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UNCSA To Build New Institute With $10 Million Gift

At work in the animation lab. Credit: UNCSA

The University of North Carolina School of the Arts has received an anonymous $10 million gift – the largest gift from an individual donor in school history.

The money will help establish the Institute for Performance Innovation, including programs in animatronics, gaming and virtual reality.

Michael Kelley is Dean of UNCSA's School of Design and Production which will house the animatronics program. Think realistic robots, complete with a flesh-like exterior, like you might see in a theme park.

“We can use it [the art of animatronics] not just within the entertainment industry, but we can also use it with our other partners with the medical field and also in the military field to help triage and help treat and train soldiers.”

Kelly says the developments will take place in the next five years and bring in outside partners eager to engage with the next generation of technology. The gaming and virtual reality program will be housed in the School of Filmmaking. 

Bethany is WFDD's editorial director. She joined the staff in the fall of 2012. She received her B.A. and M.A. in English Literature from Wake Forest University. Between undergraduate studies and graduate school, Bethany served as the intern to Talk of the Nation at NPR in D.C., participating in live NPR Election Night Coverage, Presidential debate broadcasts, regular Talk of the Nation shows, and helping to plan the inaugural broadcast of ‘Talk of the World.' She enjoys engaging with her interests in books, politics, and art in the interdisciplinary world of public radio. Before becoming editorial director, Bethany was assistant news Director, a reporter and associate producer for WFDD's Triad Arts and Triad Arts Weekend. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Bethany enjoys calling the Piedmont home.

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