Southeastern's New Media & Animation program cited as one of best in the South
Contact: Rene Abadie
Date: July 29, 2013 
Southeastern Associate Professor of Art John Valentino, left, discusses a project with senior Stanley Alexis of LaPlace, who is studying in the New Media and Animation program. The program was recently rated one of the best in the South by Animation Career Review.
HAMMOND – The New Media and Animation program at Southeastern Louisiana University has been
recognized for the second consecutive year by Animation Career Review as one of the
top animation and game design schools in the South.
Initiated only a few years ago in the university's Department of Fine and Performing
Arts, the program was ranked 15th by the web site. Last year, Animation Career Review
ranked Southeastern's program 20th.
"This second honor in as many years is a fitting tribute to the faculty and students
in our New Media and Animation program," said Kenneth Boulton, interim head of the
Department of Fine and Performing Arts. "It also reflects Southeastern's overall commitment
to curricula that is current, relevant and engaging."
ACR formulates its rankings by considering academic reputation, feedback from
industry firms on which programs they value, the depth and breadth of the program,
and geographic proximity to the industry's leading firms. The full review of the top
programs in the South can be found at www.animationcareerreview.com.
Associate Professor John Valentino said the computer studios and other equipment
available for student use are among the best, providing students with valuable experience
that easily translates into workforce skills. The program, he said, combines artistic
talent with technical proficiency.
"Louisiana's tax incentives are attracting an increasing number of firms that
use the skills our students are developing," said Valentino, who teaches many of the
courses in the program. "Our graduates are helping to fill these workforce needs."
