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

UAFS Art & Design Programs Earn NASAD Accreditation

Written By: Rachel Putman

The University of 㽶ƵAPP – 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. The NASAD Commission voted to accept UAFS’s 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. UAFS 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 Wauh, department head of Art & Design at UAFS. “It also provides us tools for advocacy, self-review, and improvement within our institution.

The commission praised UAFS 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’s curriculum, faculty qualifications, student work, and facilities. 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.

“The 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.”

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.

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

Media Relations

The UAFS Office of Communications fields all media inquiries for the university. Email Rachel.Putman@uafs.edu for more information.

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Rachel Rodemann Putman

  • Director of Strategic Communications
  • 479-788-7132
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