Unveiling of the Consultation Panel
In the vibrant world of design and art, staying relevant and responsive to both student needs and industry demands is paramount. At the University of Wisconsin-Stout, this mission is achieved through the guidance of a diverse and experienced Advisory Board.
This multi-disciplinary group, which meets at least once each semester, comprises faculty and academic staff from across colleges, students, alumni, employers, ex-officio representatives from Student Services and Enrollment Services, and other administrative support as needed. Members serve one-year appointments renewable annually, with membership announced by the academic dean at the start of each school year.
The board's primary functions include recommending curricular changes, advising on student advisement, program assessment, student needs projections, and job market outlook. One of the key ways they contribute is through a process called workplace assessment, where they provide data on current employment trends in their fields.
The board is a veritable treasure trove of expertise, boasting seasoned professionals who know what it takes to succeed in a design career. Diana Dunaj-Kullman, the immediate past president of the AAF - Metro Phoenix Ad Club and an approved American Advertising Awards show judge, is one such member. In 2011, she was awarded "Advertising Person of the Year" by the AAF Metro Phoenix and Ad2 Phoenix clubs.
Pat Perigo, a photographer and print production professional with over twenty years of experience in gallery and museum management, is another valuable asset. He has served as a curator in San Francisco, and currently, Chelsea Winkel, a founder and designer for Lifelite.org, an emergency response technology, is also part of the board.
Natalie La Scala, a Denver-based Media Artist with 20 years of work experience in Creative Direction, Project Management, and Higher Education, and Mike Rider, an animation artist who has worked for Fox Animation Studios, DreamWorks, and Cartoon Network, among others, also lend their insights to the board.
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, rounds off this impressive lineup.
The data provided by this esteemed group touches on what software or technical skills should be on a resume, as well as what types of projects should be in a portfolio. Through their collective wisdom, UW-Stout's education programs are kept current, relevant, and responsive, ensuring its students graduate ready to thrive in the dynamic world of design and art.
In an annual program review, the Advisory Board puts our degree and certificate programs under the microscope, aiming to find areas for evolution or improvement. The Program Director convenes and chairs the board, facilitating communication and implementation of recommendations.
Alison King, an educator and writer who promotes midcentury modern architecture and design through ModernPhoenix.net, is another invaluable member of the board. Her insights into the art and design world provide a unique perspective that enriches the board's discussions and recommendations.
With the Advisory Board's guidance, UW-Stout's education programs are not just keeping up with industry trends, but setting the pace for innovation and success in the world of design and art.
- The University of Wisconsin-Stout's Advisory Board, composed of experienced professionals, focuses on education-and-self-development and career-development by recommending curricular changes, providing data on current employment trends, and offering insights on necessary skills for a design career, ensuring students graduate ready for success.
- UW-Stout's education programs also prioritize skills-training, with the Advisory Board emphasizing the importance of including relevant software skills on a resume and featuring suitable projects in a portfolio, contributing to the continued relevance and innovation of the programs in the design and art industry.
