Faculty members in the Saint Louis University Department of Fine and Performing arts are scholars and teachers drawn from creative communities around the region and across the country.
Department Chair
Cathleen A. Fleck, Ph.D.
Art History
SLU’s art history faculty has specializations ranging from Middle Eastern and African-American art, to the art of the Medieval Church, pop and contemporary art, and other areas. Its members encourage and support individualized experiences, from internships and travel/study experiences to independent research.
- Bradley Bailey, Ph.D., Program Director
- Deborah Douglas, M.F.A.
- Cathleen Fleck, Ph.D.
- Olubukola Gbadegesin, Ph.D.
- Cynthia Stollhans, Ph.D.
- Terrence Dempsey, S.J., Ph.D. (emeritus)
Adjunct Faculty
- Janet M. Purdy, Ph.D. - Art in Africa
Music
SLU’s music faculty are active performers, teachers and scholars in the St. Louis metropolitan area. Each member is committed to the professional and musical development of their students and strives to support them in their specific area of interest.
Adjunct Faculty
- J. Reycraft - Trombone
- Joe Akers - Trumpet
- Thomas Jöstlein, B.M. - Horn
- Jennifer Nitchman, M.M. Flute
- Dawn Striker-Roberts - Oboe
- Julie Leonhardt, B.M. - Violin, Viola
- Allegra Lilly - Harp
- James Nacy, M.M. - Cello
- Sue Stubbs - Bass
- William Hopkins, M.M. - Guitar
- Patrick Rafferty, M.M. - Guitar
- Patricia Eastman, M.M. - Piano
- Sue Martin, M.M. - Piano
- Wen Shen, M.M. - Piano
- Ruth Stith, M.M. - Piano
- Mary Gay Spears, D.M.A. - Piano
- Ted Rubright - Percussion
- Thomas Stubbs - Percussion
- Lori Barrett-Pagano, M.M. - Voice
- Julie Tabash Kelsheimer, M.M. - Voice
- Nathan Ruggles - Voice
- Travis Lewis - Music History and Literature
- Crystal Weaver, M.A. - Music Therapy
Studio Art
The studio art faculty are professional artists dedicated to teaching and mentoring students.
- Amy Bautz, M.F.A., Program Director
- Ilene Berman, M.F.A.
- Martin Brief, M.F.A.
- Jim Burwinkel, M. Arch
- Deborah Douglas, M.F.A.
- Nila Petty, M.F.A.
- Sharron Pollack, M.F.A. (emeritus)
- Ted Wood, M.F.A. (emeritus)
Adjunct Faculty
- Stephanie Gobby, M.F.A. - Graphic Design I and II
- Sarah R. Schempf Bernhardt, M.F.A. - Photography
- Terri Shay, M.F.A. - Design, Color Theory
Theatre
Full-time theatre and dance faculty at SLU hold terminal degrees in their field of specialization and work in the region and across the country. Adjunct faculty is drawn from the talented pool of theatre professionals who live and work in St. Louis.
- Nancy Bell, M.F.A., A.E.A., SAG-AFTRA, Program Director
- Gary Barker, M.F.A., A.E.A., SAG-AFTRA
- Lou Bird, M.F.A.
- Jim Burwinkel, M. Arch
- Lucille Cashion, M.F.A.
- David LaRose, M.F.A.
- Thomas Martin, M.F.A.
Dance
Adjunct Faculty
- Samantha Gaitsch, M.F.A. - Dance: Jazz
- Ashley L. Tate, M.F.A. - Dance: Jazz, Hip Hop Fusion