Unveiling the Consultative Panel
Modern Design Education Gets a Boost with Expert Advisory Board
In a bid to ensure their design programs remain relevant and aligned with industry demands, several institutions are turning to advisory boards composed of seasoned professionals from various backgrounds. Such is the case with a renowned educator and writer, Alison King, who promotes midcentury modern architecture and design through ModernPhoenix.net.
King is part of an Advisory Board that undergoes an annual review of the degree and certificate programs. The members, who are veterans in their respective fields, are well-versed in current industry demands, standards, and hiring practices. This diverse group includes professionals such as architects, designers, educators, industry leaders, and alumni with professional experience.
One such member is Mike Rider, an animation artist who has worked for Fox Animation Studios, DreamWorks, Meatball Studios, and Cartoon Network, and has also written and illustrated four children's books and one fine art book. Another is Elizabeth Embleton-Smith, an artist, sculptor, writer, and teacher who has worked as a Costume Engineer in theatre, opera, ballet, television, and film for clients such as Ballet West, Sundance, Disney/Marvel Studios, Independent Lens, and Warner Bros/Sony Studios.
Chelsea Winkel, the founder of her own startup, also sits on the board. Winkel has helped over 30 early stage startups with ideation, branding, and business design. Pat Perigo, a photographer and print production professional with over twenty years of experience in gallery and museum management, is another valuable addition to the team.
The Advisory Board conducts a process called workplace assessment to provide data on employment trends. This assessment covers software or technical skills that should be on a resume and types of projects that should be in a portfolio. The members also provide feedback on the skills and attributes employers are looking for.
In addition to design programs, advisory boards are common in other sectors, such as financial education. These boards include members who have leadership experience, educational expertise, and a commitment to community impact, demonstrating the value of diverse professional backgrounds.
For instance, the University of Wisconsin-Stout’s program advisory committees include professionals, employers, alumni, and faculty who advise on workforce trends, discipline practices, and program improvement, ensuring academic programs remain current and relevant.
The Advisory Board at our institution plays a crucial role in enhancing academic program quality and relevance. By collaborating with these industry experts, educators, and alumni, the institution can ensure its graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the ever-evolving design industry.
In 2011, Diana Dunaj-Kullman, the immediate past president of the AAF - Metro Phoenix Ad Club and an approved American Advertising Awards show judge, was awarded "Advertising Person of the Year" by the AAF Metro Phoenix and Ad2 Phoenix clubs. Natalie La Scala, a Denver-based Media Artist with 20 years of work experience in Creative Direction, Project Management, and Higher Education, is another valuable asset to the Advisory Board.
In conclusion, the Advisory Board for design programs is a vital component in the success of modern design education. By bringing together a cross-section of design and industry professionals, educators, and alumni, these boards help ensure academic programs remain current, relevant, and equipped to prepare students for successful careers in the design industry.
The Advisory Board at our institution is instrumental in fostering career development and skills training for students by providing feedback on workforce trends and advice on adequate resume and portfolio projects. This collaboration between industry experts, educators, and alumni ensures that the institution's graduates are well-equipped with the necessary education-and-self-development skills to thrive in the rapidly evolving design industry.
Moreover, the diversified knowledge and experience brought by members such as architects, designers, educators, industry leaders, and alumni facilitate a comprehensive understanding of current industry demands, thereby aiding in career-development opportunities for students.
