Heartbreak, anger and many questions follow University of the Arts' abrupt decision to close

A drawing of David Yager, former president of University of the Arts, is on a column outside Hamilton Hall on their campus in Philadelphia, Wednesday June 5, 2024 as students, staff, and faculty rally before marching to 1500 Market and another rally in front of the former law offices of UArts chair Jud Aaron. Hundreds of University of the Arts students and supporters protest outside of Hamilton Hall in Philadelphia on Monday, June 3, 2024.

The University of the Arts, which traces its roots back nearly 150 years, has produced several Grammy- and Tony-award winning artists. It joins a long list of small, private colleges that have shut down in recent years amid demographic changes and pandemic turmoil.

Lechtzin questioned Wednesday whether university officials took sufficient steps to respond to the school’s financial challenges, such as by eliminating programs, reducing staff or selling more of the school’s valuable downtown Philadelphia real estate. Parent Chris Krewson recalled getting a bill for fall tuition just hours before word of the abrupt closure leaked out. His son Owen just finished his first year in a 5-year program that combined vocal performance and music education, one he may now find hard to replicate.

The Pennsylvania attorney general’s office, which has oversight over nonprofits, said it is reviewing the circumstances of the school’s closure, including “any transfer or loss of assets.”

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