A new professor was recently hired in the Art department to teach courses in the field of graphic design.
Crispin Prebys, who obtained his Master of Fine Arts from the University of Notre Dame, will offer courses for both Art majors and non-majors beginning this fall. His courses will target students who have interests in advertising, public relations, and web design.
During the selection process, Prebys held a research talk and a teaching demonstration for both students and the selection committee. He was also involved in numerous interviews with faculty on campus, and attended various lunches and dinners to become acquainted with the Wittenberg community.
Max Fleishman, a junior Graphic Design major, met Prebys when he held a demonstration in Fleishman’s Computer Imaging class.
“Prebys seemed very professional, yet I think he was pretty communicative,” said Fleishman. “He seemed easy to talk with and had a sense of humor.”
Professor Sheryl Cunningham, assistant professor in the Communication department, was a member of the selection committee and was pleased that Prebys accepted the offer from Wittenberg.
“I think he will fulfill something that will be very useful for the Art department,” said Cunningham. “He is very laid-back and low-key, and has a great understanding of aesthetics and why some things look better than others.”
Fleishman originally planned to focus on drawing within the Art major. After his parents told him about graphic design, however, he took a course last year taught by Professor McInnis, which solidified graphic design as his major concentration. Fleishman is looking forward to what Prebys will bring to the department.
“I hope he will bring more diversity and a wider range of graphic design courses and topics in the graphic design and computer imaging field,” said Fleishman.
Kirsten Bildsten, a senior Studio Art major, is excited that the Art department is expanding and adapting to technological advances. Bildsten hopes that the addition to the department will increase the value of her diploma and will attract students who are interested in this field.
“I am so excited that the Art department is expanding! Now that Wittenberg will have these classes to offer, other students interested in the arts may be more likely to attend Wittenberg with the hopes of a Digital Arts degree,” said Bildsten.
(Meagan Steed / s13.msteed@wittenberg.edu)
