Professor Jamie Runnells, from Frisco, CO, is a Professor of Graphic Design and the MFA Coordinator in the Art and Design Department. Runnells graduated with her BA in Fine Arts from Augusta State University before earning her MDes in Graphic Design at Edinburgh College of Art in Scotland.

Runnells is teaching Advanced Typography, Graduate Typographic Studio, Graphic Design 3, and MFA Thesis this semester, which marks her eighth year at JSU. She says she cannot name one course as her favorite, as she loves certain things about each class. “Working with MFA Thesis students, for example, is great because the students are very knowledgeable at that point in their studies, and I am really just a sounding board as they create very interesting and thoughtful thesis projects,” Runnells explained. “But working with undergraduates in Graphic Design 3 is rewarding as well because they are still mastering software and design concepts, and I get to help shape their knowledge and understanding of the discipline.” 

The creative process is Runnells’ favorite part of her job, as she says her students’ artistry not only energizes her, but also makes her enthusiastic about her own work. About the department, Runnells loves that the faculty’s talents are paired with diverse knowledge and skills.

When Runnells is not busy teaching or creating her own artwork, she enjoys being outdoors, exercising and “spend[ing] a significant amount of time watching all three of my kids play soccer.” Runnells also likes to cook and bake in her free time.

Appropriately, Runnells’ first illustrated cookbook – The Game Night Cookbook, written by Barbara Scott-Goodman and published by Countryman Press – will be released this upcoming spring. “Illustrating a cookbook has been a goal of mine for years, so it’s very exciting to have accomplished that goal,” she shared. “This spring, I’m going to be working on illustrating a children’s book that I’ve written, which should also be fun.”

Runnells’ advice for students is very encouraging: “Soak it all up! Take advantage of every opportunity you can on campus (lectures, clubs, events, etc.) and especially your teachers. Use them as mentors beyond the classroom setting. They can teach you so much more than course content–you just need to ask!”