Last year, former Baker University President Dan Lambert and Rand Ziegler, interim dean of the college of arts and sciences, decided to split the division of fine and performing arts to re-create three separate departments.
Buehler also said the separation would allow new Baker University President Pat Long and a new academic dean to organize the departments in whatever way they wish. Buehler said former academic dean Jamie Comstock had implemented the division structure.
"When she left, that structure left as well," Buehler said.
Theater Department Chair Bruce Woodruff said he doesn't predict any benefits or detriments to any of the programs, other than the time it takes to get things accomplished.
"We can, in some ways, move quicker because there's no division director to go through," he said.
Sophomore Cara Breeden said she thinks it will help the programs.
"I think it will be more efficient because they are all fine arts, but at the same time, they're all different," Breeden said.
Buehler said there might not be much of a difference after the change.
"I'm not sure that it benefits the faculties," Buehler said. "We were autonomous before when we fit under the division structure, and we're still autonomous departments."
Buehler also said the departments wouldn't be working so closely with one another.
"Certainly, I will be much less involved in the art and theater department works," Buehler said.
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