Margaret Stearns Dot Com
Final Multimedia Project
May
2024
Hidden Gems: The Buried Design Excellence at Thomas Jefferson University's East Falls Campus
Philadelphia University, a formerly renowned institution of higher education in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was known for its commitment to innovation, professional preparation, and community engagement. Founded in 1884 as the Philadelphia Textile School, it evolved over the decades, expanding its curriculum to encompass a wide range of disciplines beyond textiles, thus changing its name to the Philadelphia College of Textiles and Sciences. In 1999, it gained university status and was renamed Philadelphia University, reflecting its broadened academic scope. The university offered undergraduate and graduate programs in architecture, design, engineering, business, health sciences, and liberal arts. It fostered a dynamic learning environment for students to explore their passions and develop practical skills. With a rich history and a focus on preparing students for successful careers, Philadelphia University played a significant role in shaping the region's educational landscape.
The merger between Philadelphia University and Thomas Jefferson University marked a transformative moment in higher education within the Philadelphia region. In 2017, these two esteemed institutions joined forces to create a comprehensive university that combined Philadelphia University's strengths in design, engineering, and business with Thomas Jefferson University's expertise in health sciences, medicine, and research. This strategic union aimed to enhance academic offerings, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and provide students various educational opportunities. The merger brought together diverse faculty expertise and resources, enabling the new entity, Jefferson (Philadelphia University + Thomas Jefferson University), to innovate in education, research, and healthcare delivery. By leveraging the complementary strengths of both institutions, the merger aimed to better serve students, advance knowledge and address society's complex challenges.
This has undoubtedly shifted the institutional focus toward healthcare disciplines, leaving design students feeling neglected or overlooked. With Thomas Jefferson University's strong emphasis on health sciences and medicine, there has been a disproportionate allocation of resources, attention, and opportunities toward healthcare-related programs. This shift has inadvertently marginalized design students, with fewer investments in their programs, reduced faculty support, and limited opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. While the merger aimed to create a more comprehensive and integrated institution, the leadership must ensure that all academic disciplines, including design, receive adequate attention, support, and recognition within the new university structure.
To the average onlooker visiting Thomas Jefferson University's East Falls campus, it might be surprising that this institution houses a prominent design school. The campus's aesthetic and architecture do not convey its identity as a hub for design education. Instead, the campus exudes a more traditional academic atmosphere, with buildings and facilities that reflect the institution's broader focus on healthcare and research. The campus lacks visual cues or design-centric features, and this lack of representation carries on throughout the university's academia.
As the designated hub for design education, Hayward Hall not only houses state-of-the-art studios and workshops but also fosters a sense of belonging and camaraderie among design students. Its dynamic spaces, adorned with student projects and collaborative workspaces, offer a glimpse into the ingenuity and talent that thrives within the design community. While other parts of the campus may not overtly reflect the presence of design students, Hayward Hall stands as a testament to their creativity, dedication, and contributions to the academic landscape.
Design students rely on a supportive environment where their unique perspectives, talents, and contributions are recognized and valued. When design programs receive less attention or resources than healthcare disciplines, students may feel marginalized or disconnected from the institution. This lack of representation can lead to decreased motivation, lower engagement in coursework, and a sense of isolation among design students. Additionally, limited access to faculty mentors, specialized facilities, and networking opportunities may hinder their professional development and preparedness for careers in the design field. Without adequate support and representation, design students may struggle to thrive academically and may not reach their full potential. Therefore, Jefferson must prioritize equity and inclusion across all disciplines to ensure every student receives the support they need to succeed.
Design students rely on a supportive environment where their unique perspectives, talents, and contributions are recognized and valued. When design programs receive less attention or resources than healthcare disciplines, students may feel marginalized or disconnected from the institution. This lack of representation can lead to decreased motivation, lower engagement in coursework, and a sense of isolation among design students. Additionally, limited access to faculty mentors, specialized facilities, and networking opportunities may hinder their professional development and preparedness for careers in the design field. Without adequate support and representation, design students may struggle to thrive academically and may not reach their full potential. Therefore, Jefferson must prioritize equity and inclusion across all disciplines to ensure every student receives the support they need to succeed.
To gain more insight into this issue, I interviewed design students Kayla Lawson, TJ Mitchell, Anjeli Modi, and Abby Lynne:
I received the same general feedback: design students feel underrepresented, isolated, and frustrated.
The importance of representation in design education cannot be overstated. A diverse and inclusive environment enriches the educational experience, fosters innovation, and prepares students for success in an increasingly globalized world. As we have seen, the lack of representation for design students at Thomas Jefferson University can have detrimental effects on their academic success and overall well-being. Therefore, the university must prioritize diversity and inclusion in all aspects of its programs. This includes equitable access to resources, representation in faculty and leadership positions, and intentional efforts to amplify diverse voices and perspectives. Thomas Jefferson University must proactively address these issues and create environments where all students feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. By prioritizing diversity and inclusion, we can create a more equitable and inclusive future for design education, paving the way for innovation and excellence in the field.