Department of Graphics and Imaging Technologies
Professors: Jesus J. Rodriguez*, James S. Sours*, Chairperson;
Associate Professors: David S. Sours*, Doug Younger
Assistant Professors: Chris Huitt, David Oldham, Jason R. Ward
Instructors: Christel Benson, Robert L. Ferro, Linda K. Grilz
* Graduate Faculty
Room: E-116 KTC
Telephone: 620-235-4419
Fax: 620-235-4413
Web site: http://www.pittstate.edu/department/graphics/
email: jsours@pittstate.edu
Description of Courses
Undergraduate
Graduate
Introduction
The Department of Graphics and Imaging Technologies provides the future workforce for the graphics and digital imaging industries. It is our intent to provide students with the type of education that makes them marketable anywhere in these industries.
Mission
The mission of the Department of Graphics and Imaging Technologies is to be the leading educational institution in the Central United States for the advancement of technical knowledge for the graphics and imaging industries.
Vision
The vision of the Department of Graphics and Imaging Technologies is to provide a technical, hands-on curriculum involving the input, manipulation, output and administration of images and information.
Laboratories
The Kansas Technology Center houses the Department of Graphics and Imaging Technologies. The Center is enhanced with state-of-the-art equipment in laboratories available for the education of future professionals. There are specific laboratories for graphics management, computer graphics, photography, multimedia, web design, graphic design, digital imaging, offset lithography, flexography, screen printing, post-press operations and inks and substrates studies.
Student-Faculty Ratio
A ratio of 22 to 1 (students to faculty) is maintained to allow for separate work stations and intensive individualized instruction. It also provides the time for in-depth discussion, student review and advisement that defines a quality program. The department expects students to be committed to their studies and motivated to gain the knowledge needed for a career in the graphics andl imaging industries.
Awards and Scholarships
Student achievement is recognized through annual awards and scholarships. In addition to departmental recognition, a number of students receive grants and awards from the College of Technology, the university, and from outside sources. Outside sources of scholarships and grants include the Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation, the Nolan Moore Foundation, the Packaging Label and Gravure Association, the Gravure Education Foundation and the Foundation of Flexographic Technical Association. Graduate students are eligible for graduate assistantships.
Faculty
The department has ten full-time and several part-time faculty who provide the instruction necessary for a quality program. Each of the faculty has been selected for teaching effectiveness, educational qualifications and professional industrial experience in the print and digital imaging industries. The minimum requirements for full-time faculty in the department are a Masters degree in a graphics related field and a combination of at least six years of teaching experience and industrial experience.
Professional Affiliations
The faculty are members of the following professional organizations:
- Accrediting Council of Collegiate Graphic Communications
- Association of Graphic Arts Trainers
- Electronic Document Systems Foundation
- Flexography Technical Association
- Foundation of the Flexography Technical Association
- Gravure Association of America
- International Association of Printing House Craftsmen
- International Graphic Arts Education Association
- International Publishing Management Association
- National Association of Printing Leadership
- National Education Association
- Packaging Label and Gravure Association
- Printing Industries of America
- Printing and Imaging Association of MidAmerica
- Specialty Graphic Imaging Association
- Technical Association of the Graphic Arts
- University and College Design Association
Student Organizations
The Graphic Arts Club brings students together through extracurricular activities that enhance the academic experience. Club activities may include field trips, symposiums, service to the department and fundraising for the club.
The Iota Chapter of the Gamma Epsilon Tau (GET) is a national graphic arts honorary society limited to students who have completed 15 hours within the Department of Graphics and Imaging Technologies, 45 hours overall, and maintain a 3.25 GPA. Membership in GET is by invitation only. Activities of this group include service to the department.
Industry Partnerships
As a program particularly tied to current technology (hardware and software), the department maintains a constant and on-going relationship with industry. This “partnership” with industry benefits all parties considered, particularly the student.
Initiatives directed to specific business regarding consulting, research and development and equipment placement have had a proven track record. Maintaining a close relationship with industry professionals keeps the program current and meets the continual changing skills needed as students enter the workforce.
National Advisory Council
The National Advisory Council for Printing Education at Pittsburg State University serves the department by providing advice and direction. This Council is comprised of representatives from all segments of the graphics industry, and provides input in the areas of curriculum development, equipment acquisition, and overall promotion and direction of the department.