The graphic design emphasis trains students in the principles and theories of art and visual communication, with an emphasis on digital media but with courses in traditional media as well. The major trains students to think creatively and critically, and provides them with the tools necessary for success.

Career Opportunities

  • Art director
  • Creative director
  • Graphic designer
  • Web designer
  • Multimedia Artist/Animator
  • Digital content creator

What to Expect

Hub/Support/Tutoring

Academic assistance is available for all students through Lee’s support services. Tutoring for specialized major classes may be requested.

Travel/Global Trips

 

  • Studio Art semester abroad in France at Atelier Neo Medici in Monflanquin.
  • Art and Humanities Trip to Italy

 

Club/Social

  • Art Club (C.I.V.A.)

Awards/Honors

Each discipline awards one outstanding graduate prior to spring commencement. The entire department gives an honors award to the department’s most outstanding graduate.

Service

Service learning is embedded in several courses. Art students have many service opportunities in graphic design, teaching art lessons, painting murals, and creating portraits for people in underserved communities.

Capstone

Capstone courses offer students the opportunity to integrate their major with the university’s religion courses and shared core values of ethical action, redemptive service and responsible citizenship. These courses consider how faith relates to their anticipated professions, providing a bridge between academic studies and life beyond graduation. Art and Theatre each have their own capstone course.

Home/Location

The physical heart of the department is the Communication Arts Building. Constructed in 2014, this building houses unique spaces for all major programs. Art majors take graphic design classes in the design computer lab. Graphic Design majors take classes in this building's design computer lab and in the Mayfield Annex art studios and classrooms.

Internships/Practicum

  • Painting, sculpture, and design work with local artists and design firms.
  • Austin Hatcher Foundation
  • Church of God World Missions

Research/Competition

Art and Graphic Design students are encouraged to enter local, regional, and national art competitions.

Arts/Performance

The Art Gallery in Squires Library features student, faculty, and guest artist exhibitions including senior showcases for graduating art majors.

Want a Scholarship?

Lee University offers a wide variety of scholarships for all our schools and programs.

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The studio art emphasis is designed to train students in the principles and theories of art and visual communication, focusing on methods of creation in traditional media but with some courses in digital media as well. The major trains students to think creatively and critically and provides them with the tools necessary for success.

A Bachelor of Science in Art Education will prepare students for teaching art professionally at the K-12 level and is designed to train students in the principles and theories of art and visual communication, as well methods of creation in traditional media and digital media.

Career Opportunities

  • Art director
  • Creative director
  • Artist
  • K-12 Art Teacher

What to Expect

Hub/Support/Tutoring

Academic assistance is available for all students through Lee’s support services. Tutoring for specialized major classes may be requested.

Travel/Global Trips

 

  • Studio Art semester abroad in France at Atelier Neo Medici in Monflanquin.
  • Art and Humanities Trip to Italy

 

Club/Social

  • Art Club (C.I.V.A.)

Awards/Honors

Each discipline awards one outstanding graduate prior to spring commencement. The entire department gives an honors award to the department’s most outstanding graduate.

Service

Art students have many service opportunities, such as teaching art lessons, painting murals, and creating portraits for people in underserved communities.

Capstone

Capstone courses offer students the opportunity to integrate their major with the university’s religion courses and shared core values of ethical action, redemptive service and responsible citizenship. These courses consider how faith relates to their anticipated professions, providing a bridge between academic studies and life beyond graduation. Art and Theatre each have their own capstone course.

Home/Location

While the physical heart of the department is the Communication Arts Building, studio art majors spend most of their time in the Mayfield Annex art studios and classrooms.

Internships/Practicum

  • Painting, sculpture, and design work with local artists and design firms.
  • Austin Hatcher Foundation
  • Church of God World Missions

Research/Competition

Art and Graphic Design students are encouraged to enter local, regional, and national art competitions.

Arts/Performance

The Art Gallery in Squires Library features student, faculty, and guest artist exhibitions including senior showcases for graduating art majors.

Want a Scholarship?

Lee University offers a wide variety of scholarships for all our schools and programs.

Explore The Campus Through
Our Interactive 3D Map

The talented and dedicated faculty of the Communication Arts Department at Lee University equip students to become future leaders, successful storytellers, and spiritual influencers in their fields. Committed to excellence in both scholarship and mentorship, our inspiring professors provide hands-on training, foster creativity, and instill a deep sense of purpose in every student. With a strong foundation in faith and professional expertise, they prepare graduates to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

Annamarie-Brendel

Anna Marie Brendel, MFA

Assistant Professor of Theatre
Communication Arts | Location: CAB 210G
Phone: (423) 614-8226
Email
Mary Dukes

Mary Dukes, MA

Senior Lecturer in Digital Media
Specialty: Broadcast Media, Sports & Communication, Media Production
Communication Arts | Location: CAB 112E
Phone: (423) 614-8225
Email
Matthew Fisher

Matthew Fisher, MFA

Professor of Cinema
Specialty: Film, Writing and Directing, Theory and Criticism
Communication Arts | Location: CAB 210F
Phone: (423) 614-6064
Email
Jordan Holt

Jordan Holt, MFA

Associate Professor of Graphic Design
Specialty: Graphic Design, Art and Culture
Communication Arts | Location: CAB 210E
Phone: (423) 473-1162
Email
Kimberly Lyon

Kimberly Lyon, MA

Associate Lecturer in Journalism
Specialty: Journalism, Student Newspaper
Communication Arts | Location: CAB 112F
Phone: (423) 473-1164
Email
Mary Mathias-Dickerson

Mary Mathias-Dickerson, MFA

Associate Professor of Art
Specialty: Studio Art, Drawing and Painting
Communication Arts | Location: MAY 115
Phone: (423) 614-8692
Email
Brian Mattson

Brian Mattson, PhD

Assistant Professor of Communication
Specialty: Rhetoric, Social/Digital Media and Religion
Communication Arts | Location: CAB 112G
Phone: (423) 614-8494
Email
Megan Moe

Megan Moe, PhD

Professor of Communication
Specialty: Communication, Advertising
Communication Arts | Location: CAB 112D
Phone: (423) 614-8171
Email
Andrea Phillips

Andrea Phillips, PhD

Associate Professor of Public Relations
Specialty: Public Relations, Campaigns, Strategy
Communication Arts | Location: CAB 112C
Phone: (423) 473-3781
Email
Victoria Phillips Headshot

Victoria Phillips, MFA

Visiting Assistant Professor of Art
Communication Arts | Location: MAY114
Phone: (423) 614-423-8690
Email
Lee Waller

Lee Waller, MA

Associate Lecturer of Cinema
Communication Arts | Location: CAB 210C
Phone: (423) 614-8618
Email
Christine Williams

Christine Williams, PhD

Chair for the Department of Communication Arts / Professor of Theatre
Specialty: Acting & Directing, Theatre, Literature, Criticism & History
Communication Arts | Location: CAB 210D
Phone: (423) 614-8227
Email

A focus on messages and their meanings unites the many disciplines of the Communication Arts department. Communication Studies investigates verbal and nonverbal messages to help students improve their abilities. Public Relations, Journalism and Advertising develop the professional communication skills needed to succeed in the business and nonprofit worlds. Art, Cinema and Theatre develop student understanding of and capacity for creative visual communication. Digital Media Studies prepare students for careers in broadcasting and media content creation.

Look Inside

Take a quick tour of the Communication Arts Building; home to our faculty and students in this department.
Communication Arts

Joshua Rice

In high school, Joshua Rice attended Lee’s music camp and later observed some digital media classes while on campus. “I’d already decided I wanted to attend Lee at that point, but that sealed the deal.” Joshua now majors in digital media with an emphasis on studio production. He is involved in Lee’s music and worship club and serves as a lab instructor in a camera class. Outside of Lee, Joshua likes to help with the digital media at his church. He plans to remain in the Chattanooga area after graduation and work at a local news station but is also considering studying meteorology.