The newest member of the Columbus State University department of art faculty really loves Columbus.
What’s not to love? Robert “Bret” Lefler asked. He came to Columbus from Brownsville, Texas, where it’s been one the hottest summers on record, wild fires have been rampant and drug cartel battles were common.
He was the chair of a combined art and music department at the joint University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College. Because UTB was trying to separate from TSC, his future position was uncertain.
So he and his family decided to leave Texas.
When Lefler was a student at Florida State University, he and his wife would often drive north into Georgia, where they fell in love with the state.
Lefler commented that the weather was cooler, the facilities first-rate (the UTB art department was in the old jail at Fort Brown) and his daughters have quickly became friends with the children across the street from their new home.
He also loves the city of Columbus.
“One of the wonderful things about the city is how it seems to place an emphasis on the arts,” Lefler said. “You don’t see it in every city. It’s refreshing. You don’t see a lot of that. It definitely sends a message.”
He loves to work in the garden, but has discovered quickly that the soil is densely packed with red clay and is now trying to figure out how to balance the soil.
We spoke to the art education professor last week about what he is doing to make a difference in college students aiming to become art teachers.
This interview was edited for length and clarity.
You were last at the University of Texas at Brownsville. You were the chair of the department. How are you making the transition from being the chair to being part of the faculty now?
Really, there is not much of a transition to make it crazy. To tell you the truth, it’s kind of a relief. It’s a different job. At my last job, I was the chair out of necessity. It was a new department. Music and art were put together and when the music school applied for accreditation, it was suggested that it divorce themselves from us. So it was a serious learning experience.
How have you acclimated yourself to Columbus, Columbus State University and the students here?
I’m loving it. Really. Everybody has been real welcoming for us. My sister-in-law said we’re living in an episode of “Leave it to Beaver.” So far, I’ve had very good students. And the faculty has been great. I couldn’t be happier.
Are the students different in Georgia than in Texas?
In Texas, I was dealing with first generation students, who primarily spoke Spanish. For many, they were the first in the family to go to college. But all students have their wants and needs and the students here, as far as I can tell, are eager to learn.
You’re a rare college professor who has taught in middle school as well as college. Was that a tough switch?
When I graduated with my masters’ degree, I had decided to work as an artist. I worked in three galleries and I was a bartender at night. After a year, I got to the point where that pace was exacting. I went back to school and got a teacher’s certification. As I was taking the last final, I got a phone call to go to an interview. I got the job the next day. It was at an at risk school. I spent five years there. Basically, I was ready to get married and I wanted a family, so I went back to college for my doctoral degree. I got the job at UTB. It was a small department with five faculty. I was asked to retool the art education program and develop a master’s in art education. It was a really good experience. There’s a saying that “college teaching is a lifestyle choice.”
Are middle school kids about the same as incoming freshmen?
No. Middle school students’ feet are bigger than their heads. You’re dealing with puberty and hormones, and boyfriends and girlfriends. Most of them are living with their parents. College freshmen are beginning a new stage in their lives. I don’t teach freshmen. I usually get them when their juniors, when they’ve decided to teach.
What medium are you most comfortable making art in?
My background is in painting and drawing. My first love is oil painting. It’s one of those things that is so visceral and you can feel the power of the paint. In the past 10 years, I took up photography. I started taking pictures to document a scene so I can paint it. It was very uncomfortable for me. It was more clear to me to be a photographer. The eye is still there. I asked myself what I can do that is most comfortable with and that’s painting. Now, photography will always be a component of my work. It’s another way to capture an image.
How do you like your colleagues here?
When we got here, everyone rolled out the red carpet. It’s a very easy group. I like the fact that they like to get things done for the betterment of the department and the students. I have nothing but good things to say.
What do you think of the facility?
I love it. When I was here for the interview and they were walking me through, I was in awe the whole time.
How did you find out about CSU?
I read an announcement in the Chronicle of Higher Education. I was sending out packets everywhere. My parents were looking to retire in South Carolina. We loved Georgia.
What exactly does an art educator do?
We teach teachers to be an art teacher. That differentiates us from studio teachers. As a general teacher, you have to learn how to do a little bit of everything.
Can you tell me what a typical day is like? Or is it too soon?
I teach mostly at night. I get here around 2 p.m. The night classes allows students to take classes after work. I work until 7:30 or 8:30 p.m. During the day, I have to go watch students who are student teaching in class to see what works and what doesn’t. That’s basically Monday and Wednesday. I try to make sure it’s in the afternoon because I’m not a morning person.
How is your family adjusting to Columbus?
I think they love it. The kids are at Clubview Elementary School. We chose the house because of the school.
