Spencer Performing Arts Center Modernizes Siena Heights University’s Performing Arts Programs

This fall the new Mary M. and Sash A. Spencer Performing Arts Center will take center stage at Siena Heights.

Opening in time to begin the fall 2018 semester, the more than $11 million facility will open students as well as the community to new opportunities in the arts. It features a new theater, music hall, band room, dance studio and modern classroom and office space that has filled a longtime University need.

“The Spencer Performing Arts Center will put us on par with any college or university in the region in regards to performing arts facilities,” said SHU President Sister Peg Albert, OP, PhD. “It was something we considered a top priority for quite some time, and the fact that we were able to build this entirely with private funding is a testament to our alumni and benefactors. We hope this new facility will be used extensively for decades to come.”

An entirely new theater was constructed, and the existing Francoeur Theater was renovated to house the new music hall. The band room – formerly in the basement of Sage Union, is also a welcome addition, as is the new dance studio and scene shop. The project expanded the footprint of the existing facility by more than 18,000 square feet.

“This new theater is completely state-of-the-art. Everything in it is up to date,” SHU Professor of Theater Mark DiPietro, who also serves as chair of the Performing Arts Division.

DiPietro, who gave the Siena community a sneak peek of the new facility by directing the musical “Young Frankenstein” in April, said the approximately 350-seat facility features computerization, a light booth, sound system and a full fly system that is rare in college settings.

“That gives our students exactly the kind of theater they would work in professional life, especially in New York,” DiPietro said.

The dedication of the entire facility is slated for Homecoming Weekend in October.

“I can’t wait to see the finished product,” President Albert said. “Having this new facility will open up additional opportunities for our students, as well as for the entire community. I would like to thank everyone who helped make this project a reality.”

In a related project, the space outside the Spencer PAC and Studio Angelico also underwent a transformation over the summer. The circle drive was removed and a new green space was created that will serve as a new outdoor “hangout” for students. That space should also be ready for the start of the new academic year.

To see construction photos of the new Spencer Performing Arts Center, visit our photo gallery here. To see interior and exterior pictures visit this gallery. To see dedication and opening night photos from homecoming visit this gallery.

New Academic Programs Launch at SHU

Master of Business Administration

Siena Heights started a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program. The first classes began in January 2018, and are completely online.

SHU Dean for Graduate and Professional Studies Dr. Cheri Betz said before designing its MBA, Siena Heights first asked employers and business leaders about their current and future needs. Using their input, SHU developed a curriculum focused upon ethical and sustainable business practices.

“We have designed Siena’s MBA program to train strong, ethical business leaders who can leverage the markets in a manner consistent with our Dominican values,” Dr. Betz said. “Siena’s reputation for developing students who genuinely live its mission of being more competent, purposeful and ethical makes for a distinction among existing business programs.”

“It made sense to offer the MBA as an online program, since we have built an outstanding reputation nationally in online education,” said SHU President Sister Peg Albert, OP, PhD. “Adding the MBA to our online offerings will be a winning combination.

In September 2017, Dr. Eboni Mathis was hired as the new director of the MBA program.

“Siena’s MBA program will provide students with a convenient and challenging educational experience,” said Dr. Mathis. “Our MBA will produce highly skilled thought leaders to their respective business communities, rich in dynamic problem-solving skills needed to lead organizations. MBA graduates of Siena will be even more competent, purposeful and ethical and will respect the dignity of all.”

SHU’s MBA is open to not only those students with a BBA, but also to students in many other majors, including nursing and engineering. No prerequisite entry courses are required. A Health Care Administration specialization path was also introduced for fall 2018.

In addition to the traditional MBA, the University also introduced the Accelerated MBA.

The Accelerated MBA is geared for Adrian undergraduate students. Students accepted to the program are eligible to take up to three MBA courses as part of their undergraduate program – at the undergraduate tuition rate. Unlike many other programs, SHU’s is open to students in many different majors, including business, engineering, the sciences and humanities.

Global Studies

Global Studies is a rigorous interdisciplinary program that provides students with the theoretical and practical tools to critically analyze the ongoing processes of cultural, economic and political change in the world. The major will prepare students for a variety of careers in the international arena as well as for further graduate study programs such as international affairs, international business and peace studies. It is available to undergraduate students on the Adrian campus starting in fall 2018.

Theatrical Design and Technology

This major is designed for undergraduate students who are interested in in pursuing a career in theater, but who are not interested in performing. Students can choose to concentrate in one or more of the following areas: Scenery, Costumes, Lighting, Sound and Technical Direction. It is available to students on the Adrian campus starting in fall 2018.