John Fleming, Chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance at Texas State, also announced that Hopkins' husband, Jim Price, will also be joining the faculty.

In a statement Fleming said, "We are thrilled and excited that Kaitlin and Jim will be joining us at Texas State. Via our New York showcase and through our participation in the American College Theatre Festival (including this year's National Student Playwriting Award winner), we have been striving for increased national recognition. We believe that in joining an already first-rate faculty, Kaitlin and Jim will not only lead our musical theatre program to national prominence, but help elevate the department as a whole to a place on the national stage."

Actress Hopkins added, "I began teaching almost 18 years ago through my relationship with the William Inge Festival. My husband and I started teaching together at the college level a few years ago. Around the same time, we got involved with the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival judging the Irene Ryan awards and teaching master classes in different regions around the country. I have also been involved with YoungARTS Week a program by the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts as a panel member, working with our most talented high school students from across the country. Texas State University wants to build a nationally recognized musical theater program, and that's what we intend to help them do. I have always had a passion for teaching and working with young artists, so having the opportunity to shape a program like this is honestly a dream come true."

Price commented, "We went down to Texas State not knowing what to expect, but after spending a couple of days with the students and faculty, as well as meeting with the Dean and the Provost's office and seeing the support they were willing to give us in building the program, we knew this was the opportunity we had been looking for. We're very excited, and I think they are, too."

Hopkins has been seen on Broadway in Noises Off, Anything Goes and How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Off-Broadway in Bat Boy: The Musical, Beautiful Child, bare: a pop opera and The Great American Trailer Park Musical. She is currently in the tour of Dirty Dancing. Jim Price has performed on Broadway in The Civil War and Ring of Fire and Off-Broadway in Bat Boy: The Musical and bare:a pop opera.

For information about the Texas State University Musical Theatre Program, visit www.theatreanddance.txstate.edu.