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    USM Art and Design Program Ranked in Top 50 in the Country by GDUSA Magazine

    University of Southern MississippiBy Updated:2 Mins Read8 Views
    The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is proud to announce that the Graphic Design Program has been selected as one of the Top 50 Design Schools in the Nation by Graphic Design USA (GDUSA).
    GDUSA is a magazine that is considered an authority in the graphic design industry and has been in print for nearly 60 years. This honor is coveted by schools and programs of all sizes.
    Dr. Chris Winstead, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, praises the graphic design program for this outstanding achievement.
    “This recognition highlights something we already know here at Southern Miss, namely that our graphic design faculty and students are among the best in the Nation. By combining a strong foundation in art with additional coursework focusing on the communication and professional design elements specific to graphic design, our students emerge well-prepared for careers in graphic design or for further education in visual art and graphic design.”
    John Lawler, associate professor and graphic design area coordinator, is proud of the graphic design program here at USM.
    “As faculty, we strive to foster a culture that encourages exploration of both form and function throughout all levels of the program. Our students really embrace the rigor of the program with a sense of pride and a determination to be the best,” said Lawler. “Ultimately, the students are who make this program successful. I am continuously amazed by the level of professionalism and talent displayed on a daily basis from our students.”
    Associate Professor of Design Jacob Cotton echoed Lawler’s sentiments about this incredible achievement and discussed the implications this honor has for potential students.
    “We are incredibly excited and proud to have maintained our status as one of the top 50 design programs in the country. This honor is a result of our students’ high level of work ethic and professionalism along with our extremely active faculty. High school students commonly look to the bigger art schools believing that those are the pinnacle for an art and design education,” Cotton stated. “So, it is important to highlight that not only do we offer that same high quality, but we offer it here in Mississippi and at a reasonable cost.”
    Learn more about the USM Art and Design program.

    The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is a comprehensive public research institution delivering transformative programs on campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites in central and southern Mississippi, as well as online. Founded in 1910, USM is one of only 130 universities in the nation to earn the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education’s "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity” designation, and its robust research enterprise includes experts in ocean science and engineering, polymer science and engineering, and sport venue safety and security, among others. USM is also one of only 40 institutions in the nation accredited in theatre, art and design, dance and music. As an economic driver, USM generates an annual economic impact of more than $600 million across the state. USM welcomes a diverse student body of approximately 15,000, representing 71 countries, all 50 states, and every county in Mississippi. USM students have collected four Truman Scholarships and 36 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships, while also leading Mississippi with 24 Goldwater Scholarships, an honor that recognizes the next generation of great research scientists. Home to the Golden Eagles, USM competes in 17 Division I sports sponsored by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). For more information, visit usm.edu.

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