New York School of Interior Design (NYSID) President Christopher Cyphers announced that Dr. Ellen Fisher has been appointed Vice President for Academic Affairs/Dean at the New York School of Interior Design, effective immediately. She had been serving as Interim Dean for the past seven months; prior to that, she was NYSID’s Associate Dean, and then Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, a position she held since 2009.
“Ellen brings to her position a unique combination of skills and expertise, combining design practice, theory, and an emerging focus on evidence-based research integral to the design profession,” said President Cyphers. “What is more, Ellen is collegial, fair, and has a good sense of humor! I look forward to working with her on a number of vital initiatives, including the addition of new graduate programs and the delivery of some of our academic programs online.”
Dr. Fisher has been with NYSID since 1999, beginning her career at the College as a member of the faculty, then becoming Lower Division Area Coordinator, and ultimately serving for eight years as an academic advisor and as Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs. In this latter capacity, she crafted and launched NYSID’s Institute for Continuing and Professional Studies and developed the existing Pre-College Program. In her short tenure as Interim Dean, Dr. Fisher made a number of administrative changes to enhance the operations of the Academic Affairs unit and support the growth of existing and new programs.
“I’m so pleased to have the opportunity to serve as Dean at NYSID,” said Dr. Fisher. “It’s an exciting time at the College under Dr. Cyphers’ leadership, with new programs, an engaged faculty, a professional staff, and a growing and diverse student body. I look forward to furthering the work on our curriculum, strategic planning and working with President Cyphers, the Board of Trustees and the staff to become the leading U.S. design school with an emphasis on the interior environment.”
Dr. Fisher is a New York State Certified Interior Designer, with graduate degrees in teaching with technology, and architectural studies. She earned a PhD in Architectural Studies/Human Environmental Sciences from the University of Missouri in summer 2011, focusing her research on the effect of the physical classroom environment on literacy. For many years, Ellen maintained an active design practice in the New York metropolitan area, designing both residential and commercial properties. Prior to joining the NYSID faculty, Dr. Fisher was Associate Adjunct Professor of Interior Design at the Fashion Institute of Technology.
About NYSID
Founded in 1916, the New York School of Interior Design (NYSID) is New York’s only private, not-for-profit college devoted exclusively to interior design education and related disciplines. NYSID’s guiding principle is that the interior environment is a fundamental element of human welfare and the college is committed to actively improving the quality of life for all segments of humanity. This ideal is put into practice by a dedicated faculty of well-known designers, architects, art historians, and authorities in the field who guide more than 900 full-and part-time students.
NYSID offers certificate, undergraduate, and graduate programs in the field of interior design. The college is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and NYSID’s BFA is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).
