THE ART INSTITUTES INTERNATIONAL MINNESOTA INSTRUCTOR RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS AWARD

Jim Felgate, a Graphic Design Instructor at The Art Institutes International Minnesota, has received the 2009 Outstanding Instructor Award from the Minnesota Career College Association (MCCA).  His supervisor, Jelena Tosovic, Academic Director for the Graphic Design and Web Design & Interactive Media programs at The Art Institutes International Minnesota, nominated Jim. 

Jelena writes, “Jim has been the ‘go-to guy’ for all areas of the school through his service on the Assessment Committee, First Year Experience Committee, New Faculty Mentoring Committee, New Faculty Orientation, Technology Committee, and Admissions Committee as well as being present for all Open House and Orientation activities.”  Jelena is also quick to add, “Jim has additionally taken on the role of First Year Experience Coordinator to help ensure first year students are getting the necessary support and effective teaching regardless of which academic program they choose.   Jim also pursues all opportunities to bring industry experience into the classroom through guest lecturers from design firms as well as field trips to design houses, print production firms, and other external resources. Jim’s students have a demonstrated rate of success, as seen in the career  outcomes at design firms such as Periscope, Olson Interactive, and other well respected employers. Jim’s students leave his classes with increased knowledge and skills as well as portfolio pieces to showcase their abilities.”

Dr. Susan Tarnowksi, Dean of Academic Affairs writes, “I am so pleased that Jim has been awarded this honor. His gracious attitude and many continuing efforts on behalf of our students and our College are appreciated by the entire campus community.”

Jim has a M.F.A. from the University of Minnesota, an M.A. from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, and a B.F.A. from St. Cloud State University.  Prior to working at The Art Institutes International Minnesota, Jim worked as a Graphic Designer creating logos, advertising, illustrations and promotional products for clients such as Polaris Industries, Arctic Cat, Looney Tunes, Garfield, Snoopy, NFL, and resort and ski areas of Colorado. In 1997, after a few years of freelance, Jim started a small design company, Gate 7 Graphics, which he continues to operate when he is not teaching. With years of professional experience behind him, Jim specializes in logo design, package design, and advertising components, along with the technical aspects of digital format including pre-press, color separation, digital output, proofing, image, and color correction.

Founded in 1964 as Lowthian College, The Art Institutes International Minnesota is a diverse, dynamic institution of higher education whose goal is to educate students for creative careers. The Art Institutes International Minnesota is one of The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu), a system of over 40 locations throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.  The website for The Art Institutes International Minnesota can be found at www.artinstitutes.edu/minneapolis.