UCDA : connecting, inspiring, and supporting a creative community in education

UCDA Creative Summit

Apr 16 - Apr 19, 2024 Apr 22 - Apr 26, 2024 Apr 29 - Apr 30, 2024

Live Virtual Event



Inspiration can fuel your imagination, spark the next big idea, or be the catalyst to respond to change. But for that to happen, we need to allow ourselves the time to discover, create, and connect. The UCDA Creative Summit—spanning two invigorating days (mid-day hours)—will provide you that creative outlet.

Engage virtually in an intimate setting with design professionals across North America. These illustrators, photographers, designers, and creative thinkers will be sharing their work and stories, with a hands-on creative exercise. Roll up your sleeves and come prepared to learn, share, and grow your creative potential. You’ll walk away with a unique keepsake, new ideas, and a tight-knit community to support you along the way! 

TOP REASONS TO ATTEND THIS SUMMIT

Education—Carefully curated sessions from five speakers over two days to help you engage and spark your creativity.

Community—UCDA: Creating community for creative professionals in education. Connect with the folks who do what you do so you can charge your creative battery.

Affordable—Without the need for travel or lodging, the UCDA Creative Summit is very affordable—plus, There is the option to include session recordings! Both members and non-members are invited to attend.

Maya Angelou Quote Edward De Bono Quote Past Attendee Quote 

AGENDA

All times are in North America Central Standard Time (CDT). We start mid-morning at 10 AM CDT (we have found this is the best overall time to allow different time zones to join us). Given this start time, we have only scheduled short breaks (no long lunch break), so plan to have water, coffee, and snacks on hand.

Live Event: Tuesday, April 16: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. (CDT)
Live Event: Wednesday, April 17: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. (CDT)

SESSIONS

More Information on Speakers and Presenters

TUESDAY, APRIL 16

10 AM -11 AM
Welcome 
Keynote Presentation
by Nathan Monk

11 AM - 11:30 PM
Break and Conversation

11:30 AM - 12 PM
20x20 Presentations
Mikeala Skelton
Anna McBrayer


12 PM -1 PM
Workshop
by Kelcey Gray

1 PM - 1:15 PM
Wrap-up Discussion

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17

10 AM -11 AM
Welcome
Keynote Presentation
by Chanelle Smith-Walker

11 AM - 11:30 PM
Break and Conversation

11:30 AM - 12 PM
20x20 Presentations
Veronica Burgess
Liz Lord


12 PM -1 PM
Keynote Presentation
by Elias Martinez and
Kelly King-Green

1 PM - 1:15 PM
Wrap-up Discussion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REGISTRATION

Registration Deadline: April 12 

SUMMIT PASS
(all prices in USD)
Live Event ONLY Digital Recording ONLY Live Event and Digital Recording
Regular Early Bird (by March 18) Regular Early Bird (by March 18) Regular Early Bird (by March 18)
UCDA Member 
Join UCDA Now
$147 $97 $147 $97 $197 $147
Non-member $297 $247 $297 $247 $397 $347
Student $147 $97 $147 $97 $197 $147

Digital recording available for a period of not more than one year.
See UCDA’s Cancellation Policy
See UCDA’s Inclusiveness, Code of Conduct, and Anti-harassment Policy.


Featured Speakers

Nathan Monk
Nathan Monk
Keynote: The Future of the Viewbook The viewbook is a stalwart part of university and college student recruitment cycles. However, as the needs and expectations of students have changed, so too have these documents. In this presentation and discussion, Nathan Monk will explore the history of this promotional publication, showcase emerging …

Keynote: The Future of the Viewbook


The viewbook is a stalwart part of university and college student recruitment cycles. However, as the needs and expectations of students have changed, so too have these documents. In this presentation and discussion, Nathan Monk will explore the history of this promotional publication, showcase emerging trends, and explore future possibilities for university viewbooks. While the world has shifted to digital-first everything, prospectuses have stubbornly stayed the same. Is the viewbook still relevant, or is it time for change?


Nathan Monk is the co-founder of Prospectus+, a firm that produces digital alternatives and compliments to the traditional printed university viewbook. His expertise has included designing high-profile websites with complex system integrations including HEIST award-winning projects. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Monk is the host of the Most Clicked podcast, where he discusses trending topics in higher education digital marketing. As a frequent speaker at national and international conferences, he enjoys sharing his insights on digital innovation, transformation, and strategy.


 




Full Description

Chanelle Smith-Walker
Chanelle Smith-Walker
Keynote: Navigating the Creative Space: Building Your Brand as a Young Creative As a creative professional with more than 10 years of expertise in various and numerous design and design-adjacent roles, Chanelle Smith-Walker knows what it means to build a professional brand for oneself in the creative space. She will share …

Keynote: Navigating the Creative Space: Building Your Brand as a Young Creative


As a creative professional with more than 10 years of expertise in various and numerous design and design-adjacent roles, Chanelle Smith-Walker knows what it means to build a professional brand for oneself in the creative space. She will share her journey and experience with us in this insightful, inspirational, and candid presentation. 


Chanelle Smith-Walker currently holds the position of team photographer for the Carolina Panthers, making her the second black female team photographer in NFL history. Chanelle has played a pivotal role in leading the Carolina Panthers' digital team through significant projects, including the Representation Matters: Celebrating Black Culture Initiative, the 2022 and 2023 schedule release campaigns, and the Hall of Honor campaign. 


Previously, Chanelle made history as the first black creative director in the SEC while serving as the Creative Director for University of Tennessee football. She was also part of the design team for the 2021 College Football National Championship, establishing herself as a member of the first female design duo and the first black designer for the CFB Playoffs.


Chanelle's career trajectory includes roles such as Director of Creative Media for NC State Football and Associate Director of Graphic Design for the Baylor Bears. She began her journey in the field as a graduate assistant for the athletics creative department at Southern Miss, eventually becoming the Director of Digital Media and Creative Services.

Full Description

Kelcey Gray
Kelcey Gray
Workshop: Making Letterforms with Kelcey Gray Experiment, Practice, Play, and Explore. In this session, graphic designer Kelcey Gray will guide you through a series of introductory and experimental exercises to flex your typographic muscles. Bring your preferred pen, pencil, and paper, and prepare for some lettering goodness. Kelcey Gray is an …

Workshop: Making Letterforms with Kelcey Gray


Experiment, Practice, Play, and Explore. In this session, graphic designer Kelcey Gray will guide you through a series of introductory and experimental exercises to flex your typographic muscles. Bring your preferred pen, pencil, and paper, and prepare for some lettering goodness.


Kelcey Gray is an Austin, Texas–based designer who spends her time working with words and exploring the possibilities of typography and lettering. She is the author of Let’s Make Letters! and currently teaches design and typography at the School of Design and Creative Technologies at the University of Texas at Austin. Kelcey received her MFA in Graphic Design at the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore. Throughout her career, she has won several industry awards and been featured in publications like Fast Company, Communication Arts, Under Consideration, Gestalten Books, and Type on Screen edited by Ellen Lupton. She has exhibited her work both nationally and internationally, notably at the 2017 London Design Festival. She was once told she was "energetic, but not in that annoying way" by someone who clearly meant well but was not very good at giving compliments. 

Full Description

Elias Martinez with Kelly King-Green
Elias Martinez with Kelly King-Green
Keynote: Building a Next Generation Brand The New York Times calls Texas "the Future of America" because experts predict the massive demographic shifts it's experiencing will occur nationwide, creating a more diverse America. In the 2020 census, Texas added 4 million new residents, 95% of whom were people of color. …

Keynote: Building a Next Generation Brand


The New York Times calls Texas "the Future of America" because experts predict the massive demographic shifts it's experiencing will occur nationwide, creating a more diverse America. In the 2020 census, Texas added 4 million new residents, 95% of whom were people of color. Many will be first-generation college students. Texas State University has also transformed with student demographics that mirror the state. This seachange created an exciting opportunity for TXST to revitalize its brand and meet the next generation of Texans. In this session, members of the TXST team will share their strategies and learnings while leading the university's first rebranding effort in more than 17 years. 


Elias Martinez serves as AVP for Marketing at TXST, leading the AMA's 2022 Higher Education Marketing Team of the Year. While at TXST, his team has been recognized by the CASE Circle of Excellence and the Webby's Anthem Awards, which honor the best purpose- and mission-driven work. Before joining TXST, he served as AVP for Brand Strategy at Colorado State University, where he led brand marketing. The UCDA awarded his group at CSU "Best In-House Team" in 2016. Before moving into higher education, Elias helped solve business problems for Nike, Google, General Mills, Cheerios, Betty Crocker, Wheaties, Purina, and Nordstrom at Zeus Jones, a digital marketing and branding firm. His work has been featured on Good Morning America, NPR, ESPN, Esquire, Sports Illustrated, Fast Company, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, Ad Age, Communications Arts, and the front page of Reddit.

Full Description

Kelly King-Green with Elias Martinez
Kelly King-Green with Elias Martinez
Keynote: Building a Next Generation Brand The New York Times calls Texas "the Future of America" because experts predict the massive demographic shifts it's experiencing will occur nationwide, creating a more diverse America. In the 2020 census, Texas added 4 million new residents, 95% of whom were people of color. …

Keynote: Building a Next Generation Brand


The New York Times calls Texas "the Future of America" because experts predict the massive demographic shifts it's experiencing will occur nationwide, creating a more diverse America. In the 2020 census, Texas added 4 million new residents, 95% of whom were people of color. Many will be first-generation college students. Texas State University has also transformed with student demographics that mirror the state. This seachange created an exciting opportunity for TXST to revitalize its brand and meet the next generation of Texans. In this session, members of the TXST team will share their strategies and learnings while leading the university's first rebranding effort in more than 17 years. 


Kelly King-Green is a creative director with more than 22 years of experience in integrated brand marketing, and 11 years focused within higher education. She has a strong mix of creative and operations experience, and currently leads a team that produces strategic, high-impact brand content for Texas State University. Kelly has a deep understanding of the creative process and how to craft powerful stories that engage and motivate audiences. She lives and works in beautiful San Marcos, Texas.

Full Description

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Date and Time

Tue, Apr 16 - Fri, Apr 19, 2024 and Mon, Apr 22 - Fri, Apr 26, 2024 and Mon, Apr 29 - Tue, Apr 30, 2024


Location

Live Virtual Event



A Zoom link will be sent to all registered attendees one day before the event. 

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