Arts and humanities have new representative in bassoon professor

Associate Dean of the Faculties Kim Walker assumed a newly created position in February to promote the arts and humanities on all eight of IU's campuses. \nAs director of the Arts and Cultural Outreach in the Office of the President, Walker travels between the eight campuses to propel interest in the arts. She counts spreading awareness of arts and humanities among her many goals. Since November, she has met with faculty and familiarized herself with a myriad of different outlooks on how to proceed. Walker commended many of the programs that already exist.\n"Right now we're coordinating thoughts, people, and events, rather than planning any new events," she said. "The main goal is to raise the level of visibility of Indiana University's excellence in the arts and humanities."\nAs Associate Dean of the Faculties, Walker has worked with campus and community representatives on Arts Week, an annual series of performances, lectures and exhibits to bring arts awareness to campus and Bloomington. But her priorities in this new position have a much wider range. \n"The first priorities involve research," Walker said. "Some learning (and) some creativity to problem solve and look to the future and come up with a strategic plan."\nThe idea that led to Walker's position materialized during the summer of 2001, during which some faculty members were asked for suggestions of improvements in the arts and humanities based on their respective research.\nThe IU President's Task Force on the Arts and Humanities reported that "there was some sense that the arts and humanities were in crisis. The task force soon moved ... to a more hopeful focus on present strengths and future possibilities."\nFormer IU president Myles Brand approached Walker, who also teaches bassoon performance at the School of Music, about assuming the role of director. Walker cited her past commitments to the arts and her establishment of a "meaningful relationship with the community" as possible reasons for her selection.\nWalker's credentials include formerly working as chair of the Woodwind Department and touring internationally as a bassoonist.\n"It is a rarity to find someone as free and willing as Kim Walker to create a future for young artists," said Eryn Oft, a student of Walker's who has studied bassoon with her since fall 1997. "Her creative nature, artistic flare and excitement towards music abounds." \nWalker herself also conveyed a passion for the arts and humanities.\n"I'm a great believer in artistic expression and thoughtful reflection as part of a way of life," she said. "This position is challenging and intriguing."\nWalker said she believes in a need for a pronounced arts and humanities presence on campus.\n"The creative mind is the most important commodity," she said.