World-Renowned Design Educator Jack Sprague Joins SFUAD as Chair of the Communication Design Department
Santa Fe, NM (PRWEB) June 17, 2015 -- Santa Fe University of Art and Design (SFUAD) welcomes world-renowned design educator, Jack Sprague, as the new Chair of the Communication Design Department. The department encompasses graphic design and digital arts programs and is housed under SFUAD’s School of Visual and Communication Arts.
Sprague holds a Master of Science in Art/Graphic Design and Art Administration/Education from Florida State University, and has more than 21 years of experience as a professor and program coordinator in Communication Design at the University of North Texas. He was promoted to Professor Emeritus in 2011, allowing him to explore new creative and educational opportunities nationally and internationally in fine arts and design education. His work has been published in Graphis Best of Design, Communication Arts, Print and Archive magazines, among others.
"SFUAD is truly fortunate to have the wealth of experience and vision that Jack Sprague brings to our graphic design and digital arts programs,” said Linda Swanson, Dean of SFUAD’s School of Visual and Communication Arts. “Jack's point of view is informed by his own personal design practice, his years of developing and overseeing highly respected academic programs, and most importantly, his deep commitment to students.”
Sprague has a 30-year history bridging the theoretical methods of conceptual thinking and the creative process with practical business application. As a practicing art director, designer, photographer and editor, he has worked in many aspects of the design and advertising industry — from branding and design, to advertising art direction for several different markets, including real estate, fashion, automotive, fine arts and manufacturing. Some of his current and previous clients include Fossil Corporation, Miller Beer, Sally Beauty Inc., Dallas Premium Leather and the Santa Fe Glass Alliance.
As the founder and educational director of "The Smart Center Santa Fe,” a creative think-tank for practicing and developing business leaders, technologists, artists and educators in all of the arts, Sprague has worked for years to build bridges between universities, community colleges, institutions and corporations internationally. His work has received international praise, including his photo documentation of the historic opening of the Berlin wall exhibited at the American consulate in Germany. As an educator, Sprague has earned national and international awards for his design and teaching, including The Gold Apple National Teaching Award and The Golden Orchard Award, a national lifetime achievement award for superior design education.
“I look forward to joining SFUAD and leading the Communication Design Department toward attaining its aspirational goals for the programs and for the students,” said Sprague. “My priorities will be to develop a collective of faculty and students to promote creative thinking and collaboration, as well as to continually define, track and evaluate the professional skillsets within the curriculum to ensure our graduates have in-demand abilities for the industry.”
In addition to his role as Department Chair, Sprague will teach several classes at SFUAD each semester.
To learn more about SFUAD’s School of Visual and Communication Arts, visit http://santafeuniversity.edu/academics/graphic-design-and-digital-arts/.
About SFUAD’s Communication Design Department:
The Communication Design Department at Santa Fe University of Art and Design, housed in the School of Visual and Communication Arts, includes graphic design and digital arts programs. The department offers courses that highlight visual development, concept design, critical thinking skills and creative problem solving. Digital Arts students master the artistic process along with the latest tools and technologies that enable 2D and 3D imaging and animation, graphic design, time-based digital arts, moving image arts and digital photography. Graphic Design students examine the dual nature of graphic design: as a vehicle for contemplative art and a specialized profession. Students learn the digital tools, craftsmanship, history and theory they need to embark on a successful career path.
About Santa Fe University of Art and Design:
Santa Fe University of Art and Design is an accredited institution located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, one of the world’s leading centers for art and design. The university offers degrees in arts management, contemporary music, creative writing, digital arts, graphic design, film, performing arts, photography and studio art. Faculty members are practicing artists who teach students in small groups, following a unique interdisciplinary curriculum that combines hands-on experience with core theory and prepares graduates to become well-rounded, creative, problem-solving professionals. SFUAD is a member of the Laureate International Universities network – a global network of more than 80 campus-based and online universities that educate over one million students in 29 countries. SFUAD boasts an international student body and opportunities to study abroad, encouraging students to develop a global perspective on the arts. Santa Fe University of Art and Design is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
# # #
Lauren McDaniel, Santa Fe University of Art and Design, http://www.santafeuniversity.edu, +1 505-473-6440, [email protected]
Share this article