Eastern Washington University announced Feb. 17 that its art and design programs will merge over the next two years, with curricular changes expected to be submitted in fall 2027 and implemented in fall 2028.
“We share a common language,” said Jenny Hyde, director of art and chair of EWU Fine and Performing Arts. “Our outcomes are ultimately different, but we use the same stuff to solve the problems.”
The merger is intended to benefit students interested in both disciplines.
“I want to emphasize that this is a student-focused decision,” Hyde said. “This is for the benefits of students who are interested in exploring creativity as their degree path and as a career. If we could have one place where all that starts, I think that’s going to make our program a lot stronger.”
The first step will be relocating the design department from the Catalyst building in Spokane to Isle Hall in Cheney by Fall 2026.
“That’s a huge undertaking that involves rebuilding of spaces and removing all of their equipment back to campus,” Hyde said. “That’s a huge effort that’s going to take place from now until fall and probably will continue through next year.”
The move will make the programs more accessible to one another even before the merger is complete. Without the need to travel between campuses, students will be able to major in one program while minoring in the other.
“Students are super excited about this,” Hyde said. “I have had a number of art majors already declare a design minor.”
Hyde said details of the combined curriculum have not yet been finalized, though the university will likely maintain separate art and design degrees. She added that there may be “a potential to have an alternative where students can do both.”
The merger is also expected to increase collaboration between students in the two programs.
“You’re going to see a lot more collaboration on campus and with exhibition spaces, and student showcases when we have the two programs working together on all the things we share,” Hyde said. “I see a lot more community for our students that center around art and design.”
