Choosing a college for students interested in art, music or theater can be a difficult decision. However, Missouri Southern State University tries to make the decision easier.

Nathan Hicks, tour coordinator and admissions counselor, says any student who is interested in fine arts is welcome to attend the Fine Arts Discovery Day.

“They [prospective students] come for a tour of the school, meet the faculty and staff and enjoy a lunch at the dining hall,” Hicks said.

The Fine Arts Discovery Day is a recurring event at Southern. The day shows highlights of the fine arts program and what makes Southern different. The day is also meant to give a more in depth look into degree areas of interest.

“They are not a number here, they are a student,” Hicks stated. “At Southern, you also get more one-on-one time with your advisors.”

Dr. Jim Lile, theatre department chair, has been involved in the Fine Arts Discovery Day each year.

“One of the best things to attract students to our University is the University itself,” Lile said. “The personal touches such as meeting the faculty and taking a tour are very important. Nathan Hicks puts together a wonderful schedule to make the day great.”

Southern makes sure that prospective students are well informed and engaged.

“It is an interactive engagement of the families to make it stand out,” Hicks said. “Of those who visit Southern for this day, 50 percent or better enroll.”