For Athens State University graduate student Shaun Everett Forester, pursuing an education in the arts has been nothing short of life-changing. Originally from Arlington, Massachusetts, Forester is working toward his Master of Fine Arts in Integrative Art (MFA) with a concentration in painting and drawing. He is set to graduate in December of 2025.
Earlier this fall, the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) granted Athens State University institutional membership and full accreditation of its undergraduate and graduate degree programs in Art: the Bachelor of Art with a minor in Art Education, the BFA in Art, and the MFA in Integrative Art. NASAD accreditation greatly enhances the value of every art student’s degree, giving their credentials national recognition and reinforcing the program’s reputation.
The nationally accredited MFA program is Athens State’s first terminal degree offering in the institution’s 200-year history, and Forester will be the first program graduate. His journey reflects the power of accessible education, transformative mentorship, and the unparalleled value Athens State offers to aspiring artists. Forester’s decision to attend Athens State was rooted in both practicality and promise.
“My primary concern in choosing schools, especially graduate school, was my ability to graduate with no debt,” Forester shared. “The competitive price point of Athens State, combined with scholarships and student working, allowed me to meet that goal.”
For him, the affordability of Athens State didn’t just make higher education possible, it opened the door to a future of financial and creative opportunity. Forester also experienced remarkable growth under the guidance of passionate faculty who are deeply invested in their students’ success. After earning his associate degree in arts from Calhoun Community College, Forester came to Athens State to complete his bachelor’s degree and later enrolled in the MFA program.
What he found was a mentorship experience that would shape his career and identity as an artist.
Though the original driving factor of this decision was financial, I can say with great certainty that the quality of studio arts education is second to none,” he explained. “Jamie Adams, the head of Studio Art here at Athens State, was not just a professor; he is a mentor in every sense of the word. Without his guidance, I would probably still be a line cook. Now, I am a highly accredited professional.
Beyond the classroom, Forester has represented Athens State on a national scale by attending prestigious arts workshops and connecting with influential artists across the country. Opportunities like these, he said stem directly from the University’s encouragement to build community and pursue excellence.
Forester’s goal is to become a tenure-track professor of art, a path inspired by his own mentors at Athens State. For him, teaching is about amplifying impact. His professors, including Adams and Program Director Pamela Keller, have provided hands-on support for his academic and professional development, ensuring he graduates fully prepared to achieve his dreams.
“The most good I can do in this field is to teach, therefore, I am compelled to do so,” he said. “I am proud to be a force multiplier in the arts and, most importantly, give social and economic mobility to people working hard for a better life.”
Forester’s story is a testament to what sets Athens State apart from most traditional four-year colleges: affordable, high-quality education that equips students to reach their full potential. Through mentorship, hands-on learning, and a supportive artistic community, Forester has developed both the skills and confidence to thrive as a professional artist and future educator.
Master of Fine Arts in Integrative Art
A Master of Fine Arts in Integrative Art degree from Athens State University can help turn your creative passion into a rewarding career. With classes offered at the Alabama Center for the Arts in Decatur, Alabama, our supportive faculty are dedicated to providing expert instruction and hands-on training to develop the skills you need to create your career and excel in the arts industry. Learn more today!