History

2022
Department of Dance is approved by the Commission on Accreditation for membership into the National Association of Schools of Dance, giving the College of the Arts the unique distinction of all four units being nationally accredited.

2021
The first master's degree in the College of the Art is launched: an MA in Art and Design, housed in the School of Art and Design.
Dr. Ivan Pulinkala is named Interim Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs of KSU. 
Prof. Harrison Long is named Interim Dean of the College of the Arts. 
Dr. Leslie Blackwell is named Interim Associate Dean of the College of the Arts.
Dr. Jessica Stephenson is named Interim Graduate Coordinator for the MA in Art and Design. 
Dr. Jesús Castro-Balbi is named Director of the Bailey School of Music. 
The College of the Arts serves 24,113 patrons, an increase of 7,000 patrons over the previous year.
The College of the Arts hosts the ArtsKSU Gala at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center. 

2020
The Bobbie Bailey Foundation gives $5 million to benefit the School of Music in the College of the Arts, and the School of Music is renamed the Dr. Bobbie Bailey School of Music. 
Dr. Peter Fielding is named Associate Dean of the College of the Arts. 
Prof. Marsha Barsky is named Chair of the Department of Dance. 
Prof. Chuck Meacham is named Chair of the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies. 
Cynthia Thompson is named Director of Curatorial Affairs at the Zuckerman Museum of Art. 
The School of Art and Design opens Chastain Pointe Studios, with 20,000 sq. feet to be used primarily for drawing, painting, and printmaking.
The College launches ArtsKSU Virtual to offer virtual performances, exhibitions, and more. 

2019
Dr. Ivan Pulinkala is named dean of the College of the Arts.
The College launches ArtsKSU Presents, a professional artist presenting series hosted by all four academic units. 
Dr. Pulinkala establishes Dean's Cabinet, Leadership Team, and Ambassador's Council. 

2018
Dr. Ivan Pulinkala is named interim dean of the College of the Arts.
The Bernard A. Zuckerman Museum of Art becomes part of the College of the Arts. 

2017
The Dance Theater on the KSU Marietta campus opens. 
The Dr. Bobbie Bailey & Family Performance Center celebrates its 10th anniversary.
Katherine Scott established the Katherine Scott Rehearsal Hall Endowment, and the rehearsal hall in the Bailey Performance Center was named in her honor. 

2016
Kennesaw State University committed to establishing new facilities at Chastain Pointe. 

2015
The College of the Arts established its first Board of Advisors. 
The School of Art and Design was named one of the "Top Design Schools" by Graphic Design USA. 

2014
The Bernard A. Zuckerman Museum of Art, part of the Department of Museums, Archives & Rare Books, opens.
The Malinda Jolley Mortin Gallery opens with a generous endowment gift.

2013
Dr. Patty Poulter becomes the second dean of the College of the Arts, following Joe Meeks's retirement.

2012
Black Box Theater named Onyx Theater.
Department of Dance and Department of Theatre and Performance Studies are separated.
Department of Visual Arts becomes School of Art and Design.

2011
Art history major created.
Dance Studios opened at Chastain Pointe.

2010
Department of Theatre and Performance Studies becomes Department of Theatre, Performance Studies and Dance.

2009
Wilson Building Annex opens.
First graduate program in the College of the Arts is launched: Master of Arts in Teaching––Art Education. 

2008
Dance major created.
Department of Music becomes the School of Music.
KSU designated an “All-Steinway School.”

2007
Dr. Bobbie Bailey & Family Performance Center opens.
The Don Russell Clayton Gallery and Anna Henriquez Atrium opens in the Bailey Center.

2006
Accreditation received from National Association of Schools of Art and Design.

2005
School of the Arts becomes College of the Arts.

2004
Department of Theater becomes Department of Theatre and Performance Studies.

2002
Visual Arts Building opens. 
First Annual Benefit Gala presented; in six years, this event raised more than $1 million for scholarships.

2001
Accreditation received from the National Association of Schools of Theatre.

1998
School of the Arts created.

1996
KSC becomes Kennesaw State University.
Department of Music and Performing Arts split into Department of Music and Department of Theater.

1989
Joe Mack Wilson Building opens.
Howard Logan Stillwell Theater opens.
Fine Arts Gallery opens.

1988
Kennesaw College renamed Kennesaw State College.

1986
Department of Visual Arts created.

1985
Accreditation received from the National Association of Schools of Music.
Department of Music renamed Department of Music and Performing Arts.

1983
School of Arts and Behavioral Sciences created.
Department of Music created.

1980
Kennesaw College awards first four-year degrees—Music major Marty Barrett Ansorge is the first graduate.
Music Building opens.

1977
KJC becomes Kennesaw College.

1972
Permanent Collection of Art started.

1966
Kennesaw Junior College opens its doors; programs include music and art.