Dean named for Institute for the Creative Arts
by May 29, 2024 12:58 pm 1,201 views
The Community School of the Arts’ (CSA) new 42,000-square-foot Center for Creative Art building at 1101 Riverfront Drive in Fort Smith
Audra Brooks Titsworth will serve as the founding dean of the Institute for the Creative Arts, the first performing and visual arts high school in Arkansas set to open Aug. 19 in Fort Smith.
Titsworth has a master’s degree in educational leadership from Arkansas State University, a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from the University of Central Arkansas and an instructional specialist special education pre-kindergarten through 12th grade in special education from the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith.
She has licensure in building level administration for PK-12, early childhood education and special education. Titsworth is the special education designee for the Van Buren Public School District, and also was with the Greenwood and Greenbriar School Districts.
“My journey in education has instilled in me a profound appreciation for the power of storytelling, the beauty of diverse perspectives, and the transformative impact of learning. Whether it’s through designing engaging educational programs, fostering artistic expression, or collaborating on innovative projects, I am committed to leveraging my skills and experiences to inspire and empower others,” Titsworth said.
Her husband, Mark, is the principal of Northridge Middle School in Van Buren. The couple have two daughters and live in Fort Smith.
The Arkansas Board of Education gave final approval for the Institute for the Creative Arts at its meeting on Dec. 15, officially starting the state’s first performing and visual arts high school. With that final approval, the high school is preparing to open in August in Fort Smith.
The school will be housed in the Community School of the Arts’ (CSA) new 42,000-square-foot Center for Creative Art building at 1101 Riverfront Drive in Fort Smith, just north of the U.S. Marshals Museum along the Arkansas River.
The high school will open with students entering ninth through 11th grade in year one with 12th grade added in the fall of 2025. The school day will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the day divided between academic and arts instruction. As a public charter school, it is tuition-free and open to all students.
“I am so excited to work alongside Audra. She brings a passion and creativity that will engage both the students and the faculty. I believe we will be able to do amazing things together as we build this important new school. When students get to pursue their passion, they excel in unimaginable ways which leads to great things in their future. ICA is going to have a tremendous impact on students,” said Dr. Rosilee Russell, founder and artistic director for the Institute for the Creative Arts.