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For the UCDA 2024 Design Awards, we’ve assembled a panel of judges composed of designers, design educators, photographers, and illustrators. Your work will be peer-reviewed independently in each competition by others who understand the environments in which you create.

Print Judges

Nikki Davis has spent almost a decade honing her craft in print marketing and creative strategy, establishing herself as a master in the field. Her extensive experience spans a diverse range of clients and projects of varying scopes. Nikki's passion for problem-solving serves as her primary motivation each day, driving her to craft award-winning designs and collateral. Outside of her professional pursuits, she cherishes the simple pleasures of life at home with her husband Luke and their beloved animals.

Robert Finkel is an Associate Professor of Graphic Design at Auburn University, where he has taught various courses, including Graphic Design History, Identity Design, Packaging Design, Environmental Signage, and Typography since 2011. His creative work has earned recognition from esteemed institutions such as Communication Arts, PRINT Regional Design Annual, Creative Quarterly, Graphis, GDUSA, and UCDA, and has been featured in several publications. In 2018, Robert was honored by GDUSA as a "Design Educator to Watch." He is also the co-author of the book "The IBM Poster Program: Visual Memoranda," published by Lund Humphries in 2021. Last year, Robert was awarded a design fellowship from the Alabama State Council for the Arts to pursue lettering and type design based on his photography of vernacular signage found within the state. He is a graduate of the Portfolio Center in Atlanta, GA, and holds a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Florida. His career began as an intern at Pentagram with Michael Bierut, followed by a role as a designer at Slaughter Group in Birmingham, AL, specializing in brand identity. 

Cadence 'Cadie' Ramos is an art director specializing in branding and layout. She began on her career in 2010 designing stationery goods for a large arts and crafts retailer. Currently, Cadie leads the creative vision for 405 Magazine, an award-winning lifestyle publication in OKC. Outside of her professional endeavors, Cadie finds joy in all things true crime, solving jigsaw puzzles, and indulging in mid-day naps.

Print Judges

Rex Whisman is the Founder and Chief Strategist of the BrandED Consultants Group, where he spearheads strategy initiatives for PK-12 schools, colleges, and universities across the United States. With a wealth of experience, Rex has served as the former Assistant Vice Chancellor for Communications and Marketing at the University of Denver, Director of Communications and Marketing for the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado Boulder, and President of the Colorado Art Education Association. Recognized as an internationally-renowned thought leader in higher education, Rex has been invited to present at gatherings worldwide, including UCDA conferences. He is a devoted member of UCDA and a staunch advocate for the organization. In addition to his consultancy work, Rex is dedicated to reducing recidivism by assisting inmates in obtaining their GED.

April Name is a graphic designer for Indiana University’s Communications and Marketing team. During her five years with the university, she has worked with both the central marketing team and has served one of the university’s regional campuses as the Creative Services Manager. She is passionate about using her design skills to collaborate with partners throughout the university to shine a light on all the amazing people and transformative work being done at IU. Before working in higher ed, April founded her own creative design studio and worked with small businesses in her area to develop and design their brands and support their marketing needs through strategic and impactful design. She also worked as a designer in various industries including grocery, promotional products, and the hair/beauty industry. April enjoys the strategic side of design and is currently pursuing a graduate certification in design thinking to add to her bachelor’s degree in new media communications from Indiana University.

Miranda Powell is a visual maker, photographer, and graphic designer with 25 years of experience in art and design. Currently serving as the Graphic Designer and Creative Project Manager for University Advancement at UC Santa Cruz, Miranda oversees professional photoshoots, guides creative direction, and manages the campus brand. In addition to her professional pursuits, Miranda finds joy in backpacking, rock climbing, and watercolor painting in her spare time.

Digital Judges

Cody Bryant is a digital strategist in higher education and digital media, driven by a deep passion for visual storytelling. He holds an undergraduate bachelor's degree in fine art photography from Louisiana Tech University, followed by a master's of science in organizational leadership from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Cody's career journey began as a university photographer, laying a solid foundation in visual arts. This experience seamlessly transitioned into a pivotal role in higher education's digital forefront. Currently serving as the Director of Web and Digital Media for Tennessee Tech University, Cody oversees the university’s website, digital signage, and virtual tours and interactive maps. His evolution from photography to a directorial position underscores an active career progression, showcasing his ability to blend creative vision with strategic digital initiatives. Cody's comprehensive approach to digital media management and marketing, highlighted by his expertise in design and visuals, not only enhances the university's digital presence but also sets a benchmark for excellence in the field.

Mark Nystrom spent more than a decade as a professional graphic designer before attending grad school in the mid-2000s to explore ways of using art and design to foster stronger connections between people and nature. Broadly speaking, his work explores visualizations of complex information and includes generative drawings and objects, installations, projections, and screen-based projects. Mark’s work has been shown in Boston, New York, Philadelphia and other cities across the United States. His real time wind drawings—generated with wind data collected at an exhibition site—have been shown at a variety of locations including Asheville, Brooklyn, Greensboro and Salisbury, Maryland. Mark received a BS in Psychology from Virginia Tech and an MFA in Graphic Design from the Rhode Island School of Design where he was a two-time recipient of the Award of Excellence for outstanding work by a graduate student. He is currently a Professor of Graphic Design in the Department of Art at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina.

James Winston began his design journey as a student designer at Arkansas Tech University before transitioning to roles as a digital media producer for Northern Illinois University and TCS Education System. Venturing into the startup world, he has contributed his expertise to companies such as Twisted Road and PatientIQ. Currently, James holds a senior position on the Design Foundations team at DoorDash. Residing in Chicago with his wife Maggie and their newborn son, Cameron, James is deeply immersed in both his professional and personal life.

Illustration Judges

Tina LeMay is a creative director at Clemson University, boasting an impressive 27-year tenure in higher education. Her dedication to her craft and commitment to professional development are evident through her active involvement with UCDA. Tina attended her first UCDA conference in 2004 and is currently an emeritus member. She made significant contributions to the organization, having served two terms on the UCDA Board of Directors, including a term as President in both 2015 and 2019. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Tina was honored with the UCDA Award in 2021. She continues to lend her expertise to the field as a member of the UCDA Foundation Board.

Brian Doc Reed brings over two decades of experience, having worked in various environments, including small agencies, in-house at nonprofits and national corporations, and running his own studio. Based in Charlotte, NC, Doc has collaborated with notable clients such as Github, Engadget, and Verizon. Regardless of the project, Doc specializes in creating bold and vibrant solutions for individuals with a fire in their belly.

John Lee is an artist, illustrator, and educator. Originally from Memphis, TN, John is now based in New York City where he has been a professional illustrator since 2009. John has a diverse range of experience including storyboarding, concept art, advertising, editorial, book, fashion, and web illustration, and excels in animation, live drawing, and reportage. His work has garnered recognition from prestigious institutions such as the Society of Illustrators, Communication Arts, AIGA, and ASME. John holds a BFA from the Kansas City Art Institute and an MFA from SVA’s Illustration as Visual Essay program. He has shared his expertise by teaching illustration at the Memphis College of Art and currently serves as a faculty member at CUNY Queens College.

Photography Judges

Robert Jordan served as the Director of Photography for the University of Mississippi for 33 years. He became fascinated with photography from an early age and especially enjoys problem solving through his imagery. A decorated image maker, he’s amassed over 100 awards for his work. When he’s not enjoying his retirement from higher education photography, he’s working as a freelancer and volunteering with a few animal rescues in the area, photographing adoptable pets.

Asher Swan has over 25 years of professional expertise in portrait, commercial, and advertising photography, making him a seasoned visionary behind the lens. His portfolio boasts appearances in national newspapers and collaborations with esteemed brands and companies. Currently based in Cedar City, Utah, Asher proudly operates Asher Swan Photo/Video, infusing each project with his passion for capturing the essence of his subjects. Serving as the staff photographer for St. George City Lifestyle and the University Photographer at Southern Utah University, Asher infuses each project with a unique perspective. Beyond merely capturing moments, he endeavors to forge enduring connections through his artistry. 

Kat Wilson, a blend of artist and community activator, has dedicated the past twenty years to cultivating a theatrical, participatory, and humanistic creative practice in Northwest Arkansas. She studied photography at the University of Arkansas and has been a featured speaker at TEDx, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, and Modus Studios. Kat's photography and installations have been showcased at prestigious venues such as Format Festival, The Momentary, and The Louvre, among others.

Video Judges

Mary Desmond is a multifaceted creative with over 8 years of experience in creative production. She earned her B.A. in Multimedia Journalism and her M.A.Ed. in Instructional Design and Technology from Virginia Tech, where she gained valuable experience working for Virginia Tech Athletics’ “HokieVision,” ESPN’s ACC Network, and Virginia Tech Student Affairs Communications. In August 2023, Mary joined Costar Group’s Homes.com post-production team. Originally from the rural neighborhood of Middlebrook, Virginia, Mary brings a unique perspective to her creative endeavors.

Sarah Dillion serves as the Social Media Manager for Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, where she specializes in strategic brand storytelling, photography, and video content creation. With over a decade of experience, Sarah excels in creating content and developing communication strategies for nonprofit and government organizations. Sarah holds both an MFA and a BA in filmmaking from the University of Central Arkansas. Beyond her professional endeavors, she is an enthusiastic landscape and nature photographer, regularly contributing photos of native plants on iNaturalist. Sarah's passion for the Santa Monica Mountains shines through, and she is always eager to recommend a trail—or five!

Ben Corda is a seasoned creative and passionate advocate for visual storytelling. His nomadic upbringing has instilled in him a sincere appreciation for cultural diversity and the power of shared experiences. In his role as the Art Director for the University of Houston, Ben brings his creative vision and keen eye for detail to shape the institution's visual identity. With a background as a photojournalist and university photographer, Ben's journey continues with a curious spirit and an eye for the extraordinary in the everyday. He explores, creates, and connects with the world around him by documenting daily life through environmental portraiture, recognizing the power a camera and a smile have to break down social barriers. Residing with his wife Alyson in the vibrant city of Houston, Texas, Ben has a profound love for the eclectic landscapes of the deep South.

Student Judges

Dr. Lynnette Gilbert serves as the Assistant Professor of Art Education at Arkansas Tech University and is the Director of the Windgate Summer Art Launch Program hosted by the Arkansas Tech Department of Art. She earned her Bachelor's in Art from Tougaloo College, followed by a Master's in Art Education from the University of Alabama, Birmingham, and a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Art Education from the University of Houston. With 16 years of teaching experience in secondary art education in Tennessee and Texas, Dr. Gilbert's teaching platform centers on diversity and inclusion in art education.

Professor Jane Milkie earned her MFA in Computer Graphic Design with an additional emphasis in Graphic Design from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in Rochester, New York. For over three decades, she taught Graphic Design courses at Northern Michigan University (NMU). Her freelance commissioned and pro bono print and web design work primarily serves non-profit clientele. As a member of the AIGA Professional Association for Design and the UCDA University College Design Association, Professor Milkie has presented at numerous National Design Education Summits. Prior to her tenure at NMU, she taught graphic design for four years at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. In 2023, Professor Milkie assumed the role of Associate Dean and Director of the School of Art and Design at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan.

Neil Ward serves as an Associate Professor of Graphic Design at Drake University, where he has been a valued member since 2014. Neil is passionate about teaching a variety of design topics, including interactive design (including user experience, HTML and CSS, and app design), human-centered design (including its historical context), design thinking, and foundational design courses. In addition to his role at Drake University, Neil is the principal of Neil O. Ward - Graphic Design since 2006 and the principal of NOW Designs – A mid-century silkscreen print studio since May 2023. Throughout his career, Neil has also worked as a staff designer in marketing agencies, contributing to a wide range of design projects spanning print, publication, identity, silkscreen, and interactive design.