Located in the heart of the Tulsa Arts District, 101 E. Archer St. is a dynamic “learning laboratory” for Arts & Sciences students and faculty across several programs. First out of the gate is Arts, Culture & Entertainment Management’s new focus on the music industry.
When The University of Tulsa acquired the Hardesty Arts Center space in February, President Brad R. Carson said he envisioned it becoming “the most inclusive and engaging art space in America.”
The first manifestation of this vision was the relocation of the Oklahoma Center for the Humanities to its ground floor. Since then, plans have been formulated for several Kendall College of Arts & Sciences programs to occupy learning, making, and exploring zones there as well.
To make this possible, renovations at what is now known as 101 Archer (after its street address) are underway to construct classrooms, a state-of-the-art darkroom, recording studio, media production facilities, and areas for collaboration and co-working.
“The result will be a dynamic learning laboratory,” said Interim A&S Dean Kirsten Olds. “Here, our students will be able to put into practice what they learn in the classroom on our main campus in the vibrant ecosystem of the Tulsa Arts District.”
Tapping into Tulsa’s music scene
Driven by an ethos of experiential learning and community collaboration, arts, culture and entertainment (ACE) management is one of the facility’s anchor programs. Recently, ACE management added the music industry to its many areas of education.
“This is one of Tulsa’s fastest growing sectors, infused with abundant energy, activity, and potential,” noted Samuel Krall, applied assistant professor and director of the ACE program

Helping spearhead this initiative is Corey Taylor (BSBA ’21), ACE management’s inaugural music industry professional in residence. A graduate of TU’s Collins College of Business and a former running back with the Cleveland Browns, Taylor is passionate about Tulsa’s music scene and excited by 101 E. Archer’s potential. Taylor, who co-founded music and entertainment company Tayburn Music with Eric Sherburn, says he “couldn’t be more enthusiastic about the brilliant advances TU is making to foster a truly innovative space for creatives. Through expression and placemaking, 101 E. Archer is an opportunity to lean into the intersection of curriculum and community engagement.”
Enacting that potential is at the heart of Taylor’s first two courses. In one, he introduces students to the history and design of music venues. The other is a practicum in which students learn alongside Taylor and Sherburn as they transform a century-old church into a venue for live music, recording, and the display of art.
“Corey Taylor is an inspiration for our music industry students,” noted Krall. “His energy and expertise are accomplishing exactly what we hoped: facilitating networks, spurring fresh ideas and opening career pathways in this booming sector.”