Doha, September 01 (QNA) – Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar (VCU Qatar) celebrates this year its 15th anniversary of innovative undergraduate and graduate programmes that meet the needs of Qatar’s cultural and professional infrastructures.
As the first university established in Education City through a partnership with Qatar Foundation and most recently Hamad bin Khalifa University, VCUQatar has developed a rich legacy of creative endeavour and leadership in art and design education and research, the university said Saturday.
VCUQatar Dean Allyson Vanstone said, “As we celebrate this 15 year milestone, the university looks forward to preparing the first art historians from within the country to step into significant positions in the new galleries and museums in Qatar and the region.
“We anticipate our new graduates from the painting and printmaking programme to share their vision of art from within Qatar outward to the world. We will see outcomes from our first Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF) National Priorities Research Programme (NPRP) funded research projects and the expanding impact of our emphasis on collaborative and creative research from our faculty, alumni and student.”
VCUQatar opened its doors in 1998 as the Shaqab College of Design Arts with 33 bright young women, six pioneering faculty members and three degree programmes.
This fall semester, VCUQatar welcomes the first group of students into the new BA Art History programme. This is the first non-studio degree, and the fifth undergraduate degree, offered by the branch campus and is intended to support the development of the cultural infrastructure in Qatar.
All VCUQatar programmes recognize the regional development in the visual arts and innovative industries and align with the vision of Qatar Foundation and the Qatar National Vision 2030.
VCUQatar started the 2012-2013 academic year with Dean Allyson Vanstone, Joseph Seipel, dean of the School of the Arts, VCU Richmond and David Prior, executive vice president and provost, Hamad bin Khalifa University welcoming all new and returning faculty and staff to an all-day retreat.
An awards ceremony, recognizing individuals who distinguished themselves over a period of years in service to the school and community was held in the afternoon.
Assistant Professor in the Foundation programme Jesse Payne, Director of the Liberal Arts and Sciences programme Byrad Yyelland and Assistant Professor of Art History Jochen Sokoly were honoured with the Faculty Distinguished Achievements Awards, the university said. (QNA)
