Explore below and find out more about my teaching career like the journey I have taken, the courses I’ve taught, and what has inspired it all. For more information be sure to check out my pedagogy and about pages.
Leadership.
In my journey as an educator, leadership is not just a role but a dynamic commitment to guide and inspire. I see leadership as a collaborative endeavor, where I strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment for both faculty and students. It’s not about dictating from the top, but rather about working together to navigate challenges and celebrate successes.
A key aspect of my leadership philosophy is understanding the unique needs and aspirations of my team. I believe that by fostering open communication and actively listening to the concerns and ideas of faculty and students, I can better tailor strategies that resonate with everyone. This approach not only builds trust but also ensures that our collective efforts are aligned toward shared goals.
Effective leadership, in my view, involves leading by example. I aim to be a source of motivation and encouragement, particularly during times of discomfort and change. By embracing a growth mindset and demonstrating resilience in the face of challenges, I hope to inspire others to push their boundaries and embrace opportunities for personal and professional development.
Furthermore, I recognize the importance of creating a positive and collaborative culture within the academic community. I strive to cultivate an atmosphere where diverse perspectives are valued, and each member feels empowered to contribute their unique talents. A cohesive and supportive team, in my experience, is more likely to generate innovative solutions and foster an environment where everyone feels heard and appreciated.
As a leader, my ultimate aspiration is to leave a lasting impact on the community I serve. I want to be remembered not just for achieving goals but for fostering a sense of unity, growth, and empowerment. Through effective leadership, I aim to cultivate a team of individuals who not only excel in their roles but also become leaders in their own right, contributing to positive change within and beyond the academic realm.
Curriculum Vitae
MFA – 2010 – Communication Design. Louisiana Tech University
BFA – 2007 – Communication Design. Louisiana Tech University
BFA – 2007 – Fine Art Studio 2D. Louisiana Tech University
2023, Associate Director – SPVA, University of Southern Mississippi
2020-Present, Associate Professor – University of Southern Mississippi
2016-2020, Assistant Professor – University of Southern Mississippi
2013-2016, Assistant Professor – Coastal Carolina University
2010-2013, Program Coordinator – Northeastern State University
2010-2013, Gallery Coordinator – Northeastern State University
2010-2013, Assistant Professor – Northeastern State University
Leadership
The University of Southern Mississippi
2022-Present, NASAD – University Representative
2021-Present, Faculty Leadership Institute – Fellow
2018-Present, Partners for the Art – Governing and Executive Board Member
2016-18, 22- Present, A+D Design and Marketing Team – Creative Director
2018-2021, SPVA Design and Marketing Team – Creative Director
Committees
University of Southern Mississippi
2021-Present, Faculty Evaluation Committee – Member
2021-Present, Art+Design Orientation Committee – Member
2020-Present, Art Education Ad Hoc Committee – Chair
2019-Present, Recruitment Committee – Member
2021-2022, Revelry Arts Festival – Steering Committee, Chair
2018 – 2021, Revelry Arts Festival – Steering Committee, Member
2020-2021, Visiting Artist Lecture Series Committee – Member
Creative Activity
National Juried Exhibitions
2024 – Creative Quarterly, Issue 73, Runner-Up Online Gallery, cqjournal.com
2023 – Great Northern Art Explosion, Ausable Artisan Village, Grayling MI.
2023 – Creative Quarterly, Issue 69, Runner-Up Online Gallery, cqjournal.com
2022 – Things Unseen, GFAA Gallery, Gainesville FL.
2022 – Atmospheric Perspective, Intersect Arts Center, St. Louis MO.
2022 – Intergalactic Open 3, Shockboxx Gallery, Hermosa Beach CA.
2022 – Creative Quarterly, Issue 66, Runner-Up Online Gallery, cqjournal.com
2021 – Turmoil and Transformation, Hera Gallery, Waterfield RI.
2020 – 2021? Exhibition, Shockboxx Gallery, Hermosa Beach CA.
2019 – Schwa Show National Juried Exhibition, Emerge Gallery & Art Center, Greenville NC.
2019 – Chautauqua National, East Kentucky University, Richmond KY.
2018 – Valdosta National, Valdosta State University, Valdosta GA.
2017 – 38th Annual Mini-Works 5x5x5, Jacksonville State University, Jacksonville AL.
2017 – 38th Annual Paper in Particular, Columbia College, Columbia MO.
2017 – Clemson National Print and Drawing Exhibition, Clemson University, Clemson SC.
Regional Juried Exhibitions
2014 – Great Getaway Art Exhibition, Lumberton NC.
Past Exhibitions
2022 – Art & Design Faculty Biennial Exhibition, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg MS.
2020 – Art & Design Faculty Biennial Exhibition, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg MS.
2018 – Art & Design Faculty Biennial Exhibition, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg MS.
2015 – Faculty Biennial Exhibition, Coastal Carolina University, Conway SC.
2012 – Faculty Annual Exhibition, Northeastern State University, Tahlequah OK.
2011 – Spotlight: Showcase of Art at NSU, Northeastern State University, Tahlequah OK.
2011 – NSU Broken Arrow Exhibition, NSU: Broken Arrow, Broken Arrow OK.
2011 – Faculty Annual Exhibition, Northeastern State University, Tahlequah OK
2010 – LaTech Thesis Exhibition, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston LA
2009 – Imprint Print Exhibition, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston LA
2009 – Beneficent Ends Exhibition, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston LA
2008 – Artist Book Exhibition, Ruston Municipal Library, Ruston, LA
International Juried Exhibitions
2006 – American Print Exhibition, Lessedra Gallery, Sofia, Bulgaria
Publications
2021 – Artscope Magazine, Volume 16 | Number 2, pg 39
Juried Performances
2022 – World Dance Alliance 2022 Mini Conference, October 5th, 6th, “Gaza Monologues #5”
2021 – World Dance Alliance, April 26th, 28th, “Carapace”
Public Performances
2022 – USM Revelry, February 22, “Gaza Monologues Vol. 2”
2022 – USM Repertory Dance Concert, April 28 – 30, “Radium Girls”
2022 – USM Revelry, February 14, “Gaza Monologues”
2021 – USM Revelry, February 14, “Carapace”
Scholarly Activity
2019 – Advention 2019, Shreveport LA. “Creating a Collaborative Community to Enhance the Creative Experience”
2017 – 13th Annual National Student Show and Conference, Dallas TX. “Sport of Design”
2016 – 12th Annual National Student Show and Conference, Dallas TX. Forum Moderator
2015 – 11th Annual National Student Show and Conference, Dallas TX. “Creating a Collaborative Community to Enhance the College Experience
ART 311-Digital Visualization
An emphasis on the design and development of imagery utilizing computer technology; vector software will be utilized.
ART 313-Digital Imaging
Design and manipulation of digital imagery for print and electronic applications; raster image software will be utilized.
ART 342-Graphic Design II/Typography
The study of letter forms, with an emphasis on typography as an expressive design element; solutions involving traditional and computer methodologies
ART 344-Illustration
Problems, solutions, and techniques involving the exploration of the image as a means of visual communication.
ART 375-Bookmaking: Forms and Narratives
An emphasis on exploring and constructing book forms and using the book form to convey visual narratives.
ART 441-Graphic Communication
Solving conceptual problems visually requiring the application of professional level graphic communication skill, with emphasis on professional procedure and professional portfolio development; must be taken three times over three semesters.
ART 442-Interactive Design I
An introduction to computer imaging as a means to solve communication design problems. Course content relates specifically to the application of prerequisite design skills to interactive media.
ART 443-Interactive Design II
Continuation of ART 442, with an emphasis on the application of advanced design skills to interactive communication. Course content relates specifically to students enrolled in the Graphic Design emphasis area
ART 444-Portfolio
Preparation of Graphic Design Portfolio and preparation for entry into professional practices.
ART 445-Motion Graphics I: Introduction Design in Motion
This course introduces software applications and issues used in the creation of motion graphics, special effects, and animation.
ART 446-Motion Graphics II: Advanced Problems for Design in Motion
This course further develops software application skills and investigates advanced problem solving techniques used in the creation of motion graphics, special effects, and animation.
ART 492-Special Problems in Art
Senior standing and consent of instructor. Individual research on an approved visual art problem; may be repeated up to three times
ARTD 110-Introduction to Graphic Software
Introduction to computer programs used by artists and graphic designers. Training in use of professional software and hardware.
ARTD 201-Graphic Design I
An introductory course addressing the role of the professional designer in visual communications. Strategies, techniques and software used in the electronic design process are addressed. Topics covered are layout, design, typography, illustration, web design and desktop publishing.
ARTD 202-Graphic Design II
A course exploring printing and reproduction methods. Projects focus on printing processes and the production of camera ready art. Extensive use of the computer as a graphic design tool.
ARTD 205-Web Design
Beginning to intermediate-level studio work in web media, graphics and website structure. Graphic design software, website layout and HTML will be used to explore navigation, aesthetics, strategy, concept and organization with an emphasis on the user experience.
ARTD 301-Graphic Design III
A combined graphic design history and intermediate studio practice course focusing on process, creative problem solving, research, and design context.
ARTD 302-Graphic Design IV
Further study in graphic design processes, information formats and systems. Projects include catalogues, reports, magazines, signage, and corporate information systems. Extensive use of desktop publishing.
ARTD 309-Packaging Design
An introduction to the history and production of packaging. Students will explore printing processes associated with the production of packaging as well as branding, point of purchase, and use of color and typography. Folding, scoring, shelf space and market targeting will also be integrated into the projects. Students will design and produce everything from labels to complete packages for real world products.
ARTD 497-Senior Capstone
Advanced problems in both the print and web areas of graphic design, emphasizing a versatile education. Students will be expected to purchase a portfolio case for printed samples and also to produce a digital portfolio that will be displayed on the internet.
ARTD 499-Branding
In-depth investigation of specific topics and media not generally available in the curriculum. May be repeated for credit under different topics.
ART 2213-Typography
Introduction to typography – the art of designing with type. Study of the general history and aesthetics of type and letterforms. Introduction to digital typesetting on the computer.
ART 2973-Publications
Advanced production of multi-page documents, such as books and periodicals. Problems dealing with page flow and information layout, and advanced study of page layout software.
ART 3173-Illustration
Introduction to the basic visual principles, tools and techniques used by professional illustrators. Analysis and production of illustrations using a variety of media. Emphasis on design, craftsmanship, originality and suitability for the intended audience.
ART 4073-Multimedia Design I
Introduction to designing interactive and time-based media for delivery on internet, television and other media. Analysis and production of designs for multiple media delivery systems. Study and development of navigation systems, information flow and interactivity.
ART 4083-Multimedia Design II
Advanced production of designs for varying media using professional graphics software. Problems dealing with traditional print design as well as introduction to web and motion-based design.
ART 4010-Bookbinding
Experimentation in special media and creative expression in innovative art forms.
ART 3583-Silkscreen
Supervised projects in the fine art applications of silkscreen printing. Experimentation with a variety of techniques and design approaches.
ART 1100/WGS 1000-Women in the Arts
Supervised field study in art history or studio work on location. Involves travel to museums, art centers, and/or artistic sites, as well as seminars or special projects in art.
ART 4973-Senior Portfolio
Designed to prepare students for entrance into the art-related job market. Projects include résumé writing, organizing a traditional and digital portfolio, and designing a website of personal work.
ART 4803-Senior Capstone
Guided planning, preparations, and production for Capstone experiences of senior exhibition, professional portfolio and resume for the graduating art student.
ART 3973-Ad Campaign
Advanced studio projects exploring advertising design, concepts, aesthetics and utilizing contemporary advertising media formats. Course also surveys case studies of both major and cutting-edge advertising campaigns.
Awards
2015 Educator of the Year, 11th Annual National Student Show and Conference, Dallas TX
2015 Guest Coach, Coastal Carolina University Chanticleer Football, Conway SC
2014 Apple Award for Outstanding Teaching, Edwards College of Humanities and Fine Arts, Coastal Carolina University, Conway SC
Student Outcomes
250+ Awards, National Exhibitions and Publications*
*American Advertising Awards, National Student Show and Conference, Creative Quarterly, GDUSA
Highlights
- International Exhibitions and Performances
- Educator of the Year, National Student Show & Conference
- Excellence in Teaching Award, Coastal Carolina University
- Guest Coach, Coastal Carolina University
- 250+ Student Awards & Publications