Belhaven Hosted Mississippi Alliance for Arts Education Event
JACKSON, Miss. (February 13, 2026) - Belhaven University welcomed arts educators and advocates from across the state Tuesday for the Mississippi Alliance for Arts Education (MAAE) “Breakfast of Champions.” Held in the Bitsy Irby Visual Arts and Dance Center, the awards ceremony served as a cornerstone event for Mississippi Arts Week and Arts Day at the Capitol.
The morning began with a continental breakfast and tours of the Bitsy Irby Art Gallery. The event highlighted the university’s premier arts facilities while fostering collaboration between statewide arts leaders and local educators.
“We were honored to welcome arts educators and advocates from across the state,” said Krista Bower, dean of Belhaven University’s School of Fine Arts. “The event celebrated the incredible impact that arts educators are making in classrooms and communities every day and aligned beautifully with Belhaven University's commitment to nurturing creativity, excellence, and service through the arts.
David Lewis, executive director of the Mississippi Arts Commission, emphasized the importance of gathering arts advocates together during Arts Day activities.
“Events like the ‘Breakfast of Champions’ remind us that arts education is foundational to strong communities and a thriving creative economy in Mississippi,” Lewis said. “When universities, educators and state leaders come together to champion the arts, we strengthen opportunities for students across our state.”
The program featured several showcases of student talent. Belhaven music major Daniel Moraru performed in the Bitsy Irby Studio Theatre, followed by choreographed pieces from Belhaven dance majors. After the MAAE awards ceremony, theatre students concluded the performances.
MAAE Executive Director Heather LaCoste joined Bower in welcoming guests. Following the ceremony, attendees received an overview of the scheduled visit to the Mississippi State Capitol to advocate for the arts.
Belhaven University is the only Christian university in the U.S. to offer national accreditation in music, dance, theatre, and visual arts.