The Graphic Communications Management Advisory board members are:  sitting L- R, David Pitts, Tracy Books, Jeff Stoudt, Barry Long, Patrick Stout, Jay Sniker; standing L-R, Kelly Webb, Chris Blackburn, Jessica Harrell, Claire Lawrence, Bettylyn Kraftt

The Graphic Communications Management (formerly Graphic Arts & Imaging Technology) Advisory Board met on October 18, 2019 at Katherine Harper Hall at Appalachian State University. The board currently has twelve members and welcomed its newest member, David Pitts, founder and former CEO of Classic Graphics. Pitts recently retired from Classic and was warmly welcomed by the board. Classic Graphics has hired more graduates from the Graphic Communications Management program at Appalachian State than any other company.

Several key transitions and guests were introduced at the meeting. Clair Lawrence stepped down as Chair of the Board after five years of outstanding leadership. She will stay on as a board member fulfilling the role of past chair for a three-year term. Greg Wright of Wright Global Graphics was elected Chair, also for a three-year term. The interim Dean of the College of Fine and Applied Arts, Dr. Janice Pope, was present, along with Dr. Jim Toub, the interim chair of the Department of Art. Both reported on the current status of the college and department and were well-received by the board.

Also attending was Laura Laughridge, the development officer for the College. She provided a report to the Board on the status of the program’s donor funds. She reported that the 11 current funds have a balance of $139,820 and the endowed funds have net assets of almost $2.4 million.

Representing the Graphic Communications Management program were Program Director, Dr. George Glisan, and Professor Mandy Wu. A special presentation was delivered by Dr. Wu, who updated the board on the status of a new course that will be rolled out next fall on Direct Mail Technologies. Board member Tracy Brooks of Salem One volunteered to assist with the implementation of the hardware and software in support of the new course.

~Kay Bishop