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The following candidates are running for the UCDA Board of Directors for a four-year term, starting January 1, 2016:
Dale Cochran
Karl Lawrence
Kirsten Ruby
Dave Yakley

Please vote for TWO of the following candidates (biographies and candidate statements may be found below or downloaded here).

Voting open through November 3

Ballots may downloaded here and faxed to:
615-459-5229

Or mailed to:
UCDA Home Office
199 Enon Springs Rd. West
Suite 400
Smyrna, TN
37167

Or emailed to:
info@ucda.com


Dale Cochran
Assistant Creative Director of Digital and Design Services
Clemson University

Years as UCDA member: 17

UCDA experience:
+ Attended first UCDA Design Conference in 1984
+ Attended seven of the last nine UCDA Design Conferences
+ Presented at the UCDA Design Summit and UCDA Design Conferences
+ Volunteered at the UCDA Design Conferences

Describe why you would like to serve on the UCDA Board of Directors
Like so many others have stated throughout the years, UCDA is a great organization. Since my first UCDA Design Conference in Boston in 1984, I have been the beneficiary of the efforts and dedication of so many that have served UCDA. Over the years I have had the opportunity to volunteer in many facets; introducing speakers, helping setup and breakdown, leading discussions and reviews, presenting at a design summit and conference workshop. I want to continue to give back and would be honored to do that by serving on the board.

What skills or personal qualities will you bring to this role?
I have a unique mix of skills and experience as a creative director, designer, illustrator, artist and instructor with over 35 years of experience. For more than 30 years of my career I have held a managerial position in both higher ed and corporate environments. I started in-house design teams for two companies. I have a historical understanding of the UCDA organization and my institution has a long history of support and leadership with UCDA that I feel will be beneficial in a board member role. I feel my mix of 17+ years in higher ed and 18+ years in corporate and publication fields will bring unique perspective to the UCDA table. It is important to me that designers stay relevant in this ever changing digital world and I believe that UCDA can help do that through it's service and programming to the design profession.

How can UCDA enhance the professional lives of its members or their institutions?
I believe UCDA is doing that now through it's conference and summit programming. UCDA must continue to hold high standards of design and push designers to stay relevant as technology pushes the boundaries of message delivery. The conferences bring together a greater creative body to share, network and socialize with peers. In return we go back to our institutions with new ideas and a renewed creative spirit that garners unique solutions.


Karl Lawrence
Owner/Principal
Karl Lawrence Design

Years as UCDA member: 8

UCDA experience:
+ Attended seven of the last eight UCDA Design Conferences
+ Volunteered at six of them
+ 2012 Volunteer Coordinator
+ 2013 UCDA Design Conference Chair
+ Currently serving on the UCDA Membership and Engagement Committee

Describe why you would like to serve on the UCDA Board of Directors
I want to give back to the community that is UCDA. Over the years, UCDA has been a valuable resource for me--a source of inspiration and support. I want to take this opportunity to further develop that resource and expand my part in it.

What skills or personal qualities will you bring to this role?
I am an energetic, creative artist with a lot of enthusiasm and tenacity. I have a strong love of design and the creative process. I honestly wouldn't want to be in any other profession. I would bring all of these skills and qualities to this role along with my experiences, which have helped me become the designer and advocate I am today.

How can UCDA enhance the professional lives of its members or their institutions?
By continuing the commitment of UCDA to elevate the profession of design in the eyes of universities and colleges as well as their constituents by being a network to share resources, ideas, and inspiration. By increasing the visibility of UCDA we can grow our membership and awareness of the profession to help educate our colleagues on the value of our profession and the importance of a visual communications strategy. Design should never be an afterthought.


Kirsten Ruby
Associate Director of Housing for Communication and Marketing
University of Illinois

Years as UCDA member: 13

UCDA experience:
+ Editor of UCDA's Designer magazine for 13 years, and have served as chair of the magazine's Advisory Board
+ Attendees every UCDA Design Conference since 2002
+ Presented at the UCDA Design Conference

Describe why you would like to serve on the UCDA Board of Directors
When clear, effective writing meets beautiful, creative design, something magical happens. That magic informs, directs, comforts, leads, and delights people in all aspects of their lives. And UCDA supports that magic, inspiring the people who make it happen. I am proud to have been part of telling UCDA's story for more than a dozen years, and now I would love a chance to help shape and guide UCDA's future in a leadership position.

What skills or personal qualities will you bring to this role?
I am passionate about creativity, leadership, and inspiring others to do their best work. As a coach and mentor of creative staff, I honor the varied work styles and strengths of many diverse individuals. As a member of the UCDA Board of Directors, I will bring that passion for creativity, coupled with strong leadership and fiscal skills, to help ensure our association stays strong for future generations of creative individuals in higher education.

How can UCDA enhance the professional lives of its members or their institutions?
When we are faced with an impossible deadline, or a client who doesn't know what she wants until she sees what she doesn't want, it can be easy to throw in the towel and just crank out that poster or brochure. UCDA is that tiny voice that chimes in with our creative consciences, and remind us that good design still matters. What we do matters. UCDA can provide in-person and online resources that help us keep perspective. Most importantly, UCDA connects us with others who care just as much as we do about what we do, providing a safety net of creativity when we feel all on our own.


Dave Yakley
Director of Design
Malone University

Years as UCDA member: 13

UCDA experience:
+ Currently serving a term of the UCDA Board of Directors
+ Serving as 2015 UCDA Design Conference Chair and served as co-chair in 2014
+ Attended 11 of the last 13 UCDA Design Conferences
+ Volunteered at many conferences and served on board committees

Describe why you would like to serve on the UCDA Board of Directors
UCDA has been a valuable asset for me in many ways. I have greatly benefited from participating on the listserve and the numerous programs I have attended. I appreciate the knowledge and inspiration I've gained and treasure the friendships I've made from my involvement in UCDA. The thought of continuing my active role in the future planning and direction of the organization is very appealing. It would be a great opportunity to work with and learn from the other board members.

What skills or personal qualities will you bring to this role?
For this kind of volunteer role, one of the most important qualities is being responsible. In my experience, events and projects always go much better when every member does what he/she commits to. I've found that I enjoy coordinating and doing behind-the scenes-work other than design, such as organizing an Addy competition for my local ad club. I would bring the perspective of a designer at a small private Christian university.

How can UCDA enhance the professional lives of its members or their institutions?
UCDA will continue to accomplish this by maintaining its high level of dedication to the valuable services it offers. I can't overemphasize the impact the UCDA Design Conferences and UCDA Design Summits have. Continuing to offer opportunities for members to interact with each other on a personal level is important. I have learned a lot from and been inspired by the people I've met. It would be great to see even more regional activities that stretch into new areas, encouraging even more participation in the organization.