About GSA

In 1994, under the leadership of Governor Gaston Caperton and State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Henry Marockie, the West Virginia Governor's School for the Arts (GSA) was created. Initiated through the efforts of First Lady Rachel Worby, the first GSA at Fairmont State College proved to be a Mecca for 63 accomplished and growing young artists in the areas of dance, instrumental music, theatre, and the visual arts. In 1998, the GSA broadened the curriculum to include vocal music. In 2003, Creative Writing was added, and in 2008, Digital Media was introduced.

 

Dean Suzanne Snyder and Fairmont State hosted GSA 1994-1998; Marshall University was selected as the site for 1999-2000, with Dr. Larry Stickler as dean. West Liberty State College, under Dean Mark Williams, was the host 2001-2002, followed by a two-year stint at West Virginia University (2003-2004), where the dean was William J Windsor. After a three-year return to Marshall and Dr. Larry Stickler, the school returned to Dean Alfred DeJaager and West Liberty University, 2008-2010. Dr. Victor Thacker became dean when GSA moved to Davis & Elkins College in 2011. Upon Thacker's retirement at the end of the first session, Tom Hackman assumed the dean's position and served through summer 2013, giving 108 students the opportunity to live and thrive in a community of artists.