The National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) has accredited Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. The four-year process came to a conclusion in early June.
Accreditation is achieved through both self-study and peer review processes. The comprehensive evaluation process began in 2011. The next comprehensive review is scheduled during the 2021-22 academic year.
Barbara Nwacha, associate professor and chair of the Department of Art and Design within SIUE’s College of Arts and Sciences, credited the many institutional leaders who drove the process. “College of Arts and Sciences Dean Aldemaro Romero and Vice Chancellor for Administration Kenn Neher were key supporters,” she said. “Art and Design Professors Ivy Cooper and Thad Duhigg played important roles as Ivy began the process, and Thad worked closely with Kenn on building and safety improvements.
“With a wide variety of offices and administrators supporting the effort, Art and Design Associate Professor John DenHouter worked closely with Dean Romero to further the process.”
“This is a major accomplishment that should be beneficial to SIUE Art and Design as we continue to attract students who desire the best instruction as they seek to fulfill their creative potential,” Nwacha said. “The accreditation process is time intensive but rewarding. The acknowledgement that our programs and facilities meet this high standard is extremely gratifying.”
“The best testimonial of the high quality of instruction art and design students receive can be seen every year when those students, both graduate and undergraduate, show on campus their pieces of art on so many different media,” Romero said. “Visitors experience a highly professional gallery exhibit.”
NASAD has certified the following undergraduate degree programs in SIUE’s Department of Art and Design: art history, studio art, art education, and art and design. NASAD certified the following graduate programs in SIUE’s Department of Art and Design: art therapy counseling and studio art.
SIUE’s Art and Design Building renovation and expansion debuted with a grand opening during Spring 2013. The vibrant $16 million project provides a welcoming atmosphere for faculty, staff, students and the greater community. The structures feature a distinctive beauty and openness, and centralize the University’s art programs, including ceramics/glass, drawing, foundations, graphic design, metalsmithing, painting, photography/digital arts, printmaking, sculpture and textiles, art education, art history and art therapy.
Founded in 1944, NASAD is an association of approximately 323 schools of art and design, primarily at the collegiate level, but also including postsecondary non-degree-granting schools for the visual arts disciplines. It is the national accrediting agency for art and design, and art and design-related disciplines. The Association also provides information to the public. It produces statistical research, provides professional development for leaders of art and design schools, and engages in policy analysis.
Photo: The SIUE Art & Design Building.