Department of Art, Design & Letters
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)
Interdisciplinary Degrees
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.
Department News
Converse Students
Forming a New Perspective: How a Conference Reshaped our Arts Practices
July 14, 2026
Written by Candace Day ’25 and Caroline Warr ’27 During the spring semester, we had the opportunity to visit the small town of Newberry, SC, …
Converse Students
Converse Students Join Higher Education Day at the State House
June 30, 2026
Eight students represented Converse University at the State Capitol for Higher Education Day this April, joining fellow South Carolina students, campus leaders, and policymakers in …
Converse Now
Professor Mulkey’s Poem Featured in ‘Poetry Town’
June 3, 2026
Rick Mulkey, Associate Professor of English and Director of Creative Writing, had his poem “Bluefield Breakdown” featured in Poetry Town. Poetry Town is an online newsletter by George Bilgere, …
Creative Collaboration
Knowledge Alchemy: Interdisciplinary Courses Expand Horizons & Inspire Lifelong Learning
May 15, 2026
Written by Chris Worthy Pottery and chemistry? Biology and poetry? They go together like peanut butter and jelly – or maybe math and democracy. When …
Department of Art, Design & Letters Faculty and Staff
William Barrick
Adjunct Instructor of Interior Design and Studio Art
Andrew Blanchard
Professor of Studio Art
Ross Brendle
Assistant Professor of Art History
Kris Burton
Assistant Professor of Interior Design
Mary Carlisle
Associate Professor of Art, Chair of Department of Art, Design and Letters
Paula Cash
Administrative Assistant
Andrea Elliott
Assistant Professor of Art Education
Adam Flynn
Adjunct Instructor of Interior Design
Jerome Gomez
Assistant Professor of Interior Design
Susanne Floyd Gunter
Associate Professor, Coordinator MEd Art Education & Converse Alternative Certification – Art Education (CACAE) programs
Susan Hergenrather
Adjunct Instructor of Interior Design History
Mike Massengale
Instructor of Art
Richard Mulkey
Associate Professor of English; Director of Creative Writing
Kathleen Nalley
Director of the MFA Program
Ann Stoddard
Adjunct Instructor of Studio Art
Susan Tekulve
Associate Professor of English
Jena Thomas
Associate Professor of Art
School of the Arts
The School of the Arts at Converse University inspires, teaches, and trains artists by fostering communication, creativity and scholarship, and nurtures appreciation for the arts.
Dean of the School of the Arts
Christopher Vaneman
864.596.9038
chris.vaneman@converse.edu
Blackman Music Hall 202/230