The Savannah College of Art and Design was founded in 1978 by Richard G. Rowan, Paula S. Wallace, May L. Poetter and Paul E. Poetter to provide college degree programs not previously available in southeast Georgia and to create a specialized professional art college to attract students from throughout the United States and abroad. The curriculum was established with dual goals of excellent arts education and effective career preparation for students. Today, with three locations and online distance education offerings, the college continues to assiduously adhere to these goals.

SCAD was legally incorporated in the state of Georgia Sept. 29, 1978. A board of trustees was established, and the search was begun for a competent faculty and an appropriate facility.

In the spring of 1979, SCAD purchased and renovated the Savannah Volunteer Guard Armory to serve as the first classroom and administration building. The historic significance of the 1892 structure was recognized by its nomination for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. Named Poetter Hall in honor of two of the founders, the building remains in active use by the college today.

SCAD exists to prepare talented students for professional careers, emphasizing learning through individual attention in a positively oriented university environment. The goal of the college is to nurture and cultivate the unique qualities of each student through an interesting curriculum, in an inspiring environment, under the leadership of involved professors.

SCAD is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097; telephone number 404.679.4501) to award bachelor's and master's degrees. The college offers Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Master of Architecture, Master of Arts, Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Fine Arts and Master of Urban Design degrees, as well as undergraduate and graduate certificates. The five-year professional M.Arch. degree is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board.

  Class size is small, allowing each student the opportunity to receive individual attention. Faculty members have distinguished backgrounds in their fields. The international faculty and student body come from each of the 50 states and from more than 80 countries. An English as a Second Language program and dedicated international student services staff are available to assist international students with the adjustment to college life in the United States.

SCAD is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. Savannah students compete at the intercollegiate level in men's and women's basketball, cross country, equestrian, golf, rowing, soccer, swimming and tennis; men's baseball and lacrosse; and women's softball and volleyball. The college also has a cheerleading squad and National Horse Show Association equestrian team, and sponsors a variety of club sports including fencing and women's lacrosse, as well as intramurals including volleyball, dodgeball and flag football.

For more information about SCAD, e-mail Admission. Savannah, Lacoste and SCAD-eLearning inquiries may be directed to 800.869.7223 or 912.525.5100; Atlanta inquiries may be directed to 877.722.3285 or 404.253.2700.