Paier College

Paier College
TypePrivate for-profit art college
Established1946
PresidentJennifer Williams
Academic staff
40 full and part-time
Administrative staff
7
Undergraduates300 (2021-2022)
Location
Bridgeport
,
Connecticut
,
United States
CampusSuburban area
3 acres
Websitewww.paier.edu

Paier College (formerly Paier College of Art) is a private for-profit art college in Bridgeport, Connecticut.[1] Previously located in Hamden, Connecticut, Paier is the only independent art college in Connecticut.[2]

History

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In 1946, Paier was established by Edward T. and Adele K. Paier as the Paier School of Applied Arts in West Haven, Connecticut. Paier absorbed students from the Whitney School of Art when it closed, leading to the new title Paier School of Art. Paier moved to New Haven in 1954 and then finally to 6 Prospect Court in Hamden in 1960 and in 1963 expanded to its present location. In 1982, Paier was accredited as a 4-year degree-granting college.[3] In 2019, the Paier College of Art named Joseph Bierbaum as its new president to succeed former president Jonathan Paier.[4][5] In March 2021, Paier announced a name change from Paier College of Art to Paier College and plans to move its campus to Bridgeport, Connecticut, into facilities formerly used by the University of Bridgeport, before the start of the fall 2021 semester.[6]

In June 2024, Paier received a warning from its accreditor, the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), related to a range of issues.[7] Connecticut news sources reported that faculty and staff had their employment terminated as of April 30, 2024, as the school underwent the process of changing ownership. Paier College stated that it intends to renew contracts as needed for the fall 2024 Semester.[8] As of August 13, 2024, the college had notified students that the fall term would have a delayed start due to these issues. [9]

In late September 2024, the Connecticut Office of Higher Education denied the college's application to renew its authorization to operate in the state and begin its fall semester. The state agency cited 8 standards that the college was failing to meet and gave the college 10 days to appeal the denial or submit a plan to close.[10]

Academics

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Paier College of Art focuses on training students for technical and professional careers as artists.[11] Paier offers five Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree programs as well as four certificates and one Associate degree. The college also offers part-time and evening classes, continuing education, and electives in general education and liberal arts.

Accreditation

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Paier College of Art was licensed by the Connecticut Office of Higher Education[12][13] and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).[14] It was also previously a member of the International Council of Design Schools.[15]

Galleries and events

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Paier College is host to The Schelfhaudt Gallery - a 2500 square foot art gallery dedicated to promoting the work of Paier students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Past exhibitions have included an annual Senior Class Showcase, Undergraduate showcases, an All-Campus Open Showcase, Paul Favello - a life in art (a lifetime retrospective of alumnus Paul Favello's work in oils, acrylics, and digital media), and Kindled Eyes - an exhibition of art made by child refugees from around the world, curated in part by CIRI, the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants.

Paier College also houses the Littlefield Recital Hall - a 199 seat recital and lecture space, and Mertens Theater - a 930 seat proscenium theater that has played host to dance companies, regional theatre companies, local high school theatre departments, the University of Bridgeport Music Department, and The Greater Bridgeport Symphony.

Notable alumni

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Paier College of Art has graduated successful artists including:

References

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  1. ^ https://www.paier.edu/
  2. ^ Connecticut Art/Design Schools - Connecticut Art Director's Club |http://www.cadc.org/Resources/Links/Connecticut-Art-Design-Schools/
  3. ^ History of Paier College of Art |https://www.paier.edu/about-us/history/
  4. ^ "Paier College of Arts names new president". New Haven Register. Retrieved 2024-03-07.
  5. ^ "Interview with President of Paier College, Joseph Bierbaum". The River 105.9. Retrieved 2024-03-07.
  6. ^ "Paier College of Art Moves Campus to Bridgeport, Becomes Paier College | Paier College". 2021-03-15. Retrieved 2021-03-26.
  7. ^ Accrediting Commission of Career School and Colleges (June 4, 2024). "SUMMARY OF GROUNDS FOR WARNING ACTION, PAIER COLLEGE" (PDF).
  8. ^ Caron, Matt (May 29, 2024). "Paier College in Bridgeport continues accepting new student applications without any faculty to teach them". Fox61. Retrieved June 10, 2024.
  9. ^ Friedman, Amanda (August 13, 2024). "A For-Profit College Faces Claims of Not Employing Any Faculty Members. Now the Fall Semester Is Delayed". Chronicle of Higher Education. Retrieved August 14, 2024.
  10. ^ Williams, Cassidy (September 30, 2024). "Paier College can't open for fall semester after state investigation". WFSB. Retrieved October 1, 2024.
  11. ^ "Paier College of Art prepares students for professional careers". WTNH.com. 2019-04-22. Retrieved 2024-03-07.
  12. ^ State of Connecticut Office of Higher Education | https://www.ctohe.org/HEWeb/CollegesList.asp
  13. ^ Paire College of Art, Nationally Accredited Programs Listing |https://www.ctohe.org/HEWeb/Programs.asp?F=1113
  14. ^ Accrediting Commission for Career Schools and Colleges - Directory of Accredited Institutions | http://www.accsc.org/Directory/index.aspx
  15. ^ International Council of Design Schools | https://www.ico-d.org/members/index
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41°20′51″N 72°56′07″W / 41.3476°N 72.9352°W / 41.3476; -72.9352

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