| Title | Body |
| Biography |
Under the leadership of Chairperson Terry L. Zipay, the Department of Visual and Performing
Arts (VPA) has integrated art, dance, music and theatre into a “community of artists.”
Since his appointment in 2000, Dr. Zipay has focused on strengthening connections
with the Wilkes-Barre community as well as with all students and faculty on campus. The department contributes to the life of the city in many ways, including the Music at Mid-Day Series, the Community Conservatory, and numerous concerts, presentations and art exhibits. Continued growth of these and many other programs and offerings are assured through the Performing Arts scholarship. Prospective music, musical theatre, and theatre majors are eligible for awards ranging from $6,000 to full tuition. Prior to joining Wilkes, Dr. Zipay served for 17 years as faculty member and chair of theory, history, composition and conducting programs at the Crane School of Music, Potsdam College, State University of New York. He also was the Dean of the Conservatory of Music at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Zipay is excited about the future of the arts at Wilkes and has already seen “significant growth in both quality and size.” He is proud of his talented faculty, especially their ability to see the potential in all students and “polish diamonds in the rough.” He adds, “If you are passionate about your art, Wilkes University is the place for you.” Terry Zipay grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. His background encompasses a wide range of teaching, performing, painting and scholarly activities. He has taught music in the public schools as well as undergraduate and graduate courses in music theory and other academic areas. As a conductor, clarinetist and saxophonist, Dr. Zipay has embraced diverse repertoires, including jazz, the avant garde, and commercial music, in addition to traditional orchestral and chamber works. In the past two years he has held several exhibitions of his paintings. Research interests have ranged from 14th century isorhythmic motets to multi-media technology. His current focus is on the interrelationships among the arts. Dr. Zipay received his BA from the Eastman School of Music, MM from the University of Arizona, and PhD from the University of Buffalo. For 17 years he served as faculty member and chair of the theory, history, composition and conducting programs at the Crane School of Music, Potsdam College, State University of New York. More recently, he was the Dean of the Conservatory of Music at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio.  His wife, Kris Cross, is a modern dance instructor and choreographer at Otterbein College in Columbus. "I was attracted to the chair position for the Visual and Performing Arts at Wilkes because of the multiple arts context and the challenges, risks and opportunities inherent in building outstanding arts programs. Ph.D., University of Buffalo; M.M, University of Arizona; B.A., Eastman School of Music
In Terry's words...
"I really enjoy watching the students grow. That is one of the reasons that I was attracted to this job. The students are passionate and eager to learn. They are very hard working.” |