UCDA : connecting, inspiring, and supporting a creative community in education
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The following candidates are running for the UCDA Board of Directors for a four-year term, starting January 1, 2020:

Amanda Earnest-Reitmann
Christine Prado
Ryan Sprowl
Felisha Weaver

Current UCDA members may vote for TWO of the following candidates. Voting open through November 15.

Vote online HERE.


AMANDA EARNEST-REITMANN

Web Developer/Designer
Office of Marketing
Wright State University

Years as UCDA member: 15

UCDA experience:
• Chair, UCDA Design Competition (2019)
• Co-chair, UCDA Design Competition (2018)
• Chair, UCDA Design Summit (2016)
• Co-chair, UCDA Design Summit (2015)
• Volunteer, UCDA Design Conference (2008-2015, 2018)
• Co-host, UCDA Workshop (2012)

Describe why you would like to serve on the UCDA Board of Directors
UCDA has been close to my heart for many years, and I want to give back to the organization that has helped me grow as a designer these past years. I can attribute much of my learning and knowledge to the opportunities UCDA offers to me and my fellow colleagues. I want to be able to ensure UCDA continues its mission to inspire designers and focus on how important design is in our world. And in doing so, I want to assist with any latest technological developments that help UCDA be modern in a modern world.

What skills or personal qualities will you bring to this role?
I have worked in higher education marketing and branding, specifically print and web design, for 13+ years. During that time, I have been a lone designer to working with a marketing team in various areas of a university. Because of these various experiences, I would be able to understand people regardless of their job title, working situation, and department. I am one that thrives on efficiency and standards because it sets up people and teams for success. I am known to be an “over-planner” but I feel that is an asset as I am one that can see the big picture, while also work through the small details.

How can UCDA enhance the professional lives of its members or their institutions?
On a personal note, when I started working for higher education, I was the only graphic designer in my college and therefore, felt I was the only one and alone. However, when I attended my first UCDA conference, I felt at home and was inspired by my fellow colleagues and the programming. I am always energized by the members and programming of UCDA personally and professionally. In a way, UCDA can be a support group for designers in all sorts of settings, but it also educates on important matters in design and audiences. Inspiration, education, and support, I believe, are important when it comes to supporting members of UCDA.
 

CHRISTINE PRADO
Senior Art Director
University Relations
Clemson University

Years as UCDA member: 23

UCDA experience:
• UCDA board member (2008-2012)
• UCDA president (2011)
• Chair, UCDA Design Conference (2006, 2008, 2016, 2020)
• Co-chair, UCDA Design Conference (2005, 2007, 2015, 2019)
• Chair, UCDA Design Summit (2014)
• Co-chair, UCDA Design Summit (2013)

Describe why you would like to serve on the UCDA Board of Directors
This organization has been vital in shaping my career as a designer in higher education. As the market in higher education continues to shift and evolve, designers need resources and support available to them to keep them current and relevant in their institutions. I want to help develop this organization to provide that.

What skills or personal qualities will you bring to this role?
I am fortunate to have previous experience with the board and this role, from planning events to writing for Designer to serving as president. Beyond that, I am currently working on my MBA, which gives me a new lens to view the role of design as part of the larger marketing initiatives in higher education.

How can UCDA enhance the professional lives of its members or their institutions?
I am also fortunate to work in an office with other designers. When I go to UCDA events, I find many members that do not. UCDA can provide a network of support and friendship that helps members grow and solve problems. As UCDA’s founder has said, our members are willing to share openly and generously. This is UCDA’s greatest benefit.

RYAN SPROWL
Senior Graphic Designer
Office of Communications
Oberlin College

Years as UCDA member: 6

UCDA experience:
• Attendee, UCDA Design Conference (2014-2017)
• Volunteer, UCDA Design Conference (2014-2016)
• Speaker, UCDA Design Conference (2017)

Describe why you would like to serve on the UCDA Board of Directors
It would be an honor and incredible opportunity to help inform an organization that has provided me with so many valuable experiences and resources over the last five years. As a board member I hope to be a resource for my peers in as many ways as possible. I will strive to provide a safe, intimate space to have the necessary—and often challenging—conversations about our roles in this ever-changing industry.

What skills or personal qualities will you bring to this role?
In addition to my experience working with tight (and often nonexistent) budgets, I plan to bring critical thinking, creative problem solving, proofreading and editing, ideating, and brainstorming skills to this role. I also plan to approach this role and its challenges with attention to detail, a positive attitude, and a sense of humor.

How can UCDA enhance the professional lives of its members or their institutions?
The education industry is rapidly changing and UCDA should be on the forefront of the shifting landscape and the best practices in marketing and design in academia. Above all, UCDA should provide thoughtful, relevant, and engaging programming to encourage the professional development of its members. This will help to create greater value for the members, their institutions, and design overall.
 

FELISHA WEAVER
Director of Publications and Creative Services
MARCOMM
Arkansas Tech University

Years as UCDA member: 6

UCDA experience:
• Attendee, UCDA Design Conference (2013-2018)
• Volunteer, UCDA Design Conference (2015-2018)
• Committee member, UCDA Member Growth and Engagement Committee (2018-2019)

Describe why you would like to serve on the UCDA Board of Directors
Serving on the UCDA Board of Directors would allow me to serve an organization and community that has served me. I joined UCDA six years ago and have attended the annual conference each year. The conference has always energized me and served as a time of creative refreshing. But UCDA is so much more than just the annual conference.

As higher education continues to transition from record enrollment to fighting for a limited prospective pool, marketing departments are being forced to do more with less, prove themselves or outsource their creative work all-together. My university was no exception. Just over three years ago, my centralized office underwent a complete restructuring and became the sole source of all creative work, including prospective campaigns. While this saved our university a significant amount of money, it was a difficult transition but one that brought both professional and personal growth.

I believe my experiences allow me to help other creatives by providing support and encouragement, allowing them to thrive in these challenging times as we must learn to think of ourselves as not just designers, but marketers.

What skills or personal qualities will you bring to this role?
I didn't go to art school. I know that might be faux-paux to say but I actually have a journalism degree with an emphasis in PR. But, I really wanted to be a graphic designer. I spent 4 years as a newspaper editor and paginator before I switched to higher education where I had the freedom and support to cultivate my skills as a designer. I've been in higher ed for 13 years now, and I believe the grit and determination it took for me to learn my craft without a traditional education provides me with a unique perspective that can benefit UCDA. Because of my Journalism/IPR background, I have a keen awareness of how form and function can work together for great, effective design. I am also goal-oriented and driven to accomplish tasks and meet deadlines, (it's the journalist in me!) and, I am a person of integrity.

How can UCDA enhance the professional lives of its members or their institutions?
UCDA is a great network for new opportunities and for professional relationships that can be mutually beneficial for both the professionals and the institution. Not only does UCDA provide support, creative inspiration, and best practices for its members, the workshops, summits, and annual conference allow members a time and space to grow and recharge, which benefits both the member and their institution.