Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Appoints Anderson to State Council on the Arts
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt appointed Dr. Reynaldo S. Anderson to the Missouri State Council on the Arts.
"Dr. Reynaldo Anderson will make a great addition to the Arts Council as they continue to promote the arts in Missouri," Blunt said. "Art enriches all of our lives and I look forward to continuing to work with the council to expand access to the arts across our state."
Dr. Anderson, 42 of St. Louis, is an assistant professor of education at Harris-Stowe University. Dr. Anderson holds a bachelor's degree in mass communications from Jackson State University, master's in speech communication from Oklahoma State University and a doctorate in communication studies from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Dr. Anderson has published numerous articles regarding the African American experience.
Dr. Anderson's life has been varied with involvement in the United States military, grassroots political activity, church and academic research and study. Dr. Anderson served as a non-commissioned officer in the Marine Corps, an active community member and dedicated member of Saint Peter AME Church in St. Louis.
Dr. Anderson's appointment is subject to Senate confirmation for a term ending on Oct. 13, 2011. He is replacing Glenn Sheffield. The Missouri State Council on the Arts provides grants to nonprofit organizations to encourage and stimulate the growth, development and appreciation of the arts in Missouri.
Since taking office Blunt has significantly increased state funding for the Missouri Arts Council. The governor's 2006 budget was the first time in three years that cultural partners, including the Arts Council, received funding from the Athlete and Entertainers Tax. That year, despite facing a difficult budget year, Blunt directed $600,000 of the tax to the council. In Fiscal Year 2007 Blunt pushed Athletes and Entertainers tax funding for the Arts Council to $3.3 million. This year he secured a $4.5 million increase, for a total of $7.8 million from the Athletes and Entertainers, more than ever before in the state's history.