Published September 27, 2024
MONROE, LA – The Department of Music in the ULM School of Visual and Performing Arts has earned
reaffirmation of accreditation and renewal of membership for all music programs from
the National Association for Schools of Music (NASM).
The accreditation process involves a multiyear assessment and thorough external review
of the college’s mission, strategic plan, curricula, student and faculty engagement,
and impact on society. Schools work with a coordinator and peer-review team to ensure
alignment with NASM accreditation standards.
“This reaffirmation of the NASM accreditation is just more proof of the ULM Music
faculty’s commitment to the education of our students. They are all to be congratulated
on this major achievement,” said Dr. John Pratte, Dean of the College of Arts, Education,
and Sciences.
Founded in 1924, NASM has grown to include over 650 baccalaureate and graduate degree-granting
institutions, community colleges, and non-degree-granting institutions today. The
purposes of the Association as articulated in its constitution is to 1) advance the
course of music in American life and especially in higher education; 2) to establish
and maintain threshold standards for the education of musicians, while encouraging
both diversity and excellence; and 3) to provide a national forum for the discussion
of issues related to these purposes.
“Being accredited by NASM recognizes that the University of Louisiana Monroe has demonstrated
a focus on excellence in all areas and programs, including teaching, research and
creative activities, curriculum development, and student learning,” said Dr. Nicholas
Bratcher, Professor of Music and Director for the ULM School of Visual and Performing
Arts. “The commitment to earning accreditation is a positive and true reflection of
ULM’s dedication – not only to their students, alumni, and the greater music community,
but to music in higher education as a whole. This is a testament to the unwavering
dedication of our faculty and staff, whose continued efforts maintain a top-class
standard in music education as they prepare our students to enter the professional
workforce.”
“NASM has reaffirmed the quality of education Music students receive at ULM. Our
faculty’s pursuit of excellence has been underscored by this acknowledgment,” said
Dr. Mark Arant, ULM Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.
The reaffirmation of accreditation marks more than a 20-year milestone since music
was integrated into the School of Visual and Performing Arts (along with art, theatre,
and dance). The University of Louisiana Monroe was founded in 1931 (then Ouachita
Parish Junior College) and evolved into the four-year graduate degree-granting institution
it is today.
Visit www.ulm.edu/vapa to learn more about music and our other programs.
