STEVENS POINT — A new School of Design that combines academic programs in art, graphic design and interior architecture has been approved at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

It would be the first in the Midwest to offer design education that unites three nationally accredited bachelor of arts and bachelor of fine arts degree programs, according to a UWSP news release.

“Visual, experiential learners will find a path to pursue their creative passions and design their futures,” said Valerie Cisler, dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication, in the release.

In addition to attracting students to the separate majors of interior architecture, graphic design and studio art, the proposed School of Design will appeal to students interested in multi-media, visual arts and experiential design applications, who may not yet have a clear vision of their future career.

Pending final approval by the UW System Board of Regents and funding to repurpose space in the Noel Fine Arts Center, the School of Design would launch in fall 2020. A maker’s space will be created for hands-on learning. Interior architecture faculty would relocate from the College of Professional Studies building to the Noel Fine Arts Center, joining art and design faculty.

“This program is designed to provide our students with the opportunity to work with professionals from all areas of art and design, expanding to include related creative disciplines of theater design and technology and media arts,” Cisler said in the release.

Feature photo courtesy UWSP. Faculty Lecturer Amy Cannestra teaches students in a graphic design course at UW-Stevens Point. The university has approved plans to launch a new School of Design in the fall of 2020.