The ripple effects created by the recent budget crisis at SSU have reached far beyond the elimination of athletics and academic departments. The massive cuts left many programs struggling to survive, such as the art department, whose future lies uncertain in the wake of the cuts. Despite this, faculty and students are adamant that the arts on campus still maintain a heartbeat, even as support dwindles.

Like much of the campus, the art department is dealing with fewer course offerings and a reduction of staff. One particularly impactful decision was to suspend the professional degree in Bachelors of Fine Arts, a change which left many faculty puzzled as the degree only requires three more units outside of other B.A. curriculum. This has led to some students expressing worries about the program’s future.

“It’s a little unclear about what’s happening, I know that things are kind of up in the air,” said Trinity Myers, an SSU student pursuing a bachelors of Fine Arts with an emphasis in sculpture and ceramics. Myers was able to enter the program before its suspension. “I joined last semester because they were going to cut it,” Myers said.

Myers began her education journey at SSU in 2022, and said the department once offered strong support in her area of focus. “There were fantastic professors who had an emphasis in ceramics, took us on field trips, and utilized the facility more,” said Myers. The cuts have impacted that positive experience. “It has taken a hit, and it has been tumultuous.”

Despite the hardships the department now faces, hope does still remain for the art program’s future. Take for instance Nathan Haenlein, a professor of art studio at SSU, who has been a vocal advocate for reinstating the B.F.A.

“It doesn’t run a deficit, and it’s actually a money positive,” said Haenlein, “It gets an extra year for students, they pay an extra year in tuition, and it supports the art gallery with an exhibition.” 

Haenlein first heard about SSU’s art facility while attending graduate school at University of Iowa in 1999. Two SSU alumni described the program and building to him, with its array of studios and art-focused design.

“I remember thinking that sounds made up,” said Haenlein. 

Despite the hardships, the art department faculty are doing their best to provide the education their students deserve, one which lives up to that description Haenlein heard back in 1999. Their dedication to supporting their students is an effort which has not gone unnoticed.

“The professors here are trying everything that they can do,” said Myers., “I have really enjoyed my time here, being introduced to new mediums which have expanded my knowledge and enjoyment of the arts.”

As the university continues to balance its finances, faculty and students say they hope the program does not simply survive, but that it regains strength. For Haenlein, the vision is clear: a program that attracts students because of its reputation and prestige.

“What happens here, is it builds a community,” Haenlein said. “Instead of divesting, we should be investing. We should be a destination.”