The following was submitted as part of the CASE Dean’s June 2026 Newsletter.

The Arts, Languages, and Philosophy Department (ALP) has been an integral part of S&T since the mid-1960s. Originally housed within a broader humanities division, these disciplines were consolidated into the Philosophy and Liberal Arts Department in the early 1980s before being renamed ALP in the early 2000s to reflect its expanding academic portfolio and commitment to communication, creativity, and human understanding.

Today, ALP serves as S&T’s interdisciplinary humanities department, enriching the educational experience of students through philosophy, ethics, modern languages, visual arts, film, music and theatre. The department develops critical thinking, ethical reasoning, cultural literacy, communication skills and creative expression—qualities essential for success in an increasingly interconnected and technologically complex world.

ALP offers three bachelor’s degrees—the Multidisciplinary Studies B.A., Global Engineering B.A., and Philosophy B.S.—along with 13 minors and six certificates, including the recently approved Entertainment Technologies and Theatre certificate. Through these programs, the department supports S&T’s mission of preparing graduates who are not only technically proficient but also globally aware, ethically grounded and capable of thoughtful leadership.

The department is also home to the Renaissance Student Award, one of the university’s most distinctive honors, recognizing students who demonstrate excellence in both STEM fields and the humanities. This award reflects ALP’s longstanding commitment to interdisciplinary education and the development of well-rounded graduates.

ALP faculty and staff are widely recognized for excellence in teaching, scholarship and service. Recent honors include distinguished teaching awards, university-wide recognition for instructional innovation and faculty appointments acknowledging outstanding contributions to education and research. Faculty members publish books and articles with leading academic and public-facing presses, present research at national and international conferences, and contribute expertise to discussions of ethics, language, culture, technology, urban affairs, and public policy. Their work demonstrates the vital role of the humanities in addressing contemporary challenges and fostering informed civic engagement.

The department’s reputation continues to grow through both traditional scholarship and public engagement. Faculty research has appeared in major publications and scholarly journals, while students and faculty in the performing and visual arts showcase their talents through theatre productions, musical performances and exhibitions. Together, these activities highlight ALP’s commitment to academic excellence, creative innovation, and meaningful community impact.

Beyond the classroom, ALP serves as a cultural and intellectual hub for Missouri S&T and the Rolla community. The department hosts concerts, theatrical productions, art exhibitions, film screenings, guest lectures, language and cultural programs, and interdisciplinary events that enrich campus life and encourage broad participation in the arts and humanities. These experiences strengthen the university’s commitment to creativity, global awareness, ethical leadership and civic responsibility. As Missouri S&T approaches the centennial celebration of its bands during the 2026–27 academic year, ALP remains central to fostering the intellectual and cultural vitality of the university community.