Students also are drawn to nearby beaches, and to sports and other recreational activities, many sponsored by the college. The college also contributes significantly to the city’s rich cultural calendar, with galleries, festivals, and other events showcasing diverse performances and exhibitions.

As President Wallace also points out, “It’s advantageous that there is a significant airport in Savannah, unlike some college towns that require considerable drive time.” The college hosts more than 50,000 visitors a year, and “the airport makes getting here easy for students and parents, alike.”

As for faculty, she says, “Those who have worked in hectic cities like New York and L.A., or who are ready to raise families, are attracted to Savannah by affordable real estate and lack of traffic.”

Many local leaders celebrate SCAD’s role in transforming Savannah into a thriving cultural center and hip art environment. SCAD has been a leader in countering the old vision of Savannah as a quaint, old-fashioned place. As President Wallace says, “Art and design are about exploring and creating the new.”