A generic update from the board that glosses over most points and concerns outlined in our petition. We are still waiting...
From: Steve Sirls <ssirls@watkins.edu>
Date: Fri, Jan 31, 2020 at 9:58 AM
Subject: Follow up from Watkins Board re: Merger Announcement
To: <alumni@watkins.edu>
Dear Watkins alumni,
The Watkins Board of Trustees is grateful for the feedback we have received since Tuesday’s announcement of the merger with Belmont University. Several of you have had questions about the decision to merge and the specifics of the agreement. I want to assure you that the board pursued this direction only after careful consideration of the realities facing Watkins now and in the future.
The board has known for some time that critical changes needed to take place for Watkins’s mission and legacy to endure. Our first obligation is to be stewards of the college’s future and, in that capacity, we resolved that without some affirmative action in the very near future Watkins would suffer the fate that has forced many other small, specialized colleges to close their doors in recent years.
The Executive Committee of the Board determined that pursuing a partnership with an established university that shares a commitment to the arts and unmatched arts education would be the best possible outcome to protect and sustain Watkins’s legacy. Fortunately, Belmont leadership was receptive to our inquiries, recognizing the vast creativity and diversity that Watkins students offer to the community.
We are grateful to have reached this historic agreement and proud that the Watkins School of Art will continue to grow as part of Belmont University. Please be assured that no one on the board or in the administration has personally benefited from this merger. We acted solely in the best interest of the current and future students of Watkins when making the decision, which is our fiduciary duty as board members.
We fully recognize that this news has been hard for some of our students and alumni to absorb. Change can be difficult, and we are working to help all those who love Watkins and care about our students and faculty to understand the benefits of this decision.
On Wednesday, Belmont’s provost, Dr. Thomas Burns, sat with Watkins faculty, staff and students at a town hall meeting on campus to answer their questions, address their concerns and discuss next steps. During that meeting, Dr. Burns reinforced that Belmont is committed to making the transition for students as smooth as possible. He also emphasized that Belmont is an inclusive campus that celebrates its diverse community, and welcomes all students regardless of age, race, gender or sexual orientation. He confirmed that tuition will remain the same for Watkins students through their graduation and that all their credits will transfer.
As a next step, Belmont leadership has invited Watkins students to visit their campus and begin making transition arrangements. The university has arranged a tour for all Watkins students next week, during which they can meet and speak with faculty. We are gratified to hear that many Watkins students also have proactively reached out to Belmont to make private appointments for tours and meetings.
Watkins has a long, storied history. In our 135 years, we have lived through changes to our name, location and curriculum. Through it all, the one constant has been our commitment to finding creative solutions to the challenges we face. As we now prepare for this next chapter in Watkins’s story, let us come together to apply our singular creativity to shaping and supporting the Watkins College of Art at Belmont.
Thank you again for your care and concern for the Watkins community. We will send more updates on the transition in the coming weeks, and of course you are always welcome to reach out to me with any additional questions.
Sincerely,
Steve Sirls
Chairman, Board of Trustees
Watkins College of Art