One of NSCAD’s star alumni, David B. Smith (BFA ‘92), was appointed president of the university in August 2006. He is leading NSCAD University through a period of focused resource development and strategic planning.
President Smith’s vision for the future establishes four pillars for progress to sustain NSCAD’s continued success. “Academic Excellence through Innovation” advocates investment in academic and research programs which foster innovation and collaboration. “Connecting with Communities” involves building vital new connections to local, regional, national and international communities. “Fueling the Creative Economy” outlines a plan for maintaining NSCAD’s position as the academic leader in Canada’s creative economy through investing wisely in the most important component of economic development – creativity. Finally, “Leveraging our Resources… Securing Our Future” calls for an examination of our existing human and material resources and implementing a long-term strategy to ensure the most cost-effective and proactive use of these resources.
NSCAD’s latest major development was the completion in 2007 of the University’s third campus – the 70,000 square foot Port Campus. This stunning architectural achievement is a dramatic symbol of NSCAD’s significant presence in the community. The NSCAD Port Campus features 18-foot ceilings, generous natural lighting, and an uninterrupted view of the harbour from second floor studios through 172 feet of glass curtain. The Port Campus houses many of the university’s more industrial program components, including sculpture studios, wood shop, metal shop, foundry, product design and a ceramics complex unequalled in Canada. In addition, NSCAD’s Port Campus acts as the primary academic centre for first year foundation students. Their presence throughout the Port neighbourhood will encourage the growth of a more extensive and dynamic arts and culture district.
Research funding is supporting a growing collaboration between art and science in innovative integrations of electronics and product development. The university is forging relationships with galleries, museums and other cultural institutions in Canada and around the world, to yield new career prospects for NSCAD graduates. From artists and craftspersons, to entrepreneurs and small business owners, to designers of modern health and environmental products, NSCAD University alumni are already among Canada’s most highly-regarded creative professionals. Along with the World Travel Program for study experience abroad, NSCAD has been expanding student exchange opportunities and strengthening our profile in major art centres such as London and New York as well as forging new collaborations in Asia and Africa.