The interdepartmental study looked at graduates of MSU’s Honors College from 1990-95 who majored in math and science-related fields. The findings showed a link between involvement in the arts and success, and revealed valuable information that might help leaders in economic development discover more about what drives creativity and success, Rex LaMore, director of MSU’s Center for Community and Economic Development and one of the researchers who conducted the study, said.

LaMore said he found that individuals who participated in arts and crafts were more likely than those who didn’t to have generated a patent, started a business or published a book or article. He said he further found that those who started in the arts young and continued participating as adults were most likely to have had these accomplishments.

“If you want highly creative and competitive global businesses, this combination of arts and science seems to be an important element of that,” LaMore said.

The strong correlation indicated by this study makes sense to chemistry sophomore Nick Verbanic, who has been playing music since sixth grade and currently is a member of the Spartan Marching Band.

“I’m able to express myself through music,” Verbanic said. “I’ve felt like I can be more inventive, creative and intuitive because of my skills in music.”

Verbanic said he notices that a lot of the students in the marching band are in an honors college, have high GPAs or have a strong work ethic.

LaMore said the reason for the link between success and art still is undetermined, but it might eventually be discovered by looking at how the brain works.

Burroughs has been involved in art classes since he was a kid and he also plays piano. He said the study makes sense because talented people are drawn to art and music.

“I’ve always had that passion (for art),” Burroughs said. “Art and music help make you a well-rounded person and have a drive to want something more.”