UofL trustees approve renovations, suspend PhD art history program

The University of Louisville Board of Trustees has approved renovation of seven auditoriums on the Belknap Campus. The renovations will bring the auditoriums into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The auditoriums in Strickler and Davidson halls as well as the Humanities Building will have all new seats, technology upgrades and electrical improvements. The estimated total cost of the projects is $1.1 million. April 3, 2015

The trustees also voted to suspend the doctoral degree in art history due to lack of demand. At its April 2 meeting, the board adopted the recommendation of UofL President James Ramsey and Provost Shirley Willihnganz to suspend the program for five years beginning this summer.  Willihnganz said only 19 students have graduated from the art history doctoral program in the past 25 years with a significant drop off in the past three or four years and “the costs can’t be justified.”  The provost said students currently seeking a doctoral degree in art history will be allowed to finish their degree program.  She told the trustees if there is renewed interest in the program at the end of the five year suspension, it could be reinstated.  Otherwise, it will be officially closed.