South Carolina School of the Arts Dean Dr. David Larson is retiring after 41 years, leading Anderson University to cultivate its pillar of Great Academics through unprecedented growth in its fine arts programs.
Dr. Larson’s leadership includes the creation of the South Carolina School of the Arts, expansion of the Rainey Fine Arts Center, the establishment of key degree programs in the arts, and the new Conservatory of Music.
Former Anderson President Dr. Mark Hopkins got to know Dr. Larson when they both lived in Illinois. When Dr. Larson was leading the Theatre Department at Judson College (currently Judson University) in Illinois, Dr. Hopkins reached out to him, initially seeking his advice regarding uses for the newly constructed Henderson Auditorium.
Dr. Larson recalls, “He wanted someone who would help chart a course for this new auditorium he had inherited. When I visited, I realized I was being tested, and so I dutifully submitted a report with my suggestions. A year later, Dr. Hopkins sent me a voicemail and said, ‘We have a new position, the Associate Dean of Arts. Sensing God’s leading, Dr. Larson said “yes” and moved with his young family to Anderson. His job was to help develop music, art and theatre and to manage the new auditorium.
“There was no Peace Center. There was no Brooks Center. In the late eighties, Centre Stage at Anderson College was the primary venue for professional performing arts in the Upstate. For eight years, Centre Stage presented six to eight touring performances per year. About a thousand season tickets a year were purchased for Center Stage—which was just enough to cover artist fees.” The series attracted some big acts for the time, including the Atlanta Symphony, Burl Ives, Chet Atkins, Lionel Hampton and Dizzy Gillespie.
“In my second summer here, we were given money to renovate Merritt Auditorium, turning it into a home for the theater program. I transitioned over to academics just before the institution made the change to four-year status, about the time the college was deciding to build phase two of the Fine Arts Center.” Dr. Larson added, “Those were wildly busy days!”
Dr. Larson asserts that none of the successes of the South Carolina School of the Arts would have happened if not for the vision of President Evans P. Whitaker and a supportive administrative team.
He also praises the leadership of the school’s three academic programs—Art + Design, The Conservatory of Music, and Theatre and Dance—developing innovative, relevant programs that guide graduates into rewarding careers in the arts.
Dr. Larson is thankful for Anderson University rallying around him over four decades of change and various health challenges. When asked about what retirement looks like, Dr. Larson says that, at least for now, he’ll stay in Anderson.
Assuming Dr. Larson’s role is Associate Professor of Art and Design, Jer Nelsen. Beginning in the summer of 2026, Nelsen will serve as the Interim Dean of the South Carolina School of the Arts.
“In summary,” Dr. Larson says, “my story is one of God’s faithfulness to help build a serious arts program, firmly set on a strong faith foundation. Ultimately, that means hiring and cultivating dynamic Christian faculty who will inspire and role model the integration of their art and their faith. Hire the right people, and good things happen. I am thankful to have seen this arts enclave grow and develop. Indeed, we are a special place- serious about our art and serious about our faith at the same time.”