Department of Art & Art History Receives Full NASAD Accreditation

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

The National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the national accrediting agency for schools of visual art and design and programs of studio art and design instruction, has granted full membership to UNC Charlotte. Gained through an intensive peer review process, membership is granted only to institutions that meet all of the standards of NASAD.

NASAD was established in 1944 to improve educational practices and maintain high professional standards in visual art and design education. The NASAD Commission on Accreditation thoroughly evaluates faculty competency, the rigor of the curriculum, and the safety and currency of the facilities and equipment to ensure that programs are delivering the highest quality of instruction.

"Achieving NASAD accreditation is one more part of the goal established in creating the College of Arts + Architecture: to establish a national identity for all five units in the College," said Ken Lambla, dean of the College of Arts + Architecture. “I congratulate Chair Eldred Hudson, Associate Chair Jamie Franki, and the Department of Art & Art History faculty and students for this accomplishment."

In 2014, the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) granted associate membership to UNC Charlotte’s Department of Music. The Department of Dance received full membership in the National Association of Schools of Dance in 2015. Accredited since 1979, the School of Architecture received renewal of accreditation by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) in 2016. The Department of Theatre is in the midst of its accreditation application and review process this academic year.

“I am honored and delighted to have been a part of this achievement in Art & Art History,” said Department Chair Eldred Hudson. “We are committed to quality teaching and research and the success of our students. This well-deserved recognition from NASAD sends a strong message of excellence that we’re proud to acknowledge. Many dedicated faculty and staff contributors worked together to earn this designation. Most importantly, the inspiring work of our students reflects the impressive level of creative inquiry that happens every day in our classrooms and studios.”

As a new member, UNC Charlotte’s Department of Art & Art History has been granted membership status for a five-year period. At the end of five years, it can apply for renewal of membership. Institutions approved for renewal of membership are granted ten-year periods of accreditation.