The Decline of Art Education Institutions

Did you know that between 1976 and 2011, admin jobs at American universities grew by a staggering 369% while full-time tenured and tenure-track faculty grew by only 23%? That’s because of the “administrification” and financialization of institutions of higher learning, writes art professor Hakan Topal in an important opinion piece today.

As a result, we get disgruntled professors who are stretched thin, students who are treated like paying customers, and administrators whose primary job is to manage discontent. What does this mean for the future of art schools, and what can be done about this crisis? Read Topal’s thoughts below and let us know what you think in the comments section.

—Hakim Bishara, editor-in-chief

The rampant corporatization and “administrification” of American higher-education institutions has turned students into mere consumers. | Hakan Topal