I believe student design competitions are a powerful way to showcase student work, highlight course outcomes, and elevate the reputation of a design program. More importantly, they validate students’ efforts, build confidence, and foster a sense of pride and community.

While at Texas State University, I served as Chair of the Design Competition Committee, where I witnessed firsthand how recognition transformed students, boosting their passion and self-belief. Today, I continue that work at Baylor University as the lead and liaison for design competitions in the Department of Art & Art History, where I teach courses in Identity Design, Packaging, UI/UX, and Digital Imaging.

Design competitions remain one of my favorite aspects of teaching. Thus, there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing students grow through the design process and their student career, while gaining recognition from respected creative leaders. In fact, in just a few years, my students have earned accolades from AIGA, the American Advertising Federation, Communication Arts, GDUSA, Graphis New Talent, LogoLounge, and the National Student Show and Conference.