Raegan A. Edelman, BA 2024

I graduated from Utah State University in May of 2024 with a double major in Art History and Journalism. While my career has gravitated toward journalism, the skills and support I received while studying Art History have been invaluable. I’ve discussed numerous experiences I had during my time in the program in multiple job interviews. I’ve been extremely fortunate to be equipped with tools that have not only supported my current career path but will continue to benefit me across many different fields

One of the most important skills that ARTH instilled in me was communication. The faculty at USU is incredibly dedicated to working with students, providing opportunities to discuss ideas and challenge perspectives. This collaborative environment was critical in refining my ability to express complex thoughts clearly and persuasively. Whether it was writing papers, presenting research, or engaging in thoughtful discussions, the emphasis on effective communication has served me well in my career as a journalist, but also in my daily life. I’ve found general conversation to be more engaging than ever.

Another invaluable skill I learned was how to conduct independent research, critically analyze scholarly work, and engage with researchers. This has been essential in both my academic journey and my career. As a reporter, I interact with a diverse range of individuals, including researchers and subject-matter experts. I currently produce and co-host UnDisciplined, a science podcast on Utah Public Radio, where we interview researchers each week. I credit my time in the Art History program with teaching me how to connect with our guests, understand their work, ask insightful questions, and present their work in a way that is both accurate and engaging for our listeners.

Additionally, my role as a reporter for the Tremonton Leader involves regular interactions with city officials and various community leaders. The ability to navigate these conversations has been essential to my success. I do believe that the analytical skills and critical thinking I developed in art history have made a significant difference in my work.

Perhaps one of the most rewarding aspects of my time in the Art History program was the opportunity to merge my love of writing with my passion for the arts. The ARTH faculty is amazingly involved with their students. One of my proudest achievements was creating a podcast mini-series alongside ARTH faculty member Dr. Laura Gelfand as part of a journalistic endeavor. This experience helped me see that my interests, which I once thought were separate, could actually complement each other in meaningful ways.

This experience also granted me the opportunity to present my research at a conference in Norway, an experience made possible with the support of my professors. Learning how to present and discuss my research in a conference environment was both exhilarating and humbling, and it was an experience I will always treasure.

What might be my favorite aspect of USU’s Art History program, however, is how enjoyable it was. It was FUN. I will yap endlessly to anyone who will listen about art and history, anything ranging from the Roman Empire to Surrealism to Neo-Expressionism!

The classes were engaging, exciting, and well taught. I could tell my professors cared about the subject matter and were passionate about what they were teaching. The reading materials were consistently interesting and thought-provoking, encouraging lively classroom discussions. Whenever I went to an Art History class, it felt like a breath of fresh air!

My time in the ARTH program at USU not only shaped my career path but also equipped me with the skills and confidence to navigate a wide variety of professional and everyday opportunities. The program is an enriching environment that helped me find my voice—as a writer, a lover of humanities, and as a professional!