By George Lewis

The school has achieved continuous accreditation since 1980 and is the only such school in Kentucky to hold this distinction.

Lexington, Ky. (Nov. 21, 2002) -- The University of Kentucky School of Interior Design learned recently that it has received a six-year accreditation from the Foundation for Interior Design Education Research (FIDER), an international non-profit organization that accredits postsecondary interior design education programs in the United States and Canada. The primary purpose of FIDER is to ensure a high level of quality in interior design education to meet the needs of students, the interior design profession, and society.

The school has achieved continuous accreditation since 1980 and is the only such school in Kentucky to hold this distinction. Ann Whiteside-Dickson, associate professor and acting chairperson of the school, said the six-year accreditation, which is the maximum granted by FIDER, coupled with the school's impending merger with the UK College of Architecture to form the UK College of Design, strengthens the program's credentials.

FIDER is recognized internationally by design professionals as a force for determining the hallmarks of a quality education in interior design.