Getting to know: Nicholls department of art

The Nicholls art department has multiple features and programs that help students with their careers, goals and creativity.

“We have the best art here at Nicholls because we are credited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). I love working with students and with any program, their work is always put first,” said Jean Donegan, the head of the art department.

Donegan has been teaching at Nicholls since 1995. She said she came to Nicholls after teaching high school kids because of the college environment and for more opportunities to teach.

The university offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree upon completion of the program and other programs where students can show their work.

“I was always drawn to the arts since as long as I can remember. I teach ceramics because it is my favorite, and I like the way I can make the clay become as detailed as it could be,” Donegan said.

The art department does an annual fundraiser called “Art Works.” This fundraiser has raised over $60,000, which has been dedicated to hard working students who major in art to get scholarships and to have equal opportunities in the field.

This year’s annual fundraiser program will take place on April 2 for artist and for other people to come support the art.

After graduation, students in the art department can get jobs in art galleries, as web designers, graphic designers, animators, educators and more.

Donegan said that art is contagious and that she hopes to spread her enthusiasm and natural drive to students to help them recognize their strengths.

“I love my job, I love what I do and I really love working with students. When you have a senior graduate, it’s very gratifying to know you did an excellent job teaching, and it is just very fulfilling,” Donegan said.