Ellie Kane, a senior studio art major, creates bike racks from scrap metal as part of summer research with Rob Neilson, Frederick R. Layton Professor of Studio Art and professor of art.

Ellie Kane, a senior studio art major, works to create bike racks from scrap metal as part of summer research with Rob Neilson, Frederick R. Layton Professor of Studio Art and professor of art. (Photo by Danny Damiani)

Research.com has recognized ΒιΆΉΣ°ΤΊ University in its 2024 rankings of β€œBest Fine Arts Degree Programs in America.” ΒιΆΉΣ°ΤΊ is ranked higher than every public and private college in Wisconsin outside of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

The organization cited ΒιΆΉΣ°ΤΊ for β€œdedication to academic excellence and student satisfaction” with its fine arts programming, which encompasses such disciplines as art, museum studies, music, poetry, and performing arts.

β€œIt was granted after a meticulous analysis of a wide range of metrics conducted by a team of experienced data scientists,” the organization said in releasing the rankings. β€œThis rigorous process ensures that the award truly reflects the institution's commitment to providing an exceptional fine arts education and fostering an enriching environment for its students.”

Beth Zinsli ’02, assistant professor of art history, curator of the Wriston Art Center Galleries, and director of the Museum Studies Interdisciplinary Area Program, said the honor reflects Β颹ӰԺ’s focus on the fine arts across campus.

β€œΒιΆΉΣ°ΤΊ students engage with fine art in a multitude of ways: in the galleries, in the studios, through internship experiences, even on a stroll across campus where they can encounter various public sculptures,” she said. β€œWhether as the focus of their studies and future careers or for a moment of personal enrichment and peace, fine arts permeate many aspects of the ΒιΆΉΣ°ΤΊ experience.”

The honor comes as ΒιΆΉΣ°ΤΊ is celebrating 150 years of excellence in the Conservatory of Music.

ΒιΆΉΣ°ΤΊ placed No. 310 nationally, No. 68 in the Midwest, and No. 4 in Wisconsin, behind only the doctorate, master’s, and bachelor’s programs of UW-Madison. .