Craig Jessop Earns 'Leadership in the Arts' Award
Craig Jessop is a 2016 recipient of the Governor's Leadership in the Arts award. His individual leadership was recognized. Among his many personal affiliations in the arts, he is dean of the Caine College of the Arts at Utah State University.
Craig Jessop, dean of the Caine College of the Arts at Utah State University, will receive the Governor’s Leadership in the Arts award for Individual Leadership in the Arts. The award is presented annually in conjunction with the Mountain West Arts Conference, and recognizes qualities that advance the arts for the people and communities in our state. It is among Utah’s highest honor in the arts.
Other 2016 honorees include the Utah Arts Festival, James Rees and the Zion Canyon Arts and Humanities Council.
Gov. Gary R. Herbert told the Utah Cultural Alliance that this year’s award recipients play important roles in highlighting the cultural magnificence of Utah, provide valuable educational opportunities and boost the economy of the state. He said their leadership enhances the livability of communities in all corners of Utah and prepares future generations for creative success.
“There’s no way to put into words the gratitude that I have for all he has done for the arts at USU and for all of us here,” said Nicholas Morrison, senior associate dean in the CCA. “Dr. Jessop’s tenure at USU has been transformational for the institution and for the arts in Cache Valley and the state. He lives the college motto of ‘Excellence with Integrity’ in everything he does and he builds relationships within the college, across campus and beyond that are of enormous benefit to us.”
Jessop received a bachelor’s from USU, a master’s from Brigham Young University and doctorate from Stanford University. Jessop had a distinguished career and retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel from the United States Air Force where he directed the Singing Sergeants. He was named associate director of the Mormon Tabernacle choir in 1995 and became music director in 1999. Jessop came to USU in 2008. In addition to his duties as dean, he is the current director of the American Festival Chorus and Orchestra.
Jessop’s accomplishments also include being the founding dean of the Caine College of the Arts; bringing millions of dollars to the college for scholarships, major renovation projects and faculty and student travel; raising awareness and support of the arts across the campus and state; creating opportunities to bring more guest artists and cultural resources to the college and community.
“When President Albrecht brought him to USU in 2008, the arts immediately had more visibility both on campus and in the community,” Morrison said. “The progress that the Caine College of the Arts has made since 2010 could only have occurred with Dr. Jessop as founding dean. For the arts at USU, Craig is the right leader and he came to us at just the right time. He is always reluctant to talk about his own accomplishments because he thrives on supporting and empowering others, so it is a pleasure to see that Gov. Herbert has decided to honor him for his contributions as a leader in the arts.”
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Writer and contact: Whitney Schulte, 435-797-9203, whitney.schulte@usu.edu
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