This site is in a constant state of flux. Expect it change… sometimes daily. I’ll be posting both blog entries and content (PDFs, PowerPoint presentations, links and photos) relevant to my work as a teacher at Western Kentucky University and my work with Imagewest. Feel free to browse, to comment, and to email me.

I’ve been a teacher all my life. I love it. Teaching defines me. I was the kid who leaned across the table to help another kid stack blocks or color inside (and sometimes outside) the lines. In high school, I volunteered as a tutor after hours and on weekends. In college, I worked my way through graduate school teaching undergraduates art history. I was also the Art Department graduate assistant, and spent countless hours helping students explore the intricacies of intaglio printing, drawing, graphic design and painting during all night sessions in dirty and cold studios.

In almost 17 years as a designer/photographer (and chief cook and bottle washer) with the Information Management Organization, Huntington District, US Army Corps of Engineers, I instructed many, many professionals on subjects as diverse as photographic printing, map making, marketing, business presentations and the varied uses of state-of-the-art computer technologies. My students included newly hired secretaries, battle scarred Colonels and everyone in between. I loved it.

My teaching philosophy is simple: if a student needs help, I help. I facilitate, I share and I communicate to the best of my abilities. I teach in a department that places a high value on professional experience and skills developed in the real world. My students value those same things and, I think, respect them. I respect my students. We begin our relationship as student and teacher, and more often than not, become peers in the classroom. I encourage discussion (sometimes heated) and welcome a different point of view. That, for me, is the nature of critical thinking. I value the time I spend with my students and I learn from them—sometimes more than they learn from me.

I serve on several committees currently. The members of those committees do good and necessary work. The decisions made at the committee round-table are often far reaching and may affect both faculty and students for years to come. On the other hand a committee may address a very small issue and solving that problem is often just as important and necessary.

We in the advertising community understand the value and necessity of teamwork. Committees, at least the good and productive ones, are teams. I’ve chaired committees in my school and been a “worker bee” on University wide committees (last year I spent a semester representing the School of Journalism and Broadcasting on the Potter College Curriculum Committee). Both the big and small jobs are important and I look forward to further committee participation.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts Degree, 1980 Marshall University, Huntington WV Graduated with honors
Masters Degree, Painting and Print-making, 1982 Marshall University, Huntington WV Graduated with honors
Postgraduate work at Marshall University and Corps of Engineers sponsored training in management and leadership

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

2000-present
Western Kentucky University, School of Journalism & Broadcasting, Advertising Program

1998-2000
Camping World, Bowling Green, KY / Publications Designer. Design and produce major mail-order catalog, direct marketing materials, multi-page large format flyers.

1998-1999
Barren River District Health Department, Bowling Green, KY /Technical Consultant & Designer. Designed and produced nationally implemented computer-based briefings and presentations, taught in-house courses on internet design and publishing, internet research, presentation graphics and new business technologies. Designed and implemented the Health Departments internet web site and current corporate identity.

1986-1998
US Army Corps of Engineers, Huntington WV / Chief, Visual Information Group. Art-directed a staff of 3 (typesetter, publications designer and an Internet web designer) and managed a budget of over $300K. Actively participated in and directed the development of all the organizations marketing materials including the District’s web site. Staff photographer (industrial and aerial). Designed visitors center installations and trade-show exhibits. Liaison between Public Affairs, Division staff and organization chiefs, (including the District Commander).

Developed multimedia presentations for senior military staff, including 35mm-slide presentations, digital computer-based presentations and educational, promotional and marketing videos. Created presentations, original maps and briefing materials for Department of Army during the first Gulf War.

1986-1998
US Army Corps of Engineers, Huntington WV / Prospect Course Instructor. Member of the Federal Information Manager Users Group Subcommittee for Visual Information. Primary responsibilities include teaching and demonstrating new computer and related technologies, graphic design, business presentations, and a course on the nature of creativity. Prepared teaching materials such as texts, manuals and instructional videotapes. Certified via rigorous Federal Government Prospect Instructors Preparatory program.

1982-1994
Huntington Museum of Art Museum School, Huntington WV/ Drawing Instructor. Taught courses on basic, advanced and life drawing to adults. Worked with museum management and curators to develop curriculum and stage special events

1982-1986
US Army Corps of Engineers, Huntington WV / Visual Information Specialist. Single-handedly ran the design, publications, exhibits, and photography and A/V department for a civil engineering organization of 1100 people.

1982
Marshall University, Huntington WV / Library Conservationist. Organized and documented multiple collections of historical and legal documents and related photography. Archived the Buffalo Creek flood disaster court exhibits and created the original index of witness and survivor interviews.

1980-1982
Appalachian Insurance Company, Huntington WV/ Information Analyst Analyzed and summarized collected information relevant to insurer policies and claims.

1980-1982
Marshall University, Huntington, WV. Graduate Assistant to the Chair of the program. Participated in curriculum development, selection of a new director for the School of Liberal Arts, and taught both graduate and undergraduate level painting and print-making classes.

Mark Simpson

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