UAFS studio art, graphic design degree programs earn National Association of Schools of Art and Design reaccreditation

FORT SMITH — The University of Arkansas at 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 2033–34 academic year.

This reaccreditation marks the successful conclusion of a comprehensive evaluation process that began in 2024, according to a news release issued Monday by the university. The NASAD Commission voted to accept the university’s response and renew its membership with continued approval of both degree programs.

Recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, National Association of Schools of Art and Design sets national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees in art and design and evaluates institutions through a rigorous peer-review process, the release states. University of Arkansas at Fort Smith was first accredited by NASAD in 2017.

“NASAD 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,” explained Katie Waugh, department head of Art & Design. “It also provides us tools for advocacy, self-review, and improvement within our institution.

The commission praised University of Arkansas at Fort Smith for its thorough documentation and expressed appreciation for the generosity of spirit and patience exhibited throughout the application process, the release states.

The reaccreditation process included a detailed self-study and peer-reviewed site visit to assess the department’s curriculum, faculty qualifications, student work, and facilities, according to the release.

NASAD’s acceptance of the final response officially closes the comprehensive review until the university’s next scheduled review in the 2033–34 academic year.

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’s footprint, with an additional 4,000 square feet of classroom and collaboration space being renovated in the process, the release states.

For more information about the Department of Art and Design, visit UAFS.edu.