Chair of Digital Media
My time at the International Academy of Design and Technology in Detroit was an incredibly rewarding experience. Pursuing a career in education offered both challenges and immense fulfillment, especially through the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from a diverse group of talented and creative individuals. I had the privilege of teaching graphic design courses while also taking on the exciting responsibility of starting and leading a department as the Program Chair of Digital Media. This role allowed me to guide students and contribute to shaping a vibrant and innovative academic program.
As the Program Chair of the Digital Media Production department, I also taught courses in web design, interactive media, video production, and more. Leading the fastest-growing department at the college required dedication and continuous learning to keep pace with an ever-evolving field.
In my role, I was responsible for designing and implementing instructional courses and techniques, managing instructors, and forecasting and overseeing the yearly budget. I made it a priority to engage with students through a variety of digital mediums and to discover innovative ways to inspire and connect with both students and staff. This combination of teaching, leadership, and creativity made the experience truly unforgettable.
Working Together
Managing education within a vibrant and creative design culture was both rewarding and dynamic. As I led the Digital Media Production department, I frequently collaborated with other departments, such as Fashion Design, Interior Design, Merchandising, and Game Design. These partnerships often led to organizing conferences and events, providing students with opportunities to showcase their talents. Additionally, these events helped students gain valuable knowledge and hands-on experience. By working closely across departments, the process became even more engaging and inspiring for everyone involved.
I organized and facilitated numerous projects and events where students collaborated on ventures aligned with their crafts and career aspirations. These included a variety of collaborative conferences and events featuring industry speakers and hands-on learning opportunities. One notable partnership was with the Fashion Design department, where we provided media production support for their large-scale Imagine Fashion Show, held at venues like the Masonic Temple and Fox Theater in Detroit. Students played an active role in filming, photographing, and working on post-production for these events, gaining valuable real-world experience in the process.
Detroit Digital Movement Club
While at IADT, I founded a club called the Detroit Digital Movement, which brought together passionate students eager to learn and collaborate on projects beyond their regular coursework. The club opened up unique opportunities, such as filming concerts, fashion shows, MMA fights, and more, giving students hands-on experience to further develop their skills.
We also created a supportive environment for knowledge sharing, where members taught each other practical skills like PC repairs, flashing computers with different operating systems, exploring new coding techniques, and discovering software tips and tricks. The Detroit Digital Movement became a hub for creativity, collaboration, and growth.
Joy of Working with Creatives
What I miss most about this role is the students and the incredibly creative environment. Managing a department of over 200 students and a dozen instructors came with its challenges, but it was also an immensely rewarding experience. It was during this time that I truly grew in my ability to empathize with individuals and understand their struggles.
My students were a constant source of inspiration, always pushing me to learn more and expand my own creativity. Their passion and dedication made this role a deeply fulfilling chapter in my career.
Always Pushing to Improve
During my final year as Program Chair, I started a daily blog and email series for the students, aiming to share insights and teach something new about the world of Digital Media. I created this initiative to address the diverse experience levels among students—some felt overwhelmed, while others found the pace too slow.
The blog, called ‘The WORD,’ provided students with the opportunity to explore new technologies and ideas at their own pace. Many students expressed their appreciation for this extra effort, as it offered valuable, relevant information and helped bridge the gap in their learning experiences. It was incredibly rewarding to see how this small step made a meaningful impact on their growth and understanding.
