HCC programs earn National Association of Schools of Art accreditation
Jan 10, 2024
Student models walk the runway at HCC’s most recent Fashion Fusion event held at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
Houston Community College has received full accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Art (NASAD), highlighting the overall excellence of the Art + Design unit and its students, staff, faculty and leadership.
The HCC Art + Design unit includes seven programs: Digital Communication; Digital Gaming and Simulation for Artists; Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising; Filmmaking; Interior Design and Studio Art.
“We are extremely proud of this achievement,” said Elizabeth Depew, program manager of HCC Art + Design. “This demonstrates HCC’s alignment with nationally recognized professional standards in the visual arts and design and ensures that our students leave our programs fully prepared for further studies or entry into their professions.”
The mission of HCC Art + Design is to provide its students with the experience, knowledge and problem-solving skills needed to excel in 21st century art and design careers. In addition to preparing students for seamless transfers to undergraduate schools, the programs provide exceptional career training.
HCC’s various programs are offered across four college Centers of Excellence. They include Architectural Design and Construction, Consumer Arts and Sciences, Digital and Information Technology, and Media, Visual and Performing Arts.
The college also convened an Art + Design Council six years ago, with various entities collaborating to help fulfill the goals of HCC’s art and design programs. The council includes college presidents, deans, chairs, program coordinators, faculty, student services and administrative staff.
“For me, the Art + Design Council exemplifies HCC’s commitment to collaboration,” said Colleen Reilly, Ph.D., dean of HCC’s Center of Excellence for Media, Visual and Performing Arts. “Our work together has fostered innovative projects and a strong practice of working collectively to serve our students, programs, and community.”
NASAD was established in 1944 to improve educational practices and maintain high professional standards in art and design education. It includes schools, conservatories, colleges and universities with about 330 accredited institutional members, 16 of which are in Texas. HCC is one of just two Texas community colleges represented as members.