The Savannah College of Art and Design has been selected as one of “100 Hidden Gems” in higher education in the recently released book “Harvard Schmarvard: Getting Beyond the Ivy League to the College That is Best for You,” by Jay Mathews of the Washington Post.

High school guidance counselors across the nation were asked to name up to 10 colleges that came to mind as “lesser-known jewels” from research and visiting high school alumni. SCAD is the only art college, and one of only four schools in Georgia, to be honored in the “Hidden Gems” section.

“Harvard Schmarvard,” published by Prima Publishing in March 2003, was written to refute the perception that only Ivy League schools offer a superior education. The book helps parents and those applying to college by offering practical advice or tips on the application process, writing essays and visiting campuses.


Architecture professor Emad Afifi has been selected for inclusion in the 2002 edition of “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers.” The publication pays tribute to America’s most respected teachers who have made a significant contribution to the academic community.


Foundation studies professor Avantika Bawa recently was awarded a Presidential Fellowship for Faculty Development to help take her upcoming exhibition, “Carry on Drawing,” to the Netherlands and India. She will produce a DVD and catalog to accompany the exhibition.


Alumna Cynthia Colling (B.F.A. photography, 1990) owns Aspire Auctions, a fine art and antiques auction firm. The company just sold an important Russian painting for $132,825. Visit the company’s Web site at www.aspireauctions.com.


Interior design professor Gillian Davies recently was awarded a Presidential Fellowship for Faculty Development to help fund the completion of her doctoral research with the Nottingham University. She is studying the effect that female designers had on the development of modernism.


Computer art professor Cheryl Fell has been selected for inclusion in the 2003 edition of “Who’s Who In America” and “Who’s Who Among American Women” for her professional accomplishments and notability in her field.


Fashion professor Carol Harris recently was awarded a Presidential Fellowship for Faculty Development to help fund the completion of her doctoral degree in fashion and textiles at Manchester Metropolitan University in the United Kingdom.


Art history professor Jonathan Field recently was awarded a Presidential Fellowship for Faculty Development to help fund his upcoming exhibition, “Face Time.”


Foundation studies professor Cynthia Huff recently was awarded a Presidential Fellowship for Faculty Development to help fund Huff’s project, “The Making of a Diorama Mural.” This exhibition documents how a nature diorama is created.


Painting professor Steve Knudsen recently was awarded a Presidential Fellowship for Faculty Development to help fund his upcoming solo exhibition consisting of still life pieces based on a trip to the Ozarks, as well as some of his existing pieces.


Art history professor Lesa Mason recently was awarded a Presidential Fellowship for Faculty Development to help fund her research trip to Cologne, Germany, in order to complete her book, “The Art History of Sacred Space: Saint Peter and Saint Cecilia, Cologne.”


Computer art professor Debra Smith Moorshead recently was awarded a Presidential Fellowship for Faculty Development to help fund her animated film project, “It’s a Dog’s Life,” the adaptation of a short story by San Francisco author Dave Eggers.


Art history professor Christine Neal recently was awarded a Presidential Fellowship for Faculty Development to fund an exhibition that examines the history of European and American women still-life painters.



Painting professor Morgan Santander recently was awarded a Presidential Fellowship for Faculty Development to help fund his upcoming solo exhibition at the Mexican Cultural Institute in San Antonio, Texas.



Foundation studies professor Joel Varland recently was awarded a Presidential Fellowship for Faculty Development to help Varland develop projects and a curriculum for a course in advanced wood fabrication techniques.


Computer art professor Kirt Witte recently was awarded a Presidential Fellowship for Faculty Development to help fund his project, “The Other Savannah.”

“The Other Savannah” explores the unique nature of Savannah from a non-tourist perspective and includes an upcoming exhibition at Hospice Savannah, the expansion of his Web site, www.theothersavannah.com, and the publication of a book on the same theme.


Liberal arts professor Weihua Zhang recently was awarded a Presidential Fellowship for Faculty Development to help fund her documentation of the history of early Chinese immigrants in Savannah and the organization of “Early Chinese Immigrants of Savannah, Ga.: A Photographic Journey,” a photographic exhibition based on the study.