, national competition placements, and industry recognition, including appearances on national television and the Netflix series Building the Band.
Upcoming highlights include:
- PBA Symphony: The Singing Cello (March 5)
- Oratorio Chorus: A Celebration of Life (March 20)
- Pop Rock Ensemble: Sail Away (April 16, Kravis Center)
- A Night of Jazz (April 18)
- Worship Music Ensemble: Endless Praise (April 20)
DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE
Professor Trent Stephens served as Artistic Director of the Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival 35th anniversary season, directing “The Winter’s Tale” as part of Jupiter’s centennial celebration. The cast included numerous PBA alumni.
Our season has included productions of “Romeo and Juliet,” “Dear Jack,” “Dear Luise,” and “Blithe Spirit.”
Upcoming highlights include:
- “Pippin” (April 30 – May 2).
DEPARTMENT OF VISUAL & MEDIA ARTS
Innovation and excellence define this department:
- Dr. Alex Damarjian served as lead technical artist for “Squid Game Unleashed,” a Netflix mobile game, contributing to a global media franchise.
- Professor Heather Couch exhibited at Art Basel Miami’s Feria Clandestina Art Fair and led major collaborative exhibitions regionally.
Cinema students continue to receive national industry awards, including:
- Telly Awards
- Communicator Awards
- WorldFest-Houston
- Hermes Awards
- Viddy, Davey, MarCom, and W3 Awards
Recent Platinum honors for Powered by AI and Immunde Spiritus reflect the professional caliber of our program.
LOOKING FORWARD
This past quarter has reaffirmed the transformative power of the arts to shape communities, deepen critical inquiry, and reflect the beauty and truth of the Gospel.
As we look ahead, our commitments remain steadfast:
- Cultivating creative leadership grounded in Christ
- Expanding global partnerships
- Strengthening community engagement
- Advancing scholarly and artistic excellence
- Continue to pursue the University’s mission of equipping students to grow in wisdom, lead with conviction, and serve God boldly.
All of our upcoming events can be found at www.pba.edu/performances.
Thank you for your continued prayers, generosity, and faithful partnership. Because of you, the College of the Arts continues to influence culture thoughtfully and shine as a light in the world.
With gratitude,
Dr. Jason Lester
Dean, College of the Arts
Palm Beach Atlantic University
