Stephen and Rita Tanner of Morgantown have established the first endowed professorship in West Virginia University’s College of Creative Arts and in the Division of Theatre and Dance. The Mabel DeVries Tanner Professorship in Theatre will provide supplemental financial support for a professor of theatre at WVU .

Dean Bernie Schultz announced the professorship Tuesday, April 2, prior to a performance of the play”The Compleat Works of Willm Shkspr, (abridged),”in the Gladys Davis Theatre at the Creative Arts Center.

“We are pleased to announce the first endowed professorship in the College of Creative Arts,”Dean Bernie Schultz said.”Stephen Tanner is a member of the College of Creative Arts Board of Advisors. He and his wife Rita are life-long supporters of West Virginia University and over the years have established a number of funds and scholarships to benefit professors and students alike. Their generosity and loyalty will help to ensure that the arts will have a bright future.”

Mabel DeVries Tanner was born in New York City and came to Morgantown with her husband Louis immediately after their marriage in 1924. Mrs. Tanner was active in the creative arts and founded the Morgantown Players. She was a critic of the arts for the local newspapers for 40 years. She died in 1974.

In 1975, the Tanner family purchased the former Morgantown Post Office, a 1913 Neo-classical building, which they gave to the community to be developed as a cultural center where the work of visual and performing artists is showcased and interest in the arts by children is nurtured through ongoing educational programs. The creation of such a center was a long-held dream of Mabel DeVries Tanner.

In 1976 the Monongalia County Arts Association, Inc., was chartered and in 1978 the Monongalia Arts Center opened its doors to the public. The building is currently on the National Register of Historic Places and includes the Benedum Gallery, as well as the Mabel DeVries Tanner Theatre, which was dedicated in 1981 and is currently home to the MACplayers.