Savannah College of Art and Design

Savannah College of Art and Design. Founded in 1978, it is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and dedicated to preparing students for professional careers. The university offers more than 100 degree programs across its locations in Georgia, Hong Kong, and online through SCAD eLearning. Under the leadership of co-founder and president Paula Wallace, it has grown into one of the largest and most comprehensive art and design universities in the world.

History

The institution was established in 1978 by Paula Wallace, along with co-founders Richard G. Rowan, May L. Poetter, and Paul E. Poetter, with the inaugural class convening in 1979 in the former Savannah Volunteer Guards Armory. Its early growth was marked by the strategic acquisition and restoration of historic buildings throughout the Savannah Historic District, a practice that defined its campus development. A significant expansion occurred in 2005 with the establishment of a permanent campus in Lacoste, France, though this location was later consolidated. The university further extended its global footprint by opening a campus in Hong Kong in 2010 and later establishing a major presence in Atlanta, solidifying its role in major creative economies.

Academics

The university is organized into schools of study, including the School of Building Arts, the School of Communication Arts, and the School of Entertainment Arts, among others. It confers Bachelor of Fine Arts, Master of Architecture, Master of Arts, and Master of Fine Arts degrees across disciplines such as animation, fashion design, visual effects, and user experience design. A cornerstone of its pedagogy is the SCAD Career and Alumni Success office, which facilitates high-profile recruitment events like the SCAD Savannah Film Festival and the SCAD Fashion Show. The institution's academic rigor is regularly recognized in rankings by publications like U.S. News & World Report and The Hollywood Reporter.

Campuses and locations

The primary campus is integrated into the urban fabric of Savannah, utilizing over 100 historically significant structures such as the former Chatham County Courthouse and the Savannah Theatre. The SCAD Atlanta campus is situated in the Midtown Atlanta district, housing facilities like the Digital Media Center and the Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia. The international campus in Hong Kong occupies the former North Kowloon Magistracy building in Sham Shui Po. All locations feature state-of-the-art resources, including the SCAD Museum of Art in Savannah and the SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film in Atlanta.

Student life

Student life is enriched by a vast array of organizations, including the American Institute of Graphic Arts student group and the International Interior Design Association chapter. Major annual events that attract industry leaders include the SCAD Savannah Film Festival, which has hosted honorees like Olivia Wilde and James Cameron, and the SCAD deFINE ART program featuring artists such as Kehinde Wiley. Students also engage through NCAA athletics, competing as the SCAD Bees in the Sun Conference, and participate in prestigious departmental competitions like the SCAD Challenge and the Sidewalk Arts Festival.

Notable alumni and faculty

Its alumni have achieved significant acclaim, including Academy Award-winning costume designer Colleen Atwood, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Maggie Rulli, and television host Carson Kressley. Prominent alumni in animation and visual effects include Craig Halperin of Pixar and Megan Ferguson of Walt Disney Animation Studios. Distinguished faculty have included renowned artists like Audrey Flack and Tina Dunkley, as well as industry veterans like former Marvel Comics editor Andy Schmidt. The institution's impact is further evidenced by alumni recognition at events like the Emmy Awards and the CFDA Fashion Awards.

Category:Universities and colleges in Georgia (U.S. state) Category:Art schools in the United States Category:Educational institutions established in 1978