NEWS RELEASE
Contact: David West (west@nsula.edu)
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466
http://www.nsula.edu/news
6/5/2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NATCHITOCHES – The fine and graphics arts programs at Northwestern State University have been accredited by the National Association of Schools for Art and Design (NASAD). Northwestern has achieved full membership status in the National Association for the first time. NSU’s program previously had associate status.
“This places our program on par with some of the top art schools in the nation,” said Coordinator of Fine and Graphic Arts and Associate Professor of Art and Design, Dr. Roger A. Chandler. “It is an honor and reflects well on the university for the time and effort it has spent to ensure that the program is top-flight. “This was a wonderful accomplishment on the part of our art faculty.”
According to Chandler, the fine and graphic arts programs have improved retention because of curriculum changes to comply with NASAD standards. This past year, the programs had their largest graduating class in years. Student recruitment for the graduate program in art has also increased.
Chandler said full membership status would have added benefits for NSU, including the ability to consult with an exclusive network of colleges and universities on a variety of issues.
As part of the accreditation process, the fine and graphics arts program prepared a detailed self study examining the program. A team representing the National Association of Schools for Art and Design visited the university to examine facilities, curriculum, faculty expertise and teaching load. The team made a series of recommendations based on their evaluation.
NASAD was founded in 1944 and is an organization of schools, colleges, and universities. It has approximately 248 accredited institutional members. It establishes national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees and other credentials.
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