The NH Institute of Art (NHIA) and University of NH (UNH) Manchester now allow students from both colleges to take classes on either campus. The 118-year-old, private, nonprofit art and design college and the Manchester branch of the state’s public liberal arts and sciences university are collbnaorating to create a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) alliance.
“This partnership capitalizes on the academic strengths of UNH Manchester and NHIA, giving students at both institutions a broader, comprehensive learning experience,” says UNH Manchester Dean Mike Decelle. “By fusing NHIA’s art and design focus with Manchester’s STEM and liberal arts programs, students gain a wider range of marketable skills that prepare them for a fulfilling career.”
Adds Kent Devereaux, president of NHIA, “This is a natural partnership that will lead to many more exciting interdisciplinary collaborations between our institutions and our faculty. It also offers students at either college unparalleled access to educational and career opportunities as we work together with UNH Manchester to develop new programs at the intersection of the fine arts, design, technology and engineering.”
One year ago, NHIA and UNH Manchester signed a memorandum of understanding identifying a wide array of shared interests and potential areas for collaboration. The first phase of the partnership let UNH Manchester students live in NHIA residence halls and enroll in a series of design courses offered at NHIA that complemented UNH Manchester’s BA in Communication Arts curriculum. In addition, students were encouraged to join in events and exhibitions at either school.
Current Issue - May 2024