Steve Skaggs research in graphic design theory and visual semiotics explores ways in which verbal and visual meanings intersect. His work over twenty-five years in providing a semiotic theory for graphic design has resulted in the book FireSigns from MIT Press which appeared in 2017.

Professor Skaggs also designs fonts for specialized purposes. Rieven, a postmodern romanized uncial with italics, received a major international award, the TDC2 Certificate of Typographic Excellence in Typeface Design, in 2010. Maxular Rx (2017) is the first font designed specifically for people who suffer from macular degeneration.

Roberts brings over fifteen years of experience in product development bringing digital and hardware products to life and acting as a catalyst for teams adopting new methodologies and products navigating uncharted waters.

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In her teaching, she leads students in an investigation of the design process within the context of designing for human interaction, focusing on advanced problems in designing for screen within the context of user experience, user interface, and interaction through screens, movement, and a variety of dynamic graphic displays exploring story mapping and narrative as vehicles.

Gilmore is a hybrid designer, advertising and marketing professional with a strong background in the brand strategy, design and implementation of retail and consumer packaged goods innovations and initiatives.

Throughout his career, he has worked with a variety of clients including: Procter & Gamble, GE Appliances, Kraft, Yum! Brands, Darden, PepsiCo, Mead, Smucker's, Lowe’s, Tyson, Heinz, AT&T, Valvoline, Pfizer, and Wendy's. He is committed to lifelong learning through intellectual, creative and personal growth—striving to inspire the next generation of creatives through his work as an adjunct faculty member.

Friesen brings more than 30 years experience as a professional graphic designe to this "professor of practice" position. In addition to a full-time teaching responsibilities, the Designer-in-Residence  serves as a liaison with the professional community, coordinating internships, organizing the annual Portfolio Day, and maintaining connections with alumni and donors.

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Prior to joining the faculty in 2002, Friesen headed the Creative Services Group for a major public relations firm. During her 17 years there she worked projects from publication design (annual reports, newsletters, brochures), to internal communications, to logo design. She is maintains her design practice through Point A Consulting, and is the Art Director for Edible Kentucky & Southern Indiana magazine.

Brad Howard has been a graphic designer, photographer, and illustrator for over 15 years. He has designed for regional companies such as Norton’s Children’s Hospital, Louisville Zoo, Kindred Healthcare, Metro United Way, and national companies including Yum, Inc., Brown and Williamson, General Electric, and Lexmark. Brad has his Bachelor of Fine Arts with a minor in Advertising/Communications from the University of Louisville.

A graduate of the University of Cincinnati's DAAP (Design, Art, Architecture, and Planning) program, Squires works as an independent creative specializing in publication design, brand development, and product design from initial strategic planning through production. Squires brings a variety of agency and publication design experience to her teaching.

Although Meena Khalili now teaches at the University of South Carolina, she worked with the class of 2021. We would like to acknowledge her impact and mentorship with this year's graduating class, including provide a guest lecture to our Portfolio students..

Khalili is a native of Washington, D.C. Her work crosses boundaries between traditional design and studio art practices. Meena’s research explores typography and Persian calligraphy through multimodal media, and focuses on design, illustration, and book art. She is inspired by geography, impermanence, and her experiences as a first generation Iranian-American. Meena runs her design practice at meenakhalili.com