Our Mission & Strategic Plan

Our Mission

The School of Art & Design distinguishes itself, as part of a preeminent public research university, through its leadership in visual literacy, design thinking, critical inquiry, and material problem solving. As artists, designers, historians, and educators, the School’s faculty and staff prepare students to make significant contributions in broad areas of culture, scholarship, and professional practice. We value the unique qualities of traditionally defined disciplines, the exploration of critical frameworks, collaborative processes, and new technologies and media. Central to the School’s culture is a commitment to open dialogue among students, faculty, staff, and a global community in an atmosphere of diversity and active inclusion.

Strategic Plan

Art and Design Five-Year Strategic Plan (2024)

1)  Demonstrate the Importance of Visual Arts and Design Research

• Lead discussions across campus and beyond that foreground the importance of art and design research, making, thinking, and teaching in addressing pressing contemporary challenges.
• Illustrate and emphasize that scholarship emerging from art education, art history, design, and studio art contributes to a more equitable and inclusive future.
• Provide educational opportunities that highlight the value of art and design research as part of a Liberal Arts education.

2) Support a Culture of Interdisciplinarity

• Offer courses that bridge multiple areas of study and serve multiple disciplines.
• Collaborate with other campus units within and outside our college to develop cross-disciplinary curricular and research initiatives.
• Support faculty-initiated interdisciplinary research and public engagement projects.
• Promote the School’s Impact on Campus and Beyond
• Promote and publicize the relevance of Art & Design research in local, national, and global contexts, including projects that address issues such as AI, climate disaster, chronic disease epidemics, and racial justice, among other concerns.
• Highlight the work of alumni and its impact on diverse communities.
• Increase the external visibility of faculty research activities and accomplishments.