THE ART OF A
COLLEGE EDUCATION
then Chairman of the Board, lamented the school’s underdog
status. “It’s always confounded
me that the Academy isn’t more
respected,” he said at the time.
“We are the best art school, probably in the world ... [But] there’s a
social prestige with the Art Institute. We don’t have the prestige.”
Much of that lack of respect
in the local art world came from
the school policy of accepting
virtually everyone who applied.
Elisa found a way to turn that liability into an asset. Not requiring a portfolio as a prerequisite
opened up enrollment to a much
broader group of students than
at other schools with rigorous
admissions criteria.
“We’ve always had this very
democratic philosophy, from when
Richard Stephens was teaching
ten students in a loft,” explains
Toland, the spokeswoman. “The
Stephenses have always believed
art skills are something you learn,
not something you’re born with.”
Many students have been attracted to that model. “The main
reason I decided to go was because
they accept everyone,” explains
Wilkey, the Academy graduate. “I
didn’t want to jump through any
hoops to get into college.”
HUFFINGTON
10.28.12
Under Elisa Stephens, the
school’s growth catapulted. Enrollment kicked into high gear, expanding at a much faster rate than
before, according to federal data.
The growth has helped boost
Stephens’ local profile. Her
guests of honor at the school’s
spring fashion show this year included Saudi Princess Her Royal
Highness Reema Bandar Al-Saud,
noted fashion director Sarah
Burton, San Francisco Mayor Ed
Lee and former San Francisco
mayor Willie Brown.
“Nothing at the university
happens without Elisa Stephens;
no one there has authority other
than her,” says former Planning
Commissioner Ron Miguel. “She
and the institution are one and
the same.”
A BRANDED CITY
As the school’s growth surged
in the mid-1990s, so did its need
for real estate. Administrators
decided to start guaranteeing
housing to all incoming students, which kicked off an ongoing buying spree.
Over the past decade, the Academy of Art has purchased 28
buildings through out San Francisco, including landmarks such
as St. Brigid’s Church, one of the
oldest structures in the city. University officials even tried to pur-