USI Board of Trustees approves new BFA in Art degree

At its regular meeting on Thursday, November 2, the University of Southern Indiana Board of Trustees approved a new Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Art degree within the USI College of Liberal Arts.  

The Art and Design Department, within the USI College of Liberal Arts, will offer the BFA in Art featuring concentrations in graphic design, illustration, interactive media design, photography and studio art, providing students with both in-depth artistic exploration and a broad understanding of the discipline. 

According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the concentrations within the degree are anticipated to experience employment growth rates between 4% and 8% over the next decade. This program is particularly suited for aspiring art directors, special effects artists, interior designers, graphic designers and craft/fine artists. 

The BFA in Art degree will next be reviewed by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. It is scheduled to begin instruction in Fall 2024. 

In other business, the Trustees approved the conferral of degrees to candidates for 2023 Fall Commencement Exercises and approved two honorary degree recipients. Tim Mahoney, Instructor Emeritus of Economics, will receive an honorary Doctor of Business degree, and Marjorie Labhart, Instructor Emerita of Mathematics, will receive an honorary Doctor of Mathematics degree. 

Mahoney will be recognized for his unwavering dedication to teaching and advising and his continuous service to the University. Labhart will be recognized for her dedication and expertise in the field of mathematics and her long-standing support of USI. 

The Board also heard reports on student financial assistance and campus construction projects.