University of Houston School of Art Hires Seven Faculty, Fully Funds MFA

The University of Houston School of Art, within the Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts, has announced the hiring of seven new faculty members and will provide complete funding for its MFA program. This unique three-year program, the sole one in Houston, enrolls 15 students each year. Each MFA candidate will benefit from a $20,000 annual package that covers tuition and living expenses, along with a guaranteed job on campus. The newly appointed faculty include Jamal Cyrus (Assistant Professor of Sculpture), Angela Lynn Tucker (Assistant Professor of Photo and Video), Maisie Luo (Assistant Professor of Painting), Ella Rosenblatt (Assistant Professor of Graphic Design), Nathan Dube (Professor of Practice in Digital Fabrication), Erin Miller (Professor of Practice in Printmaking), and Saúl Hernández Vargas (Assistant Professor of Printmaking). Funding is sourced from budget reallocations and contributions from the newly established Friends of the School of Art, as noted by Director Beth Merfish. The creation of two printmaking roles was a result of student advocacy. All seven faculty members have connections to Houston. The retirements of professors Rachel Hecker and Paul Kittelson, both now emeritus, led to these openings. Merfish aims to transform the school's reputation, which she describes as a "well-kept secret."