It’s time to say goodbye, but I think goodbyes are sad and I’d much rather say hello. Hello to a new adventure!
Ernie Harwell • american sports comentator
In late 2017, the Communication Design program at Texas State University was searching for a practitioner designer to teach Trademark Design and Branding Systems. Although teaching was not on my bucket list, God had other plans. I met all the qualifications. I knew the program and faculty well, earning my BFA and MFA in Communication Design degrees from Texas State University. Despite my reservations, a chance conversation on LinkedIn with an old friend changed my life forever.
On a chilly November morning, I began my teaching career with a stomachache and sweating hands. However, after just two courses in Branding Systems and one in Trademark Design, I fell in love with teaching graphic design.
From Fall 2018 to Spring 2023, I taught 39 sections of five courses, such as Trademark Design, Branding Systems, Environmental Graphic Design, Special Problems, and Senior Portfolio, interacting with over 360 students and 120+ graduating seniors. Additionally, there were countless laughs with my colleagues and mentors.
Beyond my work in the classroom, I also served on the Communication Design Competition Committee, witnessing firsthand the transformative power of design competitions in building student confidence and school pride. Witnessing an exponential increase in student participation in design competitions was fun, but seeing young minds experience a complete transformation after winning was a blessing.
When I was a student, my mentors went the extra mile to ensure our success. They organized weekend workshops to prepare us for design competitions. I revived this tradition with the help of a couple of colleagues, allowing students to refine their projects and succeed in design competitions. But in addition to setting them up for success—these workshops fostered a strong bond between faculty and students. It was so gratifying to provide such an invaluable opportunity to our students. But, of course, we also ensured there was always plenty of food and sugar. Like magic, the students believed in their true potential after receiving such awards and influenced others to participate. So, yes, design competitions are my happy place.
In the past five years, Texas State ComDes students accumulated 887 adjudications in several international, national, and regional design competitions such as American Advertising Federation, AIGA Flux, CMYK Magazine, Communication Arts, GDUSA, Graphis New Talent Annual, How Magazine, Information is beautiful, LogoLounge, NSAC–10th District, Salute, and SXSW Innovation Lab. Moreover, 500 adjudications were under my direct tutoring.
As this semester ends, I cannot help but feel a bittersweet sense of farewell to my graduating students. This semester, in particular, has been challenging as I reflect on my Lecturer appointment at Texas State University. Saying goodbye to my students, colleagues, and mentors this time was by far more difficult. Still, the most challenging part was knowing I would jump into the San Marcos River for the last time with my ComDes graduating class, a strong tradition at Texas State. Sadly, after four and a half years, the Spring of 2023 marks the end of my appointment as a Lecturer in Communication Design at Texas State University.
The past five years have been filled with countless new experiences and opportunities for personal and professional growth. I am immensely grateful to Texas State University for providing me and my family with these opportunities. As an educator, I have had the privilege of shaping and guiding the minds of many young and talented individuals. My interactions with these students have been some of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Thus, each one holds a special place in my heart, and I am proud to have played a small role in their personal and academic development. Thank you!
As the Beatles song plays on the duality of words, every goodbye is an opportunity to say hello, hello to new adventures. And so I say farewell to all my TXST students, mentors, and friends with a heavy heart as we embark on new journeys. I will forever treasure all the memories I have made with y’all.
So long bfa com des, I love you!
As most of you know, I will begin a new tenure-track position as an Assistant Professor of Graphic Design at Baylor University in the Fall of 2023. Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research I (R-I) Institution, the highest ranking awarded by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education [no pressure, right?]. This incredible teaching opportunity will allow me to continue my passion for higher education while expanding my scholarly work.
So again, thank you for following my journey. I’m thrilled to continue sharing my passions for teaching and design.
Students are the reason we get out of bed in the morning.
Holly Sterling • Professor and Art Director
