Innovation in Higher Education

Sponsored by Ricoh

M.A. in Graphic Communications Management and Technology New York University's School of Continuing and Professional Studies Bonnie Blake, Program Director

Critical leadership skills specific to the field of graphic communications media are provided to the students of the M.A. in Graphic Communications Management and Technology program at NYU/SCPS. They build expertise in management practices, learn to manage resources effectively across media platforms, and gain a thorough understanding of the capabilities of current and emerging technologies that shape production, distribution, and delivery of media content. The program is designed to prepare graduates for leadership positions in a complex, dynamic and global industry.

Ms. Blake completed her M.A. in Graphic Communications Management and Technology at NYU's Steinhardt School of Education in 1987, began teaching in the program as an adjunct instructor in 1989, was the recipient of its student PRISM Award for Graphic Excellence in 1993, and began advising students in 1998. She now directs the program and is responsible for teaching, curriculum development, recruitment and supervision of adjunct faculty and student advisement.

Blake said, "By recognizing the remarkable growth, innovation and quality of our M.A. in Graphic Communications Management and Technology program, this EDSF award not only honors NYU/SCPS but encourages our board, our faculty and especially our talented management students to continue to achieve."

For more information on the M.A. in Graphic Communications Management and Technology at SCPS/NYU go to www.scps.nyu.edu/gcmt or email bonnie.blake@nyu.edu

VDP Hands-on Training Consortium Clemson University Dr. John Leininger, Professor

Now in its fourth year, the Variable Data Printing (VDP) Hands-on Training Consortium is a unique program that supports the continued development and use of a variety of digital technologies by providing a thoroughly hands-on training environment. The Clemson VDP program is dynamic and responsive and encourages students to select study through instruction and hands-on activity.

Clemson's VDP program has demonstrated how a powerful technology, digital tools, a plan of action and knowledgeable faculty, students, and industry representatives can collaborate to provide quality instruction with few boundaries-geographically and intellectually.

John Leininger is a Professor in the Department of Graphic Communications at Clemson University. He began his teaching career in 1978 and has been at Clemson since 1986. He received his Doctorate in Vocational Technical Education from Clemson University in 1991. He has taught courses in flexography, lithography, digital printing, inks and substrates as well as the department's management class dealing with estimating, planning, equipment purchasing, cost analysis and plant layout.

Leininger said, "This award would not be possible without 22 people in 22 companies looking at an opportunity and supporting an idea that would help the industry as much as it would help their company. This award recognizes what can be done when one person has an idea and everyone works together for a common goal."

For more information on the Variable Data Printing (VDP) Hands-on Training Consortium at Clemson University, visit http://graphics.clemson.edu/vdp/

Visual Arts and Technology Academy University City High School Lauriel Adsit, Director

The Visual Arts and Technology Academy (VATA) is an innovative program that immerses students in a curriculum. It delivers instruction focused on technology and art, pairs/partners students with a select team of teachers specializing in individualized instruction, and requires mandatory mentorship and internships in the actual business world of graphics and design media.

Part of what makes VATA unique is its focus on a target audience of "at-risk" students who are interested in Graphic Arts, Technology, Animation, Film Production and other art-related fields. This is done within a "small school" environment, where students attend three core and one "focus" class together.

Ms. Lauriel Adsit, Director of VATA, was motivated to challenge and to change her own teaching practices to reflect the needs of today's adolescents in a rapidly changing society. She attended college at the California College of the Arts in Berkley, California, graduating with a BFA with honors. Ms. Adsit spent several years working as an artist in the field of Commercial Art until she discovered her passion for teaching. After receiving a teaching credential in art from San Diego State University, she has taught a variety of subjects in art at University City High School. In 2003, she opened the Visual Arts & Technology Academy (VATA).

Adsit said, "This award validates our efforts as educators to make art, technology and the creative process an integral part of our students' educational experience, goals and future aspirations."

For more information on VATA, visit http://www.freewebs.com/uchsvata/index.htm.