The College of Architec-ture, Art and Design makes its debut at Mississippi State this year.
The new college, which incorporates the university’s former College of Architec-ture, art department and interior design program, was established in July to combine the related fields of study.
Faculty will hold a meeting today for all students included in the newly formed college at 1:30 p.m. in McComas Hall, where they will discuss specific changes and how they will affect students.
The idea originated when Provost Peter Rabideau approached the program heads about the possibility of making a new college that combined creative units.
After faculty discussions, the collective programs decided to make the transition into the College of Architecture, Art and Design.
“Everyone was excited, so we thought we could make the leap,” said James West, dean of the College of Architecture, Art and Design.
The faculty for each program felt that these three disciplines had many similarities and by combining them, they would be able to improve the program.
“All three units were involved in creative making, worked with specific materials, and engage the public,” West said.
West and Kay DeMarsche, head of the art department, said they believe students will benefit from this change.
“In both directions, the facilities will be improved,” DeMarsche said. “Students will now have access to things that they did not before.”
Students will now be able to share photography labs, shops, computer labs and printing capabilities.
“I think there will be more interaction between the programs,” said senior architecture student Michael Goswick. “It can present new opportunities and new classes that we have not had before.”
At the present time, students will not see many differences, but in the future, some of the architecture, art and interior design classes will be integrated, West said.
“By having students from each program working together, they can learn how to get along with other disciplines, which could help them when they get into the real world,” West said.
Although most changes are still being planned, interior design faculty will move into newly created offices in Giles Hall. As soon as furniture arrives for the offices, which West said should be in approximately two weeks, the faculty will make the move.
College officials are also planning a symposium and exhibit for the new college sometime this year. The event, titled “Stories of the Community: Self-Taught from the Hill Collection,” will feature lecturers and exhibits from each program in the college.