91调教

Art and Design | Arts and Sciences | NewsNovember 24, 2025

91调教 Art & Design Programs Earn NASAD Accreditation

Written By: Rachel Putman

The 91调教 鈥� Fort Smith has earned reaccreditation from the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) for both baccalaureate programs in its Department of Art & Design, the Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art and Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design, securing national recognition through the 2033鈥�34 academic year.

This reaccreditation marks the successful conclusion of a comprehensive evaluation process that began in 2024. The NASAD Commission voted to accept 91调教鈥檚 response and renew its membership with continued approval of both degree programs.

Recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, NASAD sets national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees in art and design and evaluates institutions through a rigorous peer-review process. 91调教 was first accredited by NASAD in 2017.

鈥淣ASAD Accreditation helps us maintain direct communication with and responsibility to national-level professional peers and standards, and communicates this accountability clearly to our colleagues, students, and community,鈥� explained Katie Wauh, department head of Art & Design at 91调教. 鈥淚t also provides us tools for advocacy, self-review, and improvement within our institution.

The commission praised 91调教 for its thorough documentation and expressed appreciation for the generosity of spirit and patience exhibited throughout the application process.

The reaccreditation process included a detailed self-study and peer-reviewed site visit to assess the department鈥檚 curriculum, faculty qualifications, student work, and facilities. NASAD鈥檚 acceptance of the final response officially closes the comprehensive review until the university鈥檚 next scheduled review in the 2033鈥�34 academic year.

鈥淭he faculty and staff of the Art and Design Department worked collaboratively on this effort for several years. A comprehensive self-study is about evaluating the quality of the program itself, and this positive outcome reflects the department's ongoing academic and programmatic success.鈥�

Both the Graphic Design and Studio Art programs will see expanded academic space through the in-progress Windgate Expansion.  The expansion will add 15,000 square feet to the building鈥檚 footprint, with an additional 4,000 square feet of classroom and collaboration space being renovated in the process.

For more information about the Department of Art and Design at 91调教, visit their departmental website at 91调教.edu.