Education
University of Idaho
Moscow, Idaho
Master of Fine Arts
2007, Emphasis in Graphic Design and Visual Communication
Art Center College of Design
Pasadena, California
Bachelor of Fine Arts
1997, Graphic and Packaging Design, Graduated with Honors
Art Center Europe
La Tour-de-Peliz, Switzerland
International Design Studies, Fall Term 1995
Brigham Young University-Idaho
Rexburg, Idaho
Associate of Arts
1993, Arts and Sciences, Graduated with Honors
GRANTS & AWARDS
May 2024
NEA Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence
Recognized for implementing innovative instructional methodologies, demonstrating exceptional leadership in education, and maintaining an unwavering commitment to educational equity. This prestigious award acknowledges educators who advance public education and foster student success through innovative teaching approaches and community engagement.
January 2023
MEA Distinguished Servant of Public Education Award
Honored for significant contributions to public education through transformative leadership and dedicated service. This recognition celebrates commitment to advancing student success, supporting educators, and strengthening the educational community through innovative programs and initiatives.
Winter 2021
Terry Ishihara Award for Co-Curricular Innovation
Awarded for exemplary leadership of Cardinal Solutions and its impact on community service. Key achievements include developing comprehensive branding and digital presence for organizations such as Fresh Aire Samaritan Counseling Center, Covenant HealthCare Partners, and Saginaw County Prevention Coalition. The program spearheaded impactful social media campaigns for Women of Colors and Discover Great Lakes Bay, and collaborated with Dr. Danilo Sirias to create Problem Solving Maps workbooks enhancing mathematics education. Currently leading the development of the SVSU Volunteer application to strengthen community engagement through digital innovation.
Winter 2020
DOW Visiting Scholar Artist Grant - AIGA Student Group Initiative
Secured funding to facilitate engagement between the SVSU AIGA Student Group and Brian Bird of Thinkwell Group, a leading global experience design firm based in Los Angeles. This grant supported professional development through public lectures, student workshops, and educational outreach to local high schools, covering venue and promotional resources.
Winter 2019
Foundation Resource Grant - Mathematics Education Innovation
Led the initiative to develop, design, and publish an innovative mathematics workbook for 6th-grade students, integrating Common Core standards with Dr. Danilo Sirias' Problem Solving Maps methodology. This multidisciplinary project enhanced regional mathematics education while providing SVSU Cardinal Solutions students with hands-on experience in project management, leadership, collaboration, and creative problem-solving.
Winter 2018
Thomson Award for Empowering Learning in Community Engagement
Awarded in recognition of the impactful efforts of Cardinal Solutions.
Winter 2017
Faculty Association Service Award
Recognized for initiating and leading Cardinal Solutions. This interdisciplinary group of students collaborates directly with local businesses and non-profits, analyzing organizations, identifying challenges, and implementing solutions. Operating like a business, students apply their diverse expertise to ensure project success.
Winter 2016
DOW Visiting Scholar Artist/Grant - AIGA Student Portfolio Review
Grant funding enabled the SVSU AIGA Student Group to host the annual Student Portfolio Review. Funds covered keynote speaker Shogo Ota of Tireman Studio, Seattle, venue rental, and promotional costs.
Winter 2015
SVSU Foundation Resource Grant - Interdisciplinary Community Project
Grant funding supported the production of marketing materials for Cardinal Solutions clients, primarily benefiting Resonators Drumline of Mid-Michigan.
Fall 2009
SVSU Professional Growth Awards (unit committee awards)
Grant funding contributed to materials for an art exhibition in Winter 2011, specifically the paper sculpture series "Expletus."
