About Art and Design

The Department of Art and Design’s overarching mission is to foster broad inquiry within the visual arts and to provide opportunities to study non-Western, diverse cultural artifacts and experiences. As North Carolina’s first public liberal arts institution founded for African Americans, North Carolina Central University occupies a special niche that informs the study of art and design.

In addition to traditional training in the visual arts, the Department of Art and Design proudly celebrates and fosters the study of artistic productions of African and African American culture, emphasizing the past and present contributions of people of color. With such emphasis, we provide a uniquely designed curriculum to educate students pursuing visual arts careers in today’s society and the global economy. Art and Design majors explore technology, engage in internships, pursue individuality, and enjoy the inventive fruits of cultural diversity.

We uphold the core values as articulated in the strategic plan of North Carolina Central University. As educators, artists, designers, and scholars, we value investigation of the world through self-aware participation in broad cultural discourses. In addition to preparing students formally and conceptually for careers in the visual arts, the department strives to foster the broadly transferable skills of inquiry, reflection, critical analysis, dialogue and expression.

• Students will become familiar with the central issues and processes in their chosen area of study.
• Students will develop competency progressively throughout the degree program and will work independently at the advanced level.
• Students will achieve a high level of expertise in the practice of their chosen area of study.
• Students will critique, discuss and present their work in a professional manner.
• Students will contribute meaningfully to artistic and regional communities beyond NCCU through engaging in learning opportunities and service learning. 

Established less than 20 years after the opening of the school in 1910, the Department of Art at North Carolina Central University has a rich and storied history. In 2020, the department underwent a significant transformation, becoming the Department of Art and Design to better reflect its diverse range of creative disciplines.

In 1939, Dr. James E. Shepard, the visionary founder of the university, appointed Marion Parham Cordice as the director of art studies. Cordice played a pivotal role in shaping the department’s early years. She guided art studies, organized the first student art exhibitions, and laid the foundation for the establishment of the North Carolina Central University Art Museum by acquiring a remarkable collection of artworks. Notably, under Cordice’s influence, William Zorach, a renowned artist, joined the department and created the iconic Shepard statue that proudly stands at the entrance circle of the Shepard Administration Building.

Initially, the Department of Art shared space with Music, Dramatic Arts, and the Dance Program. However, since 1976, it has occupied the entire 23,000 square feet of the Fine Arts Building, providing a dedicated and inspiring environment for artistic pursuits. In 1960, Lynn Igoe joined the department and championed the establishment of a museum. She became the first director of the museum in 1971, expanding its collection and leaving a lasting impact. Her extensive work on a two-volume bibliography of African-American art has become a standard reference in the field.

During Dr. Lana Henderson’s 13-year tenure as department chair, she focused on enhancing facilities and expanding course offerings to accommodate the growing number of art majors. This led to the introduction of bachelor’s degree programs in Art Education and Studio Art, further strengthening the department’s educational offerings. In 1973, Charles Joyner, a talented printmaker, brought his expertise to the department and established a concentration in visual communication, along with graphic design educator and author Sam Molina. Today, the department thrives in digital art and design, supported by state-of-the-art computer labs.

In 1977, Dr. Melvin Carver, a specialist in graphic and product design, assumed leadership as the department chair. Under his guidance, the department initiated a study-abroad program in Kumasi, Ghana, in collaboration with the University of Science and Technology. Additionally, Dr. Carver established a prestigious four-year scholarship in Art Studies, further enhancing opportunities for aspiring artists.

In 2010, Connie Floyd, a highly regarded printmaker, assumed the role of department chair and brought renewed vigor to the printmaking program. During his 12-year tenure, he not only elevated the quality of printmaking but also encouraged regional and international travel for art majors, providing them with valuable experiences and exposure to diverse artistic perspectives and cultures.

Today, the department is led by Dr. Brenda Faison, an esteemed alumna of North Carolina Central University. Since assuming the role of chair in 2020, Dr. Faison has spearheaded the revitalization of the existing art concentrations and supported the addition of an animation and game design concentration. Her leadership has also been instrumental in bringing the study of architecture to NCCU, further expanding the department’s creative career offerings.

Since 2020, Dr. Faison has also served as director of the NCCU Art Museum. She has grown the permanent collection, diversified the Museum’s exhibition offerings, and expanded students’ exposure to distinguished African American artists and designers across even more art and design disciplines.

The Department of Art and Design at North Carolina Central University is built on a strong foundation of artistic excellence and innovation. Its rich history, dedicated faculty, and commitment to nurturing the talents of its students make it an inspiring place to prepare for art and design professions.