ENTERPRISE STAFF REPORT

HIGH POINT – High Point University is forming a new School of Art and Design to focus on the art, graphic design and interior design majors.

The school, which will be located in Norton Hall, will offer courses emphasizing, in part, the university’s link to the furniture industry.

“In an attempt to bring greater attention to these programs and to develop a specialized school that would have a special significance in High Point – the furniture capital of the world – we essentially decided to ‘bring together’ these departments and majors into one school,” said Dennis Carroll, provost and vice president for academic affairs.

Carroll said the new school makes sense.

“High Point University has historically had an outstanding art department,” Carroll said. “Likewise, we have a very successful interior design program. And this year, we are offering a new major in graphic design.”

High Point University also publishes a home furnishings research newsletter called “The Home Front” twice a year.

HPU will add new faculty positions, Carroll said, including a school director, and with the possible addition of new majors and programs, new faculty will be needed to accommodate the growing school.

The university especially is interested in making sure the new school has plenty of opportunities for students, Carroll said.

“We are especially interested in establishing significant relationships with the furniture industry, creating outstanding internships, and attracting talented, enthusiastic students who will appreciate and benefit from this specialized program,” Carroll said.

Industry Links

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Design: HPU has offered a home furnishings curriculum for more than 30 years and has seven full-time faculty members researching projects in economics, marketing, retailing, merchandising and consumer behavior. The Knabusch-Shoemaker International School of Home Furnishings is named for the co-founders of the La-Z-Boy Company.