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Converse University
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Department of Art, Design & Letters

Converse Art and Design

The Department of Art, Design & Letters recognizes the dynamic relationship between the visual arts and the literary arts. Converse’s exemplary programs in Art Education, Art History, Art Therapy, Creative and Professional Writing, Interior Design, and Studio Art represent a unique range of opportunities for dedicated students in the professional and liberal arts fields.

Utilizing “Creativity that Works” as a model for our programs, the Department of Art, Design & Letters provides options for internships, research, and travel-study to ensure the highest quality experiential learning. Students learn from dedicated award-winning art, design, and creative writing educators, who are skilled professionals in their fields.

Converse University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.

The Interior Design program is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Education (CIDA).

We value the artistic skills you have already developed and Converse offers several Visual Arts Scholarship Days for dedicated high school senior art students. After a personal interview and portfolio presentation, students may be considered for four-year awards of up to $2,000 per year.

Degrees & Programs

Explore our programs in art and design below; Converse University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

Make your plans for a campus visit or request information about our programs. We’re eager to meet you!

Undergraduate Degrees

  • Art History – BA, minor
  • Art Education – BA
  • Creative and Professional Writing – BFA, major, minor
  • Interior Design – BFA*
  • Studio Art – BA, BFA, minor

*Our Interior Design program is accredited by Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA)

Graduate Degrees

  • MAT in Art Education
  • MFA Creative Writing (Low Residency)
  • MEd Art Education (Online/Low Residency)

Interdisciplinary Degrees

  • Arts Administration minor

MISSION

The Department of Art, Design & Letters provides our students with authentic visual, written, and intellectual experiences, which advance originality, cultivate scholarship, and establish professional skill development within a creative and collaborative community.

Departmental Goals

  • To provide a comprehensive, sequential curriculum that encompasses all artistic disciplines and evolving directions within our various programs of study.
  • To provide critical thinking and creative expression in all areas of study.
  • To provide career advising and mentorship for students through pre-professional educational experiences outside of the standard classroom setting.
  • To promote skill proficiency in the use of innovative equipment and techniques.
  • To foster an understanding of the relationships between various visual and literary arts.

Student Work

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Art, Design & Letters Faculty

Visual Arts Scholarships

Milliken Art Gallery

Department News

Announcements

Converse Celebrates 2025 Emerging Young Artists Winners

May 5, 2025

Converse’s Department of Art, Design & Letters held its annual Emerging Young Artists Juried Exhibition this spring. The Converse Emerging Young Artists Exhibition provides a venue to recognize exemplary art by …

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Alumni

From the Soccer Field to the Art Studio: Alum Joel Houston’s Journey

April 2, 2025

Written by Luciana Ugalde Garcìa ’27 When Joel Houston ’24 first stepped onto the campus of Converse University, he envisioned his college years as a soccer player, competing on the field …

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Faculty

Dr. Gunter Receives Thomas A. Hatfield Lifetime Achievement Award

December 6, 2024

Congratulations to Dr. Susanne F. Gunter, Associate Professor of Art Education; Coordinator MEd Art Education & Converse Alternative Certification – Art Education (CACAE) programs. Dr. Gunter received the Thomas A. …

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Converse Students

Jessie Arce ’25 Awarded Jo Anne J. Trow Undergraduate Scholarship

October 24, 2024

Converse University Interior Design major, Jessie Arce ’25 (Nisbet Honors) was awarded the Jo Anne J. Trow Undergraduate Scholarship by The Board of Directors of Alpha Lambda Delta. Arce previously served …

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Converse Now

2025 Converse Emerging Young Artists Juried Exhibition Accepting Entries

October 21, 2024

Converse’s Department of Art and Design will begin accepting online entries for the 2025 Emerging Young Artists Juried Exhibition beginning December 1, 2024. High school students in grades 9-12 are invited …

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Department of Art, Design & Letters Faculty and Staff

Susanne Floyd Gunter

Associate Professor, Coordinator MEd Art Education & Converse Alternative Certification – Art Education (CACAE) programs

Andrew Blanchard

Professor of Studio Art

Ross Brendle

Assistant Professor of Art

Mary Carlisle

Associate Professor of Art, Chair of Department of Art, Design and Letters

Vivianne Lee Carey

Instructor of Art

Andrea Elliott

Assistant Professor of Art Education

Jerome Gomez

Assistant Professor of Interior Design

Mike Massengale

Instructor of Art

Richard Mulkey

Associate Professor of English; Director of Creative Writing

Susan Tekulve

Associate Professor of English

Jena Thomas

Associate Professor of Art

Laura Zeisler

Associate Professor of Art Therapy

School of the Arts

In the moment of creation, each artist faces a question: “What will I make of this?”

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Visit Campus Apply Support the Arts at Converse

Dean of the School of the Arts

Christopher Vaneman

864.596.9038
chris.vaneman@converse.edu
Blackman Music Hall 202/230

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