University of the Arts Philadelphia to close after 150 years

The University of the Arts in Philadelphia will close this week due to declining enrollments, falling revenues, and increased expenses. Board chair Judson Aaron and president Kerry Walk stated that no viable path forward could be found. The institution, formed in 1985 from the merger of Philadelphia College of Art and Philadelphia College of the Performing Arts, has a 150-year history. Notable alumni include artists Alex da Corte and Mohammed Kazem, and poet Linh Dinh. The closure was announced to its 1,149 students and 700 faculty and staff through the media, after the Middle States Commission on Higher Education withdrew accreditation. Students can transfer to Temple University, Drexel University, or Moore College of Art and Design.