Potter College News

The WKU Department of Art, accredited since the mid-1990s by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, is excited to announce the change of their name to Department of Art & Design. This new name, approved in a unanimous decision by the faculty, more clearly articulates the Department’s programs, population, and scope.  

The study of art and design has been the bedrock of the department’s curriculum throughout its history, with instruction and degrees in the studio arts, graphic design, art education, and art history. They have recently developed new programs in computer animation, housed in the department, and game design, a joint program with the Departments of Communication and Computer Science.

With their range of curriculum, the Department draws students interested in careers in the fine arts, art education, and museums, along with careers in graphic design, creative direction, illustration, motion design, web design, and animation. Collectively, these areas fall within the rubrics of both fine art and design. Revising the name will allow prospective students to more easily understand the fields of study offered within the department and identify paths to their professional goals. 

“This isn’t an instance in which a name change represents a programmatic shift, as ‘Art and Design’ represents who we have been for many years. This is simply an instance in which our name caught up with our curriculum and our culture. As the department faculty we promote the change in the spirit in which we always work – that of creating a big tent, under which we all belong” stated Kristina Arnold, Department Head. 

With the development of the new Computer Animation and Game Design programs, the department is excited to continue to innovate and grow while continuing to provide a respected destination for students interested in studying a range of arts and design disciplines.

Learn more about WKU’s Department of Art & Design at www.wku.edu/art.