“Due to the unique nature of the arts, many of the similar services on campus, such as Career Services, are not relevant for setting up students for long time artistic success,” said Keith Jackson, Philip J. Faini and Falbo Family Dean. “This is a commitment from the university and the college to do everything in our power to help students build careers."
According to Jackson, Myers has a long history of successful students and going above and beyond in helping her students meet their goals.
“Mikylah has a great track record for guiding both undergraduate and graduate students to short-term and long-term success,” Jackson said. “It is important for our students to know that a diversity of paths are available so the individual strengths of students can be used for maximum benefit. Mikylah’s students have followed a multitude of different paths. This is in contrast with the 19th and 20th century model of students simply replicating the paths of their teachers.”
Myers day-to-day tasks will include meeting with faculty to determine goals for artistic distinction for students and meeting with individual students across all disciplines in the college to establish plans to achieve artistic and scholarly goals beyond campus, such as admission to summer festivals, workshops, competitions, internships and academic exchange programs. Many of these opportunities have complex application and audition requirements, and Myers has the expertise to help students navigate through the process.
“I'll be working to identify and share opportunities that fit faculty and student goals, meet with students to create specific plans like timelines and resource gathering to apply for targeted opportunities, and follow through directly with students with support, encouragement, expertise, and resource guidance for successful applications,” Myers said. “As the applications are accepted, I will advise students on issues of scholarship negotiation and travel logistics, along with identifying and coordinating existing funding opportunities through the College and University, so that they may successfully participate in the opportunities.”
Myers has been on the WVU faculty since 2007 and has been impressed by the talent and work ethic of WVU’s students. She hopes her role will shine a light on their creativity.
“Our students are performing and creating art at the highest levels, but it's not enough for their achievements to be only celebrated in the galleries and on the stages of the Creative Arts Center,” Myers said. “Our students need to be seen and heard on major national and international stages of music, art, theatre, and dance. In my time at WVU, I have delighted in pushing violin students out onto those important stages, and I am thrilled to now have the opportunity to work in this way with students across all our creative arts disciplines.
“We want to support our students to achieve at the highest artistic levels during their time at WVU, and to set them up for fulfilling and successful careers in the arts. The more opportunities they can have to perform, engage and learn during their student years, the more successful they will be. And, when other students and professionals across the nation have the opportunity to interact with our excellent students, West Virginia University's reputation for artistic and cultural excellence will continue to be recognized and grow.”