Department of Art & Art History
Elise C. LeMonnier
Majors: Honors Art History & English, Arts Technology Minor
Hometown: Provo, Utah
Three words that describe me: Curious, Driven, Passionate
Most impactful professor: Dr. Meekyung MacMurdie has been the most amazing mentor since my freshman year. She has supported me throughout my degree and my thesis. I have learned so much from her, and she will always inspire me.
A CFA moment I will never forget: Making (blue) paper from our jeans in my Islamic Arts course with Dr. MacMurdie!
What inspires me: I am inspired by medieval images of the Madonna and Child, contemporary female artists, my family and friends, and Brio's coffee and donuts.
Major Accomplishments: UROP recipient, CFA Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher, double Honors thesis, learning abroad merit and videography scholarships when I studied in Scotland, Presidential Scholarship.
From the faculty:
"Brilliant, resourceful, and ambitious, I can unequivocally state that Elise LeMonnier is the most excellent student–undergraduate or graduate–that I have had the privilege to teach. Elise graduates this spring with Honors degrees in Art History and English, along with a minor in Arts Technology. Her honors thesis challenges long-held assumptions about medieval pilgrimage and devotion by means of an art historical analysis of pilgrim badges, making ground-breaking use of Digital Humanities methods in order to address how medieval pilgrims negotiated their own individual experience in the face of increasingly-global political, economic, and religious networks.
With a passion for producing and sharing knowledge that extends beyond our department, Elise is currently working as research assistant to Dr. Jane Hatter in the School of Music, supported by a grant from Digital Matters, and has also collaborated with librarians at Marriott Library in advocating for Open Pedagogy Resources that prioritize inclusivity through features like alternative text and speech-to-voice options. Her efforts demonstrate care, sensitivity, and optimism, and she brings the same dedication to all her work. A practicing poet and visual artist, Elise productively moves between disciplines and approaches, blending creative and academic research–whether producing rigorous (and hilarious!) videos on pilgrim badges or crafting collages of feminist mixed-media cathedrals."
- Meekyung MacMurdie
Assistant Professor, Department of Art & Art History
School of Dance
Anouk Haffner
Majors: Ballet BFA and Marketing BS
Hometown: Beaverton, Oregon
Three words that describe me: Joyful, Passionate, Empathetic
Most impactful class or professor: While all of the School of Dance professors are so encouraging and have incredible expertise to share, Rex Tilton and Justine Sheedy-Kramer have had the greatest impact on me. I have had the opportunity of working on ballet technique frequently with Rex. I took his Traditional Male Technique class to work more on turns and jumps in a small group setting, which allowed for a lot of individual attention and corrections. I have found his enthusiasm and joy for movement inspiring, and he has helped build up my confidence. Furthermore, getting to work with him in Paquita rehearsals has been so fulfilling and a great end to my four years in the School of Dance.
Justine has been an influence in every aspect of my School of Dance experience. She has such a wealth of knowledge to share that she intertwines into every aspect of her classes that has left me prepared and well rounded for life beyond the University setting. The combination of music theory, pedagogy, ballet, and character technique heighten one another and emphasize the importance of an education in dance. Additionally, Justine facilitates Character Dance Ensemble, where especially as President this past year, I have worked with her to coordinate our upcoming research trip to Germany. She has been a great example of leadership, teamwork, organization, and communication skills that I will take with me throughout life.
A CFA moment I will never forget: The yearly Character Dance Ensemble research trips are definitely unforgettable. I have had the opportunity to travel to Japan, Costa Rica, and soon Germany to learn some of the traditional dances of these countries. Expanding my horizons and meeting amazing people across the world has been so special.
What inspires me: Being surrounded by other artists and people passionate about their craft inspires me. This is especially true in relation to my fellow classmates, who have consistently brought joy and support into both the good and challenging days. In regards to ballet itself, the drive to always improve, refine, and the joy of expression consistently inspires me.
Major accomplishments:
- School of Dance Merit Scholarships
- David Eccles School of Business Merit Scholarships
- David Eccles School of Business Business Scholars Program
- Character Dance Ensemble President (2024-2025), Social Media/Marketing Officer (2023-2024), and Member (2022-2025)
- Character Dance Ensemble research trips to Japan (2023), Costa Rica (2024), and Germany (upcoming May 2025)
- University of Utah Ballet Summer Intensive (UBSI) Assistant RA (2022, 2023, 2024)
- Teacher Assistant for a Marketing Research Class
- Choreographed for the student run show “Ballet Showcase”
- School of Dance performances, including the roles of Paquita and a Soloist in “Paquita,” Little Red Riding Hood in “Sleeping Beauty,” and performing in George Balanchine’s “Serenade,” José Limón’s “A Choreographic Offering,” “In Her Runes” by Sayoko Knode Peterson, and Willam Christensen's Excerpts from “Coppélia”.
From the faculty:
"Anouk is a wonderful leader and team member amongst her peers. She has been an outstanding and dedicated student in my ballet, pointe, music, and character dance classes, and I’ve been continually impressed with her strong work ethic, attention to detail, and technical and artistic development for these 4 years. Anouk is fully engaged and inquisitive in class, with eager contributions to the learning process. I have been very impressed with Anouk’s dedication, motivation, and reliability in classes and rehearsals. She demonstrates an inspiring combination of technique, artistry, teamwork, and adaptability to new movement styles. Anouk has been an integral member of Character Dance Ensemble for four years and is the current president for this student organization. In her leadership roles, she has restaged repertoire, led fundraising initiatives, and coordinated travel plans for the Ensemble’s international research tours. In addition, Anouk is pursuing a double-major in Marketing at the University of Utah and has also served as a resident advisor for several summers with the Utah Ballet Summer Intensive.
Anouk is deeply embedded into the fabric of the school. Her work in the classroom is stellar. She excelled in the understanding of Pedagogy and I only wish she'd pursued the Emphasis. She shows a wide range of talent having been cast in a range of works throughout her time here. Her leadership with CDE is noted. She has volunteered to be an RA for UBSI and the students LOVE HER and she promotes the school in such a positive way and shows the best of our program off to our summer attendees. Anouk radiates a positivity and enthusiasm that is infectious. Anouk is always ready to participate, learn and collaborate. She is an outstanding student in so many ways. She is a quiet, yet a constant and assertive leader and someone who puts her needs aside for the betterment of the whole. It truly has been amazing to see Anouk develop throughout all these years and become the human-artist she is today."
- Justine Sheedy-Kramer, Maggie Tesch, Melissa Bobick, Christine McMillan, & Pablo Piantino
School of Dance faculty
Photos by Greg Baird
Department of Film & Media Arts
Garrett Ranger
Major: Film and Media Arts
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
Three words that describe me: Methodical, Versatile, Meditative
Most impactful class or professor: While there have been a handful of impactful professors, none have had as profound an impact on me as Kevin Hanson. I had the privilege of taking both 16mm Cinematography and Directing Styles from Kevin; he not only shares the best, most comprehensive, technical knowledge and advice of any professor, but also designs his courses to broaden perspectives and artistically liberate his students. Ever since taking 16mm Cinematography from Kevin, he has continued to support and enable me with so many opportunities to learn and gain valuable experience within my interests. He is one of the kindest, most genuine individuals I know and my experiences with him have been the highlight of my time here at the University of Utah.
A CFA moment I will never forget: I will never forget the enthusiastic – and generous – support the ALSO Sisters (Miriam and Sonia Albert-Sobrino) gave me to practice my medium format photography while behind the scenes on one of their short films.
What inspires me: Everything. The relentless passion of an artist; the desire to never settle. Benny Safdie, Wim Wenders, Eiko Ishibashi, Martin Scorcese, Jarin Blaschke, Jungjin Lee, David Lynch, Ingmar Bergman, Robbie Ryan, John Lurie, Tom Waits – to name a few of many.
Major accomplishments:
- Shot and Directed 6 personally produced short films; the most recent – and notable – two, "Currents" and "Frames" were shot on 16mm.
- Scanned over 10,000’ of 16mm footage.
- Besides my own films, I’ve been Director of Photography on 10+ projects, with additional contributions on 9+ other films.
- Upcoming short film shot on both 16mm and 35mm, shot and directed alongside the brilliant James Debry.
From the faculty:
“Garrett was a talented and patient camera operator on our latest short film. He also took amazing behind the scenes photos on analog formats. He is responsible, always willing to help, and determined to become a knowledgeable Director of Photography in all formats.”
- Sonia Sobrino
Assistant Professor, Department of Film & Media Arts
School of Music
Ian Wagman
Major: Music (emphases in Composition and Piano Performance)
Hometown: Salt Lake City
Three words that describe me: extroverted, eccentric, open-minded
Most impactful professor: I have had too many amazing professors during my time at the CFA to count. However, I would like to acknowledge my piano teacher, Dr. Vedrana Subotić, who has been my mentor since before I began college, whose boundless support, wisdom, and patience have been present for every step of my collegiate career. I would also like to recognize my composition professors — Dr. Jessica Rudman, Dr. Miguel Chuaqui, Dr. Elisabet Curbelo, and Dr. Igor Iachimciuc — to whom I owe the other half of my degree, and who helped me mature into the composer I am today.
A CFA moment you’ll never forget: Hearing a large ensemble composition of mine performed live for the first time.
What inspires me: I am inspired every day by my peers at the School of Music, both in their talents and their hard work. They push me to strive for my best and to keep my mind open.
Major accomplishments:
- First prize, SummerArts Piano Competition young artist concerto division (2019)
- National winner, MTNA Composition Competition, young artist division (2023)
- Commission: "Marking the Land: A Song Cycle about Utah" — with funding from the Salt Lake City Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts (2023).
From the faculty:
"Ian is a talented composer as well as an accomplished oboist and pianist, both of which inform his work as a composer. He has excellent musical instincts that he develops through hard work, a receptiveness to feedback, and and earnest desire to improve. Last spring, he completed a new work for our Wind Ensemble, which they premiered on their year-end concert. The piece is skillfully written for the group, demonstrating not only good compositional skill but also a clear understanding of band repertoire. The piece has a strong potential for future performances and is indicative of Ian’s potential in composing for band and other large ensembles. Ian is also an active member of the School of Music community, regularly performing in ensembles and collaborating with his fellow students to bring contemporary and historical music to life."
- Jessica Rudman
Assistant Professor, School of Music
Department of Theatre
Lauren Carn
Major: Theatre Teaching
Hometown: Draper, Utah
Three words that describe me: Resourceful, Meticulous, Genuine
Most impactful class or professor: Alexandra Harbold’s Directing and Dr. Tim Slover’s Playwriting classes showed me the magic of creating something brand new while learning how to thoughtfully borrow. I feel immensely grateful for the faculty who have supported and lifted me throughout my undergraduate experience, especially Penelope Marantz-Caywood, Kelby McIntyre-Martinez, Dr. Lynn Deboeck, Dr. Tim Slover, and Alexandra Harbold.
A CFA moment I will never forget: This summer on the London Study Abroad was truly magical. The friendships I grew from that adventure branch across CFA programs and departments and are ones that I will take with me post-college.
What inspires me: The women of Laurel Canyon, Lady Gaga, Margaret Atwood, SpitLip, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and the B-52’s (Mainly… Rock Lobster). All art is a culmination of the art before it. I can only hope some of these influences are found in mine.
Major accomplishments:
- 2025 Beehive Honor Society Inductee
- Spring 2024 UROP Recipient ( "Through the Looking-Glass of Childlike Play: A New Adaptation of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" ) in collaboration with Prof. Alexandra Harbold
- 2024 Lassonde Student Innovator, selected for cumulative research projects
- 2023 Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher (College of Fine Arts/Office of Undergraduate Research)
- 2023 Research on Capitol Hill Presenter: Improving Mental Health Through the Arts with Dr. Lynn Deboeck
- ‘23-’24 Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts Learning Program Drama Fellow
- Author of children’s book: Ollie Does NOT Love Science (KDP Publishing) with collaborator Maria Jensen
- Recipient of the Sallie Bingham Grant through History Matters. Produced/Directed The Verge by Susan Glaspell in collaboration with Dr. Lynn Deboeck
- Drama Teacher for Pioneer Theatre Company’s Educational Outreach Programming, Youth Theatre @ the U, Studio Kids Music, and Elevate Theater Company, Arts for Youth (Bennion Center/Promise South Salt Lake)
- Composer/Playwright: University (T)Wits (mentored by Dr. Tim Slover) and Consolation Prize (Open Door Productions/Promising Playwright Scholarship Recipient)
- Director: Every Brilliant Thing (ATP Senior Project/Tyler Van Oostendorp), A Bag of Flour (Collide Arts Festival), The Verge (Sallie Bingham Grant), Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (UROP Scholar), University (T)Wits (Studio 115), Consolation Prize (Studio 115). Assistant Director: The Lightning Thief (U of U/Babcock, dir. Alexandra Harbold) and Elephant and Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!” (Salt Lake Acting Company, dir. Penelope Caywood)
- Student Leadership Roles: President of the Student Advisory Committee (2024), Department of Theatre FAF Grant Representative, Vice President of Theatre Teaching Students’ Coterie (2023), Vice President of Open Door Productions (2022-2023), Social Media Committee Chair of Theatre Teaching Students’ Coterie (2023)
- Dramaturg for "Everybody" (U of U/Babcock, dir. Robert Scott Smith)
- Actor in Youth Theatre @ the U’s "Spongebob as Squidward" (dir. Penelope Caywood), "What Blew In With The Rodeo" as Calliope (dir. Emily Nash & Camden Barrett)
- Prop Designer for Youth Theatre @ the U’s "Seussical the Musical" (dir. Penelope Caywood)
From the faculty:
"There is much to say about the exceptional leadership, scholarship, and service Lauren has provided to the Department of Theatre, the College of Fine Arts, and the community. Over the past four years, Lauren's scholarship and student leadership have proven genuine and impactful. Lauren never shies away from doing her best work in the theatre classroom or artistic productions. From serving as Miss Draper to writing and directing numerous original works for the Department, starring as lead roles in the Theatre for Young Audiences productions on campus, and choosing to be placed in theatre teaching settings that would challenge her to learn, grow, and blossom into the best teaching artist and educator she can be for our schools and communities, Lauren truly encompasses what it means to be outstanding. Lauren is always the first student to volunteer for any department or Arts Education community initiative, to name just one-the Dia de los Muertos Arts Education Event at the Marriott Library for 50 high School students, most of whom were aspiring first-generation college students. Lauren always shows up with a positive attitude, ahead of schedule, ready to advocate and support.
Academically: In 2022, Lauren conducted community-engaged field research on how theatre can provide a safe space for young people to discuss stigmas associated with mental health. Because of this work, she received the College of Fine Arts Outstanding Undergraduate Research Award. Lauren used her action research data to gain support for this work at the Utah State Capitol in January 2023. Lauren personally wrote and invited legislators to visit her research poster session. It was inspiring to see Lauren's ability to articulate her findings and the importance of theatre and arts education in our K-12 schools to our local elected officials."
- Kelby McIntyre-Martinez
Department of Theatre Teaching Area Head and Associate Dean for Arts Education