Gulf Coast State College's new Visual and Performing Arts Division leader has big plans
PANAMA CITY — Gulf Coast State College has a new leader of its Visual and Performing Arts Division.
Jennifer McAtee comes to GCSC from Dallas, where she served as the music department coordinator at El Centro College for six years. She joins the GCSC faculty with plans to bring more opportunities to the arts.
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“I’m really excited to be a part of a college where everyone is so supportive of each other and the arts,” McAtee said about her new position. “So far, everyone has been kind and welcoming, and it’s been a wonderful experience, and I’m glad to be a part of this family.”
McAtee earned her doctorate in April at Aspen University. Her personal and professional background are centered on music, including owning a private piano studio business, teaching as an adjunct professor at Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC) in Missouri, and establishing and growing OTC’s first music department.
It’s always been her dream to live near the beach while continuing to do what she loves, McAtee said. She expresses a passion for advocating for arts and education and plans to continue that at GCSC.
“I know a lot of the arts aren't back yet since Hurricane Michael hit, and we want to emerge those opportunities back into the community,” McAtee said. “Additionally, we hope we’re able to offer more for people to come and experience the arts in our programs.”
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Jason Hedden, former chairperson of the Visual and Performing Arts Division, said he looks forward to what McAtee will bring to the program. Hedden will now serve as the executive director of recruitment and community relations at GCSC.
"Jennifer is already a great fit for the department. She brings a lot of fresh ideas and perspectives to the program, and I'm excited to see where she takes it," Hedden said. "I think the visual and performing arts at the college are in a unique position to be a part of these newer venues that are coming to the community."
As the new chairperson, McAtee said she hopes to bring more events to GCSC while continuing to grow the arts scene in the community. Some of her plans include partnering with local schools, hosting more shows each semester and connecting with the arts community.
The GCSC Visual and Performing Arts Division is located on the college's Panama City campus, 5230 W. U.S. 98, and offers certificates, associate of arts degrees in art, music and theater, and an associate of science degree in entertainment technology.
To learn more about the college's Visual and Performing Arts Division and its programs, visit gulfcoast.edu/arts.
This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Panama City's Gulf Coast State College gets news arts division leader
